REHEARSALS are in full swing for this year’s festive pantomime Rapunzel at the Torch Theatre, Milford Haven – and the excitement is already building among the cast and crew.

Local actress and choreographer Freya Dare is returning to the Torch stage to play Zephyr the Puffin, a lively, loveable character set to have audiences wiggling in their seats. Having performed in previous productions, including last year’s Jack and the Beanstalk, Freya says being back on her home stage feels “like coming home.”

Freya, who runs her own theatre company with her mum, Lynda, creates original plays inspired by classic children’s literature, often weaving in environmental messages.

“I started dancing when I was three,” she recalled. “I was always moving and couldn’t sit still. My amazing mam took me to my first dance class, and I just loved that feeling of freedom and joy. When I took part in a project called The Young Americans at The Lyric in Carmarthen, I knew performing was something special.”

Dance for everyone

Freya believes dance is something everyone can enjoy — whatever their age or ability.

“Dance is like an extension of language,” she said. “It helps you express what words can’t. It brings people together and creates so much joy. I teach dance classes to people of all ages, from little ones to those in their eighties, and you still see the same happiness in every class.”

This year, Freya not only stars as Zephyr but is also choreographing the entire pantomime — a high-energy show filled with sea-themed numbers, comedy routines and audience participation.

“I start with the music and lyrics for inspiration,” she explained. “Our musical composer James Williams creates an incredible range of songs that really express the characters’ emotions. I build the choreography around that feeling — whether it’s quirky jazz moves for a villain or playful gestures for a comic song.

“Last year I even used sign language in one of the fairy songs for Jack and the Beanstalk, so the audience could join in. It was a brilliant way to connect movement, music and meaning.”

A seaside twist

Set around a Pembrokeshire lighthouse, this year’s Rapunzel has a distinct nautical flavour — complete with puffins, shipwrecks and sea shanties.

“I’m taking inspiration from the sea,” Freya said. “There’ll be some Charleston-style rowing, waves of movement, and fun choreography that everyone can copy from their seats. It’s going to be full of energy and laughter.”

Freya previously understudied in Beauty and the Beast and says pantomime season remains the highlight of her year.

“Panto is my absolute favourite season,” she said. “I love seeing audiences let go — shouting out, laughing and dancing along. It’s so special to be part of people’s Christmas memories. I can’t wait for the fun to begin!”

Rapunzel runs at the Torch Theatre from Saturday 6 December to Sunday 28 December.
Tickets: £24.50 | £20.00 concessions | £78.00 family.
Relaxed Environment Performance: Saturday 13 December, 2:00pm.
BSL Interpreted Performance (Liz May): Tuesday 16 December, 6:00pm.

A TIMELESS festive classic filled with wonder, music and magic will delight audiences of all ages at the Torch Theatre this December, as The Royal Ballet’s spectacular production of The Nutcracker graces the big screen.

Join Clara on Christmas Eve as a cosy family gathering transforms into a dazzling adventure. Based on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s much-loved story, this 19th-century tale unfolds in the home of the Stahlbaums, where Clara receives an enchanted Nutcracker doll. As the clock strikes midnight, she discovers a world of sparkling snowflakes, dancing sweets, and a heroic Nutcracker brought to life.

Peter Wright’s 1984 production for The Royal Ballet has captivated audiences for decades, featuring Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score and Julia Trevelyan Oman’s lavish designs — a combination that captures the very essence of Christmas magic.

The Royal Ballet: The Nutcracker will be screened at the Torch Theatre on Sunday, December 14, at 2:30pm.

Tickets are priced at £20 (£18 concessions | £9 under 26).

For bookings, contact the Box Office on 01646 695267 or visit torchtheatre.co.uk.

HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY AFC will host a Junior Fun Day at the Ogi Bridge Meadow Stadium on Saturday (Nov 15), offering a full afternoon of entertainment and family-friendly activities from 12:00pm onwards.

The event will feature a wide range of attractions, including a bouncy castle, face painting, 360 camera booth, prizes and giveaways, and even an appearance by Sweet Home Alpaca, where visitors can meet and interact with alpacas between 12:30pm and 2:30pm.

A marquee in the car park will host various activities throughout the day, and half-time cheerleaders will bring extra excitement during the football action.

The fun continues in the clubhouse from 5:00pm, where visitors can watch Wales take on Liechtenstein in the Cymru match live on screen.

Younger fans will also get the chance to meet mascots Freddie Fox and Sandy Bear, while Prendergast CP School will take part in a special School Takeover Day, with Fishguard Cluster Primary Schools also attending.

The event is supported by community partners Stephen Fellows Chiropractor, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, and Sandy Bear.

With so many activities on offer, the Junior Fun Day promises to be a memorable day out for families across Pembrokeshire.

(Pic: Haverfordwest County AFC)