Entertainment
Torch youth production sees theatre near to full capacity
A STAGGERING 700+ people gathered at the Torch Theatre over three nights to see the Torch Youth Theatre’s production of The Wind in the Willows. Described as “a thrilling and completely captivating production,” by Val Ruloff, one of the Torch Theatre’s community reviewers, the Theatre was a hive of toady-tastic activity.
With terrific costumes, set and music, the young people of Pembrokeshire were accompanied by members of Torch Voices, the Torch Theatre’s community choir. The popular evergreen tale with Badger, Ratty, Mole and Toad at the helm made audiences chuckle, roar and created wonderful memories for everyone.
“It was just toady-tastic to see 40 of the area’s young people on stage together, having fun and learning the craft of acting. They have worked incredibly hard and did an amazing job. It’s been nearly a decade since we’ve had so many young people on the stage at any one time and The Wind in the Willows allowed us to do just that.” said Tim Howe, Senior Manager Youth and Community at the Torch.
Freya Barn, one of the Torch Theatre’s young community reviewers was very impressed by the production. She told us: “This is my first time reviewing this drama group and I am already blown away. The way they tell this story is truly extraordinary. The actors in this play put on a marvellous show. The cast members were great and everyone had a part to play, whether helping with the set or saying a few words on stage. Everyone was given a chance to shine.”
The Torch Theatre was also blessed with the company of a real toad at its Box Office throughout the three days of production, kindly loaned by Dragon Reptiles and Aquatics of Pembroke Dock.
“Mr Toad himself was a real attraction, although he was quite shy and enjoyed hiding in the vivarium. He did make several appearances though and audience members were given a bilingual toad fact sheet to take home with them,” added Tim.
The Torch Youth Theatre Autumn term starts in September and a warm welcome is extended to all young people between eight and 18. Visit www.torchtheatre.co.uk for further information.
Photo credit: Chris Lloyd
Entertainment
Pembrokeshire soprano to perform at International Eisteddfod
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.
Entertainment
Harbour Fest to bring music, food and maritime magic to Milford Waterfront
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).
Entertainment
Filming begins on new Welsh BBC comedy starring Ruth Jones and Steve Speirs
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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