Entertainment
Valero supports Torch Theatre’s boldest pantomime yet
WITH just a week to go before the festive pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk opens its curtains, the Torch Theatre in Milford Haven is proud to announce Valero Energy Corporation as its pantomime sponsor for 2024.
Attracting around 10,000 attendees annually, the Torch’s pantomime has become a cornerstone of Pembrokeshire’s festive season. Last year’s production of Sleeping Beauty set new audience records, and this year’s show promises even greater excitement.
Community engagement through theatre
The pantomime is not only a spectacle but also a significant educational opportunity. Approximately 4,000 schoolchildren and teachers are expected to attend, with tailored educational packs distributed to schools to enhance the experience. Public performances draw over 6,000 enthusiastic audience members, creating a lively atmosphere filled with singing, clapping, and cheering.
Chelsey Gillard, Artistic Director of the Torch Theatre, expressed her gratitude for Valero’s support:
“We are thrilled to be working with Valero to bring the magic of pantomime to the Torch once again. This support allows us to keep ticket prices affordable, ensuring the festive spirit reaches communities across Pembrokeshire and beyond. Tickets are selling fast, especially during Christmas week, and we look forward to welcoming everyone.”
Valero’s commitment to the arts
Founded in 1980, Valero Energy Corporation is the world’s largest independent petroleum refiner and a global leader in renewable energy. Since acquiring Pembroke Refinery in 2011, the company has fostered strong ties with the local community.
“This year marks the 60th anniversary of Pembroke Refinery, which has a long tradition of supporting the arts in Pembrokeshire,” said Stephen Thornton, Valero Pembroke Refinery’s Public Affairs Manager.
“There’s no finer tradition at Christmas than pantomime. Jack and the Beanstalk is a firm family favourite, and we’re thrilled to support this season’s production at the Torch. Excellence and inclusivity are at the heart of Valero’s ethos, aligning perfectly with the Torch Theatre’s family-friendly productions.”
A festive tradition for all
Chelsey added: “Panto is the most vibrant part of our year at the Torch, and we are so excited to be working with Valero on Jack and the Beanstalk. A huge thank you to everyone at Valero for their generous support.”
Jack and the Beanstalk runs at the Torch Theatre from Friday, December 13, to Sunday, December 29, with matinee and evening performances. Tickets are priced at £23.50, £19.50 for concessions, or £75 for a family ticket. Special performances include a Relaxed Environment show on Saturday, December 14, at 2:00pm, and a BSL-supported show on Tuesday, December 17, at 6:00pm.
For tickets and more information, contact the Box Office on 01646 695267 or visit torchtheatre.co.uk.
Bringing magic to life: The Torch Theatre’s bold pantomime supported by Valero Energy Corporation. (Image: Chris Lloyd Photography)
Entertainment
World-famous King’s College choirmen to perform in St Davids
FOR many, Christmas begins with the magical sound of carols from King’s College, Cambridge. This year, a week before their globally broadcast performance on BBC TV and radio, the lower voices of King’s Choir—known as The King’s Men—will make their first-ever appearance in Pembrokeshire.
Their performance, titled Sing Christmas!, promises an enchanting evening of traditional carols and nostalgic Christmas classics delivered in stunning close harmonies.
A special connection to Pembrokeshire
This extraordinary event is hosted by Pembrokeshire-based professional musician Quentin Poole. A former Head Chorister of King’s College Choir, Quentin gained national recognition as a guest on Desert Island Discs on Boxing Day 1970. Now, he brings the renowned choir to St Davids Tabernacle, Cross Square, for a one-night-only performance on Wednesday, December 18, at 7:30pm—just six days before their iconic live Christmas Eve broadcast.
Reserve your seats early
Tickets for this unique festive performance are £25 each, payable in cash at the door, which opens at 7:00pm. Seating is unallocated, so early arrival is recommended.
Due to anticipated high demand, advance booking is strongly advised to avoid disappointment. To reserve your seats, email [email protected].
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience the magic of King’s College Choir in the heart of Pembrokeshire!
Advertorial
André Rieu’s 2024 Christmas Concert
CELEBRATE the holiday season with André Rieu’s dazzling Christmas Concert, “Gold
and Silver,” exclusively in cinemas and on the Torch Theatre screen on Saturday 7
and Sunday 8 of December! This magical event embodies the festive spirit of
Christmas, bringing joy, warmth, and sparkle to the big screen.
Get ready to be transported to the wondrous world of enchanting glamour that is
André’s winter wonderland! Under the sparkle of 150 chandeliers and 50 Venetian
candelabras, feel your heart warm with the magical melody of all your favourite
Christmas classics.
André Rieu will be joined on stage by his beloved Johann Strauss Orchestra, along
with special guest artists and the young and talented Emma Kok.
Don’t miss this chance to celebrate music, love, and Christmas sparkle, with André
Rieu’s new Christmas Concert “Gold and Silver” at the Torch Theatre, Milford Haven
on Saturday 7 December at 7pm and Sunday 8 December at 2pm.
André Rieu’s 2024 Christmas Concert: Gold and Silver ticket prices: £20 / £19
concessions. To book your tickets or for further information, contact the Box Office
on 01646 695267 or visit the Torch Theatre website.
Entertainment
Staying in? Top entertainment ideas for a chilly Pembrokeshire evening
When Pembrokeshire’s cool evenings and misty breezes invite you to stay inside, it’s the perfect time to enjoy cosy indoor activities. Whether you’re alone, with family, or entertaining friends, there are many ways to make the most of a cosy evening at home. Here are some ideas to ensure your chilly Pembrokeshire night is filled with comfort, creativity, and enjoyment.
1. Create a Pembrokeshire-inspired feast
Channel the beauty of Pembrokeshire into your kitchen by preparing a locally inspired feast. Seafood dishes are an excellent choice, as Pembrokeshire’s coastal charm offers plenty of fresh options. Try preparing Welsh mussels in garlic butter or a simple but rich Pembrokeshire fish chowder. If you prefer something heartier, try baking traditional Welsh rarebit or cawl (a Welsh soup) to warm you up.
Pair your meal with a local ale, cider, or even a classic Welsh whisky, such as Penderyn, to elevate the experience. Cooking a meal with a local twist not only enhances the Pembrokeshire ambiance but also brings a taste of the region to your table.
2. Play games at home
When the cold sets in, staying in for a game night can turn any evening into one filled with laughter and friendly competition. Classic board games like Scrabble, Codenames, or Pictionary are a go to and perfect for families and friends of all ages to enjoy. For those seeking something more interactive, video games offer endless options, from co-op adventures to multiplayer sports.
3. Try Your hand at the casino
If you’re looking for something a little more thrilling for your evening in and fancy your chances playing with real money, why not take it to the next level with online casinos. Accessing casinos online is easier than ever and you can revel in the excitement of poker, blackjack, or slots all from the comfort of your own home.
UK players can use domestic sites that are regulated by the UKGC and are part of GamStop, or opt for international sites that bypass GamStop, which offer a wider variety of options including more games and bigger betting opportunities. International sites, like the non-GamStop casinos reviewed by republicworld.com, are quickly gaining popularity amongst players in the UK and beyond as they are known to not only offer large libraries of games but also offer unique bonuses and promotions to players.
Whatever your style, staying in for a game night keeps everyone entertained, cosy, and connected.
4. Set up a mini home cinema
Turn your living room into a cosy cinema by arranging blankets, pillows, and dim lighting. Pick a theme or genre, like classic Welsh films or adventure movies, and settle in for a relaxing night of entertainment. Pembrokeshire’s landscapes have inspired several movies, so you might even spot familiar places on screen, making the viewing experience even more enjoyable.
Prepare some popcorn, warm drinks, or Welsh cakes for a local touch. Watching movies or bingeing on a favourite TV series is an ideal way to unwind, and the comforts of home make the cinematic experience all the better.
5. Indulge in a cosy reading session
If you’re a book lover, a chilly Pembrokeshire evening is the perfect opportunity to curl up with a good read. Create a cosy reading nook with a soft blanket, a cup of tea, and perhaps a crackling fire or some candlelight. Books about Pembrokeshire’s coastal heritage, history, or fictional stories set in Wales can make your reading experience even more special.
6. Experiment with arts and crafts
Embrace your creative side and try some arts and crafts. With a little imagination, you can create beautiful items inspired by Pembrokeshire’s landscape. Try watercolour painting scenes of the rugged coastline, sketching local wildlife, or crafting holiday decorations using natural materials like pinecones, twigs, and dried flowers.
Crafting can be a relaxing, therapeutic way to pass the time, and it allows you to make something meaningful. Whether you’re painting, knitting, or creating home decor, crafting provides a hands-on way to add some warmth to your home while also engaging with Pembrokeshire’s natural beauty.
7. Plan an indoor picnic
Who says picnics are only for summer? Set up a cosy indoor picnic with a blanket on the floor and a spread of tasty snacks. Include some Pembrokeshire favourites, such as locally made cheeses, bread, chutneys, and seasonal fruits. If you have a fireplace, set it up near it to create an even warmer and cooler atmosphere.
8. Try a virtual tour of local sites and landmarks
Pembrokeshire is known for its incredible historical sites and natural landmarks, but visiting them on a cold evening might not be appealing. Instead, take a virtual tour of nearby places like St. David’s Cathedral, Pembroke Castle, or the stunning coastal paths. Many online platforms offer virtual tours that provide detailed views of historical landmarks, scenic landscapes, and unique areas of interest.
Exploring the region virtually lets you appreciate Pembrokeshire’s beauty without stepping outside. Plus, you’ll have the chance to discover new places to visit when the weather is warmer.
9. Enjoy a hot drink and stargaze from the indoors
Pembrokeshire is known for its stunning night skies, so even when it’s chilly outside, you can enjoy stargazing from the warmth of your home. Get comfortable near a large window, perhaps with a telescope if you have one, and take in the starry sky with a warm drink in hand. Hot chocolate, mulled wine, or a hot toddy are all excellent choices to keep you warm as you stargaze.
Adding a touch of background music, such as ambient or instrumental tracks, can make the experience even more magical, especially when you’re cosy and enjoying the Pembrokeshire night sky from the comfort of your home.
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