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Entertainment

A ‘moo-vellous’ cast announcement for the Torch Christmas panto

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WITH only two months to go before the Torch Theatre stage is awash with green beans, tasty blueberry pies, a talented dairy cow and a stalk winding its way high into the sky, the cast for the festive pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk has been announced, and we can’t wait!

Local faces and local talent will lead the way for the pantomime this year, including Samuel Freeman as naughty boy Terrence Fleshcreep, Lloyd Grayshon as the loveable Dame Titania Trott and Freya Dare as devious Agatha Fleshcreep. All three Pembrokeshire actors are very familiar with the Torch Theatre stage and appeared in last year’s record-breaking Torch pantomime Beauty and the Beast.

Community dance/drama artist Freya runs her own children’s theatre company here in the county and featured as the Swing in Beauty and the Beast, understudying for all the roles in the show. Lloyd is delighted to be returning to the Torch stage this Christmas in one of his favourite pantomimes! Milford Haven born and bred Samuel will make his fifth Torch Theatre appearance, following Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Of Mice and Men. He is excited to be returning to the Torch not only for the pantomime but also for next May when he returns with The Mumford & Sons Story: Awake My Soul. 

Carri Munn will appear as Pat the Cow. A Cardiff-born actor, writer, director and stand-up comedian, Carri is delighted to be back at The Torch, having performed here several times and most recently with Tachwedd (Theatre 503). Joining Carri on stage as Fairy Gabby Greenfingers will be Elena Thomas who has worked in television, film, theatre and radio. She recently completed a national tour of The Cherry Orchard playing Varya for Here to There productions. Alongside her acting work, Elena has also performed as a dancer and worked as a choreographer for S4C and Sherman Theatre. 

And last, but certainly not least, Gareth Elis will make his first ever Torch Theatre appearance as the hero of our story, Jack Trott. A familiar face on S4C’s Stwnsh, Gareth has appeared in productions for companies including Wales Millennium Centre, Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru, Cameron Mackintosh, Arad Goch and Leeway Productions and has worked abroad in Seoul.

Torch Theatre’s Artistic Director, Chelsey Gillard said: “I am over the moon to be working with such a talented cast. We will of course need the help of the audience to beat the giant, so we need you to come along ready to boo, hiss and cheer. There’s lots of opportunities to join in – it’s behind you! And it wouldn’t be a panto without plenty of silly laughs for the young ones and plenty more that will go over their heads to amuse the grown-ups.”

Jack and the Beanstalk will feature on the Torch Theatre stage from Fri 13 Dec – Sun 29 Dec 2024 with matinee and evening performances. Ticket prices: £23.50 | £19.50 Cons | £75.00 Family. Relaxed Environment Performance on Saturday 14 December at 2pm. BSL Performance – Tuesday 17 December at 6pm.

To book your tickets or for further information, contact the Box Office on 01646 695267 or visit torchtheatre.co.uk.

 

Entertainment

Pembrokeshire soprano to perform at International Eisteddfod

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HAVERFORDWEST music teacher and soprano soloist Clare Harrison is set to perform at the International Eisteddfod in Llangollen next month.

Clare will sing under the baton of Sir Karl Jenkins on Tuesday, July 7, as part of the World Choir, an auditioned international chorus of singers, for the long-awaited Welsh premiere of his work One World.

She will also perform in a new commission, Greeting the Dawn, by Sam Buttler, and in Peace Child with Wrexham-based chorus NEW Voices.

Clare combines a busy teaching schedule with regular solo performances across Wales and the borders.

Her next Pembrokeshire appearance will be as soloist with Tenby Male Choir at St Mary’s Church, Tenby, on Thursday, July 16.

Caption:

Clare Harrison: The Haverfordwest soprano will perform at the International Eisteddfod in Llangollen.

 

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Entertainment

Harbour Fest to bring music, food and maritime magic to Milford Waterfront

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Free family festival will celebrate Milford Haven’s seafaring history and coastal community

MILFORD WATERFRONT will burst into life on Saturday, June 27, as the first Harbour Fest sails into town for a day of music, food, family fun and maritime celebration.

The free event will run from 10:00am to 6:00pm at Mackerel Quay and across the waterfront, bringing together local traders, live entertainment, coastal organisations and independent businesses for a packed day beside the water.

Organisers say the festival will celebrate everything that makes Milford Haven special, from its seafaring history and working harbour to its growing reputation as a destination for food, shopping, culture and family days out.

Visitors will be able to browse stalls from local makers and producers, enjoy street food and live performances, and explore a Marine Zone featuring organisations involved in sea safety, marine conservation and coastal life.

The Marine Zone will include Seagrass Network Cymru / Project Seagrass, Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Dyfed-Powys Police, NCI Wooltack Point, Rudders Marine Training, RNLI Milford Haven and RNLI Angle Lifeboat.

RNLI Angle Lifeboat is expected to be based on the Mackerel Stage, while the Sea Cadets will be giving rope-tying displays at Milford Haven Museum, where craft activities will also be taking place.

Live entertainment will run throughout the day, with performances from Tom & Abz, Will Scott, Ryan Bristow, Milford Haven Town Band, Kyle Kirkhouse and ShantyJacs Sea Shanties.

Businesses across the waterfront are also joining in. All Pets Vet Care will hold a family-friendly open day with a bouncy castle, treasure hunts, quizzes, craft activities and behind-the-scenes tours. Aurora Artisan Crafts will host vocal performances, Biffy’s Bar & Restaurant will feature solo acoustic music from Laurence Lewis, and Martha’s Vineyard will offer seafood street food with live music from Ryan Bristow and Steve Bartram.

At Tŷ Milford Waterfront’s outdoor plaza there will be face painting, children’s activities, pop-up artists and an afternoon DJ set, while Phoenix Bowl and Pirate Pete’s Adventure Play will have inflatables and glitter tattoos outside.

The Waterfront Gallery will host introduction to felt-making workshops with textile artist Carole Fletcher, giving participants the chance to create a woollen felt flower pin brooch or phone/glasses case. The workshops start at 10:30am, 1:00pm and 3:30pm and cost £5 per person.

A wide range of traders will also be attending, including 5th Flock Spirits Co, Cinnamon Grove Distillery, Cwm Deri Wines & Liqueurs, Ferncraft, Get Loaded, J.J. Pottery, Major Nuts, Orange Garden Design, Pembrokeshire Chilli Farm, Pembrokeshire Gold, Pembrokeshire Lottery, Plumstone Welshcakes and SlateArtSJ.

With music drifting across the marina, food stalls lining the waterfront and lifeboats, sea safety teams and coastal groups adding a strong maritime flavour, Harbour Fest is expected to bring a lively summer atmosphere to one of Pembrokeshire’s best-known waterside destinations.

Organisers say the event is suitable for families, friends and visitors of all ages, with plenty to see and do throughout the day.

Photo caption: Harbour Fest will take place at Milford Waterfront on Saturday, June 27 (Pic: Milford Waterfront).

 

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Entertainment

Filming begins on new Welsh BBC comedy starring Ruth Jones and Steve Speirs

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A HEARTWARMING new Welsh BBC comedy co-written by Ruth Jones and Steve Speirs has started filming in South Wales.

Better Later, a six-part series for BBC iPlayer, BBC One and BBC One Wales, will explore the unexpected joys of an unlikely friendship.

The comedy stars Jones and Speirs as two people who meet at a knee trauma clinic. Retired teacher Clive, played by Speirs, is 60, widowed and facing a new chapter in life. Shelley Anne, played by Jones, is a 55-year-old environmental health officer going through a bitter divorce.

The series is being filmed in and around South Wales, including the Brecon Beacons, and is set in the fictional village of Brynfach.

Ruth Jones said: “In a funny way this show has been 35 years in the making, which is when I first met Steve. It’s not that we’re slow writers, it’s just that we’ve been up to other things. It’s fantastic to be back in front of the camera with him again.”

Steve Speirs said: “Our first time acting together for quite a long time. Ruth makes me laugh more than anyone and I’m a terrible giggler. This could be a long shoot.”

Better Later has been commissioned by BBC Cymru Wales and BBC Comedy and is being made by Tidy Productions in association with BBC Studios Comedy, with support from Creative Wales.

The series was commissioned by Nick Andrews, Head of Commissioning at BBC Cymru Wales, and Jon Petrie, Director of Comedy at the BBC. The commissioning editors are Emma Lawson and Paul Forde.

Executive producers are Sarah Fraser for Tidy Productions and Josh Cole for BBC Studios Comedy. The producer is Owen Bell and the director is Simon Massey.

Transmission details will be announced in due course.

 

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