MUSIC lovers are invited to take a journey through the golden age of swing when SOS Big Band – The Story of Swing arrives at the Torch Theatre this August.

Presented by award-winning vocalist and world-class trumpet player Gareth John, alongside the acclaimed SOS Big Band, the show celebrates decades of iconic swing and big band music.

Audiences can expect much-loved classics made famous by Bobby Darin, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr, as well as more modern hits associated with Michael Bublé, Robbie Williams, Matt Goss, Paul Anka and Harry Connick Jr.

Renowned for his showmanship and passion for the genre, Gareth brings a natural warmth and energy to the stage, building an easy rapport with audiences wherever he performs.

During his career, he has shared the stage with a number of household names, including The Beautiful South and The Specials.

The production has already received enthusiastic reviews during its tour, with one audience member at the Core Theatre in Solihull describing it as “a brilliant show”.

SOS Big Band – The Story of Swing will be performed at the Torch Theatre, Milford Haven, on Saturday, August 1, at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £28.50 and can be booked through the Torch Theatre website or by calling the box office on 01646 695267.

New vertical drama Signal will follow a romance between a Cardiff teenager and a girl from rural Wales

S4C has commissioned a new 60-episode drama created specifically for TikTok, with filming beginning at the Royal Welsh Show in Builth Wells this week.

The Welsh-language series, titled Signal, will be released through S4C’s Hansh social media channel and will tell the story of a developing relationship between a boy from Cardiff and a girl from rural Wales.

Produced by Mojo Productions, the drama will be filmed vertically to fit mobile phone screens, with each short episode lasting just a few minutes.

The format has grown rapidly in popularity internationally, with tightly scripted episodes designed to be watched and shared on platforms such as TikTok.

The commission follows the success of S4C’s first vertical drama, Yr Alwad, which was also produced by Mojo Productions.

The series received nominations in the Best Vertical Series category at the National Film Awards and the Best Short-Form Scripted category at the Broadcast Digital Awards.

S4C said the new production would also be used to develop emerging Welsh writing and acting talent.

Four writers will work on the series, including Brynach Higginson, Mari Izzard, Rhiannon Williams and Yr Alwad writer and director Alexander Williams.

The writing team will be led by Gwenno Hughes, whose previous credits include Hafiach and Fflam.

A number of new performers have also been selected following an open casting call.

Gwenan Lloyd, Gabriel Owen and Joshua Romain will play Elliw, Alffi and Tom respectively.

Siriol Ousey, known for Hafiach, will appear as Angie, while Lili Mai Davies, who has appeared in Y Coridor and Bregus, will play Catrin.

Guto Rhun, S4C’s Young Audiences Commissioner, said the broadcaster needed to adapt as viewing habits continued to change.

He said: “As viewing habits continue to evolve, we have to be bold, especially in creating content for younger audiences.

“I am delighted to see S4C working with production companies to experiment with exciting content which entertains our audiences and meets them where they watch.”

S4C Chief Content Officer Llion Iwan said vertical drama formed part of the broadcaster’s move towards becoming a digital-first service.

He said: “Vertical dramas are a popular international format which reflects S4C’s vision of transforming into a digital-first broadcaster.

“We are very proud of the success of Yr Alwad and are looking forward to seeing content that builds on that success.

“Bold content that travels is key to expanding our audience.”

Filming for Signal is due to begin at the Royal Welsh Showground during this week’s Royal Welsh Show.

Foreigner in My Body combines theatre, movement and aerial performance in an accessible show inspired by artist Sara Hartel’s experiences

An AERIAL circus theatre production exploring identity, migration and belonging will make the final stop of its Welsh tour at the Torch Theatre in Milford Haven this month.

Foreigner in My Body combines theatre, movement and aerial circus to tell a semi-autobiographical story inspired by artist Sara Hartel’s experiences as a trans person and a migrant living in Wales.

The one-person production includes integrated captions and audio description, making it accessible to blind, partially sighted, D/deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences. It is recommended for adults and young people aged 13 and over.

Sara Hartel, is an interdisciplinary artist born in Germany and now based in Wales. Their previous work has included combining gaming with live performance in GORE and encouraging audiences to challenge authority in Strike Ltd.

Foreigner in My Body brings together aerial circus and theatre with a humorous and tongue-in-cheek tone, while examining serious questions about identity, discrimination and finding a sense of home.

The creative team behind the production includes composer Frances Bolley and movement artist Eddie Ladd.

Sara said: “I am so excited to be finally bringing this show, which I have been developing for many years, to audiences in Milford Haven.

“At a time of growing discrimination towards both migrant and trans communities, it is important for me to be able to share a semi-autobiographical story centred in joy.

“I am also passionate about the show being as accessible as possible, with integrated captions and audio description for blind, partially sighted and D/deaf audiences.”

The production is touring five venues across Wales this summer, with the Torch Theatre performance marking the final date of the tour.

Foreigner in My Body has been made possible with support and funding from the Arts Council of Wales.

The show will be performed at the Torch Theatre, Milford Haven, on Wednesday, July 29, at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £15, or £12 for concessions, and can be booked through the Torch Theatre website or by calling the box office on 01646 695267.