“CHIN MUSIC” has two meanings. One refers to idle talk. The other is a brushback throw in baseball or cricket, aimed at unsettling the batter. Both describe Rich Hall’s comedy—sharp, quick, and intimidating, yet effortlessly off-the-cuff. If you’ve never seen him live, now’s your chance—he’s coming to the Torch Theatre, and he never disappoints. Ever.

A master of stand-up, music, and improvisation, Rich Hall has been a comedy heavyweight for decades. The American comedian first rose to fame in the 1980s as a sketch performer, appearing on shows such as Fridays, Not Necessarily the News, and Saturday Night Live. In the UK, he’s a familiar face on QI, Live at the Apollo, and Have I Got News for You. He’s also a prolific writer, having penned articles for The Guardian and The Sunday Times, as well as starring in his own BBC Radio 4 series, Rich Hall’s (US Election) Breakdown.

“We always love a good night of comedy, full of belly laughs here at the Torch Theatre,” said Jordan Dickin from the venue’s marketing team. “Following a very long winter, a night of comedy is just what’s needed to brush away the cobwebs—and Rich Hall is the man to do just that.”

Rich Hall will take to the stage at the Torch Theatre on Thursday, April 17, at 8:00pm. This will be his only performance in West Wales during his 2025 tour.

Tickets: £18
STRICTLY 14+ (contains strong language and adult content)
Book now: www.torchtheatre.co.uk or call the Box Office on (01646) 695267.

NARBERTH & WHITLAND ROTARY CLUB, in partnership with Narberth RFC, has successfully organised Narberth Outdoor Rock (NOR) for several years, bringing top-tier entertainment to the region. The annual event, held on the pitch at Narberth Rugby Club, has grown in popularity, production quality, and public awareness.

DJ and compere Steve Briers, a key figure in the event’s success, has seen firsthand how NOR has evolved. Speaking about this year’s festival, he said: “The 2024 event will feature a purpose-built professional stage, along with top-quality lighting and a PA system provided by EPS Events. While it’s an outdoor event, we have a superb 500-seater stand facing the stage, ensuring spectators can enjoy the show even in poor weather. We also provide additional marquees that can accommodate up to 400 people, though we’ve often been fortunate with the weather.”

Briers praised the festival’s vibrant atmosphere, saying: “It’s been an absolute pleasure to be part of this event. I’ve witnessed fantastic performances from both backstage and front-of-house, but most importantly, I’ve seen thousands of happy festival-goers enjoying the music, food, drinks, and hospitality without the commitment of an all-day or weekend event.”

Over the years, NOR has hosted a range of high-quality tribute acts, including Queen, Bon Jovi, Elton John, Bee Gees, Annie Lennox, Shania Twain, and Amy Winehouse, alongside talented local bands such as The Sleeping Dogs, Sorted, and Ella Guru. “It’s great to feature local talent alongside top tribute acts,” Briers said. “They bring something unique to the event and truly complement the whole occasion.”

This year’s event, scheduled for Saturday, August 16, 2025, will see the return of Queen tribute band ‘Don’t Stop Queen Now’, who last performed at NOR two years ago. They will be supported by rock band ‘4th Street’ and the high-energy ‘Funktion 22 Party Band’.

Gates open at 5:00pm, with three bands performing throughout the night. Briers, as DJ, will keep the energy high between sets with classic rock tracks, announcements, birthday shout-outs, and sponsor mentions. “I love keeping the atmosphere alive—it’s a job I truly relish every year,” he added.

Reflecting on his involvement, Briers said: “Working with Narberth & Whitland Rotary and Narberth RFC on the NOR committee has been a pleasure. We’re already looking ahead to 2026. See you on Saturday, August 16, 2025—and if you’re celebrating anything, let me know for a shout-out!”

It’s no secret that Brits love to gamble, whether it’s in person or online, but what do we love most and what’s rising in popularity amongst UK gamblers? 

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at popular gambling activities in the UK and any new games coming onto the scene. We’ll also explore what to look for when choosing a new gambling site, so you can enjoy fun and safe gambling. 

Popular gambling activities 

The most popular form of gambling in the UK is the National Lottery, with 31% of gamblers participating in it. Scratchcards, betting on sports, and online instant win games are also incredibly popular amongst Brits. Surprisingly, casino games are the least popular form of gambling, with only 3% of those surveyed participating in casino games. 

Up and coming gambling activities 

What’s new in the world of gambling that’s making its way onto the scene? 

Unpredictable games 

Games that can’t be predicted and mostly rely on luck are picking up momentum in the world of gambling. One example is Plinko, which originally aired as a game on ‘The Price is Right’ but has now been turned into a successful slot game. 

Virtual and augmented reality 

Online gambling is often favoured over in-person gambling. However, people still crave a truly immersive experience when playing online. This is where virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) have seen an increase in users. Many online games have adopted the use of VR and AR to attract more players looking for something a little more enticing than regular online gambling. 

What to look for when choosing a new gambling site 

It’s important to choose gambling sites that are legitimate, safe, reliable, and fun. Here are a few things to look out for. 

Customer support

Good customer support is essential since you never know what issues you may run into. Opt for a site that offers responsive customer support who will address any concerns or questions quickly and efficiently. 

Licenses 

Licensed online establishments have to adhere to strict guidelines and regulations, whereas unlicensed sites don’t – which can lead to an increased risk of scams or hacked information. Be sure the site you are using is licensed and regulated. 

Payment methods 

You want a site that offers a variety of payment methods and provides fast payouts. It’s also important to ensure these payment methods are reliable and secure.  

Usability

It’s not just safety and convenience that you want to look for. Usability is also an important element to keep an eye on, as sites with poor usability can limit your enjoyment. 

Bonuses

Promotions and bonuses can be a great way to get the most out of your gambling experience. Always look for, and make use of, free bets and sign up offers to bet with. 

What does the future of gambling look like? 

It’s hard to predict what the future of gambling in the UK will look like considering the ever advancing nature of technology. It’s likely that in-person gambling will continue for a long time, however it wouldn’t be a shock if online gambling took over completely one day.