IT’S all happening at the Torch Theatre this spring and summer. Kicking off with the Torch Youth Theatre Spring production of Ravers, the Summer Youth Theatre production of The Bangers and Chips Explosion by Brough Girling, and finally the ever-popular summer schools make a welcome return with opportunities for Juniors, Seniors, and Adults – there really is something for everyone!

We’re only a few weeks away from Torch Youth Theatre’s latest production, Ravers, which promises to be a fun filled evening of comedy. This brand-new play written by Rikki Beadle-Blair specifically for young people aged 15 -18, runs in the studio theatre from Thursday 6 March to Saturday 8 March with performances starting at 7.30pm nightly. Don’t forget to get your tickets!

The Torch Theatre has you covered for a summer fun too! Rehearsals begin for their spectacular full youth theatre production The Bangers and Chips Explosion in April. The playis based on a popular children’s novel and adapted specifically for youth theatre’s just like the ones at the Torch. It’s Roald Dahl meets David Walliams in this wild and raucous, family friendly comedy, which promises to be a great experience for all the youth theatre members and will run from 21 to 23 July.

“There so many brilliant characters for our young actors to get their teeth into – useless headteachers, efficient school secretaries, a monstrous dinner lady, and a gang of comic book crooks!” said Tim Howe, Torch’s Senior Manager Youth and Community who wrote the adaptation and directs the youth theatre.

“Stink bombs, kidnapping, abseiling, mistaken identity and a heavy dose of comic disguises all fill up the action of this play, which will delight our audiences! If you saw last year’s The Wind In The Willows, the you’ll know exactly what to expect from our young people, and this promises to be a night of theatre which won’t disappoint!” said Tim, who can’t wait to see you and your young people join in on the fun.

But Torch’s summer of fun doesn’t stop in July. Their in-demand summer schools make a welcome return for more fun filled creative activities.

“Our Summer School provisions are the highlight of many people’s Summers, especially since we have expanded our courses to include an adult option. We are so pleased that thanks to our sponsors Milford Haven Port Authority and The Ingles Charitable trust that we can continue to offer all this provision at accessible price points, with a range of payment plans available.” said Tim.

This year the Torch is offering sessions called Dramatic Detectives for ages seven to 11, running daily from 10am to 3pm, Monday 4 to Friday 8 August, Playmakers for ages 11 -18 running from 10am to 4pm, Monday 11 to Friday 15 August, and Show off! for those 18 and over, welcomes writers, singers and performers … All talents are welcomed for the Adult Summer School which runs on Thursday evenings throughout August with a showcase performance on Saturday 30 August.

“Our summer schools are for total novices as well as those just wanting to brush up on their dramatic skills. Everyone is welcome and the best thing about our summer schools is that there’s no audition to join us, you can just turn up and get involved,” said Tim.

He concluded: “We can’t wait to welcome you to the Torch this summer, as either a participant or an audience member! And if you would like to support any of this amazing work for our community then please do check out our membership schemes or how to make a donation – it is your generosity that helps us provide a safe creative space for people, give them the confidence to find their voice, and the courage to be who they want to be.”

For further information, visit the Torch Theatre website www.torchtheatre.co.uk or phone the Box Office on (01646) 695267.