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Entertainment

Keeping it local at Milford Haven’s Torch Theatre

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WITH the Torch Theatre’s festive panto Jack and the Beanstalk in full swing, its community spirit is more prevalent this year than ever before. With local actors, local stage crew and local support from nearby companies, including Valero and Elder Meadows Nursery, the annual family production is a must for all this Christmas.  

Lloyd Grayshon – the memorable Mrs Trott, Freya Dare who plays the cool Agatha Fleshcreep and Samuel Freeman as Terrence Fleshcreep – are all from west Wales, with Samuel from Milford Haven town itself. Gareth Elis, who plays the main character, Jack Trott, has Whitland connections with Carri Munn (Pat the Cow) part of the Torch family having performed on the Torch stage this year in Tachwedd / The Slaughter (Theatre 503) and Elena Carys-Thomas as Fairy Gabby Greenfingers returns following a stint with the Torch Youth Theatre.

Chelsey Gillard, Torch Theatre’s Artistic Director said: “I feel it’s important that many of our actors and creative team have a local connection especially as they include local references in the panto – Jack is from Hakin after all! It’s also important for our audiences, particularly young people, to see people like them on the stage.

“At the Torch we help people of all ages develop their creativity and we want our audiences to know that anything is possible, whether you want to become a doctor, a hairdresser, an engineer or even an actor.”

Samuel Freeman started his acting career at the Torch having been an active member of Torch Youth.

“It always feels like a huge honour to be working at the Torch. We are very lucky to have a theatre in Milford Haven that produces original work, as well as receiving high calibre touring productions, cinema and live broadcasts. Growing up with this right on my doorstep was integral to my love of theatre. I had access to the Torch’s fantastic youth theatre program, giving me the chance to experience performing in a professional setting from an early age. 

“In a way, things feel they have gone full circle. It is hard to put into succinct words how much joy and pride it gives me to be on the very stage I watched, wishing to be a part of Pembrokeshire brims with talent and culture, and it means the world to me to continue that legacy of great art in our wonderful part of the world.”

Freya Dare, who was the ultimate understudy in the Torch Theatre’s pantomime Beauty and the Beast, covering for Belle, Belle’s Mother and Fairy Shadowmist, is delighted to be supporting her local theatre.

Freya said: “It is so special to perform at this special theatre that means so much to me. I love that I know and work with some of the audience members and get excited to bring joy and fun to a community I care so much about. “

Jack and the Beanstalk can be seen at the Torch Theatre from now until Sun 29 Dec 2024 with both matinee and evening performances. Ticket prices: £23.50 | £19.50 Cons | £75.00 Family. BSL Performance – Tuesday 17 December at 6pm.

To book your tickets or for further information, contact the Box Office on 01646 695267 or visit torchtheatre.co.uk.

Entertainment

Local Actor Samuel Freeman in The Mumford & Sons Story

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THIS May, award-winning live theatre and events company, The Production Garden, brings you The Mumford & Sons Story – Awake My Soul only at the Torch Theatre. The show recreates the incredible tale of the floor-stomping folk-rock band that in 2009, took the world by storm.

Four musicians, including Milford Haven’s very own Samuel Freeman, come together in tweed waistcoats, skinny jeans and bushy beards to celebrate the best of Mumford & Sons’ iconic music and their explosive rise to fame. This is a stomp and holler not to be missed!

“I was such a massive fan growing up. Their first two albums were the soundtrack of my sixth form. But they were also a huge influence for me as a musician and composer in theatre. Mumford & Sons taught me the power of fantastic storytelling. The sheer ability they had to make an acoustic guitar and double bass sound like the world’s biggest and loudest rock band gave me the confidence to write like that myself,” said Samuel Freeman, the double bassist of the band.

This spectacular quartet will have you on your feet, authentically performing Mumford & Sons’ distinct and original sound. You’ll be taken on a musical journey of the first two albums, Sigh No More and Babel, from their start in West London dive bars, to the group’s legendary Glastonbury gig and worldwide renown.

The show has recently received a stellar review at The Tivoli Theatre in Aberdeen being described as a “tribute band worthy of bearing their name.”

Sam concluded: “Matthew Emeny (Guitar) and I were lucky enough to recruit the exceptionally talented Josh Wells (Keyboard) and Stan Elliot (Banjo) to join us, and we locked ourselves away in a rehearsal room to capture the sound and essence of the ultimate Mumford & Sons tribute.

“We still must pinch ourselves really. Last year we put this show together almost as a laugh, got 14 gigs, jumped in a van and hit the road…a year on, the response has just been phenomenal. We are so grateful to everyone who has come along and had a blast with us every single night, and because of that, 2025 is looking so much bigger and better with incredible things to come!” 

After a debut hit tour last year, this spectacular band is back bigger and better than ever. With beautiful vocal harmonies and foot-stomping drums playing all of Mumford & Sons very best hits, including Little Lion Man, I Will Wait, The Cave, Roll Away Your Stone and many more. You’ll have a night to remember!

Tickets for The Mumford & Sons Story on Friday 9 May at 7.30pm are £23. Visit the website for further details www.torchtheatre.co.uk or phone the Box Office on (01646) 695267.

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Entertainment

Let’s ‘raise a little hell this spring’ at The Torch Theatre

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STARRING Tony-Nominee Jeremy Jordan and Olivier-Nominee Frances Mayli McCann, this award-winning, cult-favourite production Bonnie and Clyde The Musical  (including Best New Musical – What’s On Stage Awards 2023) re-tells the unbelievable true story of America’s most infamous couple, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow. Watch the lovers as they go on a crime spree on the Torch Theatre screen this May.

Captured in stunning, world-class quality, the musical follows the most notorious lovers and bank robbers who take the country by storm in a sexy and compelling adventure. Recorded live at London’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane, discover the electrifying story of love, adventure and crime that captured the attention of an entire nation.

At the height of the Great Depression, Bonnie and Clyde went from being two small-town nobodies in west Texas to America’s most renowned folk heroes who created a serious headache for the law enforcements. From kidnappings to murders in the 1930’s, the lovers robbed gas stations, restaurants, and smalltown stores in the areas of New Mexico, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas and it is believed that they murdered at least nine police officers and four civilians before being shot and killed in an ambush near Sailes, Louisiana.  

Bonnie and Clyde The Musical can be seen on the Torch Theatre screen on Thursday 1 May at 7pm. Tickets: £15.00 | £13.00 Cons | £8.50 Under 26. Visit the website for further details www.torchtheatre.co.uk or phone the Box Office on (01646) 695267.

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Entertainment

Spring into the Easter holidays with family fun across the Park

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THE EASTER HOLIDAY promises action-packed fun in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, with family-friendly activities taking place across the Park and at the Authority’s three main attractions – Carew Castle, Castell Henllys and Oriel y Parc. The events coincide with the start of Discover National Parks Fortnight (4 to18 April), which celebrates the UK’s protected landscapes.

At Carew Castle, visitors can look forward to trails, tales and plenty of medieval mischief. From Saturday 5 April to Sunday 27 April, Bunny’s Big Egg Hunt invites children to search the Castle grounds for hidden eggs using a smartphone, with a sweet reward for those who succeed. The ever-popular Horrid Histories will also return with gory stories and terrible tales of Castle life, included free with admission on weekdays at 11am from 7 to 25 April.

Those in search of adventure can take on Find the Key!, a quest to uncover four hidden keys – only one of which unlocks the Castle’s treasure chest. The challenge takes place daily at 3pm, excluding Tuesdays. On those days – 8, 15 and 22 April – the focus shifts to a Guided Family Castle Tour at 1.30pm, followed by FIRE! Launch of the Giant Trebuchet at 2.30pm, when the legendary siege engine is set into motion.

The Storymaster’s Quests: Castle of Adventure will return with immersive fantasy experiences created by Oliver McNeil and voiced by Tom Baker. Suitable for ages 6+, tickets are £6 per person, with Castle admission also applying. Dates vary. See website for further details.

To round off the fun, the Mini Easter Fair runs from 18 to 21 April, offering rides and games for younger visitors. Small charges apply.

For opening times and booking information, visit www.carewcastle.com.

At Castell Henllys Iron Age Village, families will be able to travel back in time this Easter with a mix of hands-on activities and ancient skills.

On Tuesdays 15 and 22 April, Druid Magic offers the chance to light fires, bake bread and try traditional face painting, while learning how the Druids of Iron Age Britain connected with the world around them.

Fun in the Fort on Wednesdays 16 and 23 April features a changing line-up of prehistoric crafts, while Discovery Days on Thursdays 17 and 24 April invite visitors to try something new – from ancient techniques to creative experiments inspired by the past.

A new Family Spinning Workshop on Sunday 13 April will teach the ancient art of turning fleece into yarn using a drop spindle. Sessions take place at 11am and 1.30pm. See website for booking information.

Further information can be found at www.castellhenllys.com.

At Oriel y Parc, National Park Discovery Centre in St Davids, the focus turns to nature, creativity and seasonal celebration. Running from 12 to 27 April, the Egg Trail Adventure will invite young explorers to search the site for beautifully designed eggs inspired by local birdlife.

Hands-on fun continues with two drop-in Make & Take workshops. On Wednesday 16 April, visitors can build a cosy shelter for hedgehogs in time for Hedgehog Awareness Week. The following Wednesday, 23 April, children can create a colourful pinecone insect in the Ladybird Sanctuary Workshop.

For those looking for a deeper creative experience, a Foraged Poetry Prints Workshop with artist Bean Sawyer will take place on Thursday 24 April from 10am–1pm. Using cyanotype printing and found fragments of poetry, participants will create striking blue-toned artwork using natural materials. Booking is essential.

Visitors can also browse the St Davids and Solva Art Group exhibition from 17 to 23 April, showcasing spring-themed work by local artists, with proceeds supporting charity.

To find out more, visit www.orielyparc.co.uk.

Beyond the main attractions, visitors can enjoy a selection of guided walks and wildlife experiences across the wider National Park.

On Thursday 10 April, the Smugglers and Pirates Walk sets off from Solva Harbour at 10am. This 3.5-mile coastal route reveals hidden coves, Iron Age forts and tales of maritime mischief.

Later in the month, bird enthusiasts can enjoy two chances to connect with the Park’s feathered residents. On Thursday 24 April, What’s That Bird? at Minwear Wood will help participants learn how to identify woodland species by sight and sound, guided by a National Park Ranger. The season concludes with a peaceful Dawn Chorus Walk on Sunday 27 April, starting from Lower Fishguard at 6am — an early morning opportunity to welcome the day to the sound of birdsong.

To plan your visit and discover more events, go to www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/events.

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