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Yasemin Özdemir’s journey from Pembrokeshire to the national stage

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RAISED in a single-parent household in Pembrokeshire, Yasemin Özdemir relied on grants, scholarships and bursaries to pursue her ambition to act. This winter, that determination comes full circle as she takes to the stage alongside Michael Sheen in the inaugural production of the Welsh National Theatre.

From local youth theatre to professional training at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, Özdemir has steadily built a career defined by drive and resilience. Now, she joins a landmark project that will see Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize-winning classic Our Town presented with a fully Welsh cast and creative team for the first time in the play’s eighty-seven-year history.

Our Town by Thornton Wilder in rehearsals (Pic: Helen Murray)

Özdemir first encountered Our Town in 2016 while preparing for drama school auditions and says she “fell in love with it instantly”. That same year, she played Juliet in the National Youth Theatre of Wales’ Romeo and Juliet. Nearly a decade on, she is part of the newly launched Welsh National Theatre’s debut production, co-produced with the Rose Theatre.

The production is directed by Swansea-born Francesca Goodridge, with Michael Sheen appearing as the Stage Manager and Russell T Davies serving as Creative Associate. It will tour venues across Wales before transferring to London.

Our Town by Thornton Wilder cast (Pic: Helen Murray)

A graduate of the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama in 2020, Özdemir has already made her mark on stage and screen. Her theatre credits include Angel—which earned her a Best Lead Performance nomination at the 2022 OFFIES—alongside You Bury Me and Dance to the Bone. Television and film appearances include A Spy Among Friends (ITV), Vandullz (BBC) and the short film Yummy Mummy. Known for a dynamic physical presence and emotionally grounded performances, she brings energy and authenticity to the company’s opening production.

Speaking about her casting, Yasemin said: “Being part of Michael Sheen’s Welsh National Theatre feels like a full-circle moment for me. I know how passionate he is about discovering talent from all backgrounds, including those of us who’ve had to fight to access opportunities in the arts. I’m thrilled to bring this timeless story to life with such an incredible team.”

Director Francesca Goodridge added: “Bringing Our Town to life with a fully Welsh cast and creative team is a gift. The journeys through life, love and death that the play celebrates sit perfectly within a close-knit community. The Welsh word hiraeth—that deep longing for a place, person or time you can’t return to—is at the heart of this production.”

Michael Sheen said the tour would place Welsh voices firmly on the national stage:
“This is an incredible opportunity to present a Welsh interpretation of a classic that tours our nation and takes our voice to London, giving Welsh talent a platform to perform.”

Russell T Davies described the company’s launch as timely: “In this strange and maddening world, the emergence of a Welsh cultural force is exactly what we need. Our Town fits an intimate Welsh setting instantly and perfectly.”

The production will play Swansea Grand Theatre from Friday 16 January to Saturday 31 January 2026, followed by Venue Cymru (Tuesday 3 February–Saturday 7 February) and Theatr Clwyd (Wednesday 11 February–Saturday 21 February), before transferring to the Rose Theatre in Kingston-upon-Thames from Thursday 26 February to Saturday 28 March. Tickets are on sale now.

 

Entertainment

Where to find reliable gambling insights online

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WHEN looking at new online gambling sites, it’s important to do your research to ensure the site is legitimate, enjoyable, and safe.

However, finding trustworthy gambling insights isn’t always easy. It’s not uncommon to come across ‘reviews’ that are biased, affiliate-heavy, and even misleading, and it can make finding a suitable online gambling site feel almost impossible. 

Luckily, there are a few ways to separate impartial guidance from promotional waffle so you can make a more informed decision – here’s how.

Stick to Independent Review Platforms 

Platforms that prioritise transparency over promotion typically offer more than a simple star rating and instead use an analytical approach. Insights from Gambling Insider, for example, are in-depth, rating online slots by taking factors such as game quality and usability, payment methods and withdrawal, and licensing and player safety into account. 

Cross-Reference Expert Analyses 

Game analyses can provide useful context for users, especially when it comes to things like user experience and withdrawal processes. However, not all content written by ‘experts’ is as trustworthy as it may seem. 

Since many review sites operate on paid promotion or affiliate models, it’s important to double check their claims with independent sources, particularly if a review seems overly positive. 

Use Official Records 

Verifying licensing and legitimacy should be your top priority when it comes to choosing a gambling site. Platforms that don’t have a license, or use an unverified one, may be fraudulent, meaning the risk of scams or data breaches is much higher.

Even if you find a trusted review site, it’s important to confirm that a site is legitimate using official records. The UK Gambling Commission, for example, has a directory of sites that are legally authorised to operate in Britain, which includes details on what license they hold. These insights can help you make a more informed decision on your next gambling destination. 

Gather Evidence From Multiple Sources 

When looking for genuine gambling insights to inform your next gambling destination, it’s best to look at more than one source. Independent review platforms can offer excellent insight into things like overall enjoyability and bonuses, and offer valuable information like what payment methods are available. But it’s always important to cross-reference the claims made with other independent sources, and complete a final verification using official records. 

By making an informed choice, you can ensure you’re using safe online gambling sites and have a more enjoyable experience.

 

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Yourythmics brings Eurythmics classics to the Torch

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Full-band tribute show led by award-winning Annie Lennox lookalike Stacy Green promises a night of eighties nostalgia in Milford Haven

THE TORCH THEATRE in Milford Haven is inviting audiences to celebrate one of the biggest acts of the 1980s with a night of unforgettable hits and nostalgia.

Taking fans on a journey back in time, Yourythmics brings the music of Eurythmics to life with favourites including Love is a Stranger, Here Comes the Rain Again, Would I Lie to You?, Right by Your Side and, of course, the chart-topping Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This).

Yourythmics promises the ultimate full-band tribute to the legendary duo, combining energetic musicianship, striking costumes and plenty of audience participation. Leading the show is Stacy Green as Annie Lennox.

Stacy has already earned recognition as the UK’s number one Annie Lennox tribute and lookalike, an honour awarded by the National Agents Association. She has also been recognised by Annie Lennox herself.

The production promises an evening of singing, dancing and classic songs that are sure to have audiences on their feet and joining in.

Yourythmics comes to the Torch Theatre on Saturday, June 20 at 7:30pm.

Tickets are £25 and can be booked through the Torch Theatre website or by calling the Box Office on 01646 695267.

 

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Entertainment

Chitty set to fly into Torch Theatre in 2027

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Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society unveils musical director Angharad Sanders as work begins on next big production

MILFORD HAVEN Amateur Operatic Society has announced the first member of the creative team for its 2027 production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the Torch Theatre.

The society revealed this week that Angharad Sanders will join the production as Musical Director, as preparations begin for the much-loved Ian Fleming musical to arrive in Pembrokeshire in March 2027.

In a post shared on social media, the group said it was “absolutely thrilled” to unveil part of the production team for the show, describing Sanders as bringing “a wealth of knowledge from the West End to Pembrokeshire”.

The appointment comes after the society’s recent sell-out production of Evita, with members saying they were delighted to be working with her again.

The society added that rehearsals for the new show are due to begin in September, with Sanders expected to lead the cast musically as preparations gather pace over the coming months.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang remains one of the best-known family musicals, featuring songs that have delighted audiences for generations and a title role that is always a major draw for theatre-goers.

The announcement is likely to build excitement among local performers and audiences alike, with the Torch Theatre once again set to host a major amateur production on its stage.

Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society said details on how people can join the society and take part in the audition process will be released in due course.

 

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