Entertainment

The Great British Musical – A series of talks with West End musical director Ian McMillan

Published

2 weeks ago

March 2, 2025

MUSIC lovers and theatre enthusiasts in Pembrokeshire are in for a treat as renowned West End Musical Director Ian McMillan presents The Great British Musical!, a series of eight musically illustrated talks. Hosted at the piano, McMillan will guide audiences through the rich history of British musicals at Ty’r Pererin Education & Pilgrimage Centre, St Davids (SA62 6PD), with free parking available at Quickwell Hill Car Park.

The talks will take place on Thursday afternoons from 2:30pm to 4:30pm, running throughout February and March, excluding February 27th. Each session will explore the evolution of British musical theatre, from the early classics to contemporary hits.

An Acclaimed West End Conductor

Ian McMillan’s distinguished career includes conducting legendary productions such as Oliver! at the London Palladium, Charlie Girl at the Victoria Palace, and Les Misérables at the Palace Theatre. He made his West End conducting debut at just 24 years old, stepping in to lead Singin’ in the Rain at the London Palladium, starring Tommy Steele and Roy Castle. He later coached Hollywood dance legend Cyd Charisse to sing for the first time in her career, preparing her for her role alongside Paul Nicholas and Dora Bryan in Charlie Girl—a production that was also featured on the BBC Royal Variety Show.

A Musical Journey Through British Theatre

McMillan’s engaging presentations will showcase some of the most celebrated British musicals, including:

Merrie England, The Arcadians, Chu Chin Chow, The Maid of the Mountains
The musicals of Ivor Novello and Noel Coward
Me & My Girl, The Boy Friend, Salad Days, Bless the Bride, Oliver!, Pickwick, Half a Sixpence
The iconic works of Andrew Lloyd Webber

Audiences will gain unique insights into these productions, their composers, and the historical context that shaped their success.

A Speaker with International Experience

Ian McMillan has delivered captivating lectures on The QE2, at Cambridge University, The London College of Music, for the WI, and the University of the Third Age (U3A). His deep knowledge and engaging storytelling style promise to make these sessions both informative and entertaining.

All Welcome – Affordable Admission

Everyone is invited to attend these insightful and enjoyable talks. Admission is just £5 cash at the door, which includes a refreshing interval cuppa.

To register interest in attending one or more of these sessions, email [email protected]. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the magic of British musical theatre with one of the country’s most experienced and respected musical directors!

Entertainment

Milford Haven set to celebrate Founding Day 2025 in June

Published

1 day ago

March 16, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Annual Event Promises Community Fun and Festivities on June 8

MILFORD HAVEN is gearing up for its annual Founding Day celebration, scheduled for Saturday, June 8, 2025. Organized by the Milford Haven Business Circle, this event aims to bring together residents and visitors for a day filled with entertainment, local business showcases, and family-friendly activities.

Event highlights:

Family-Friendly Activities: Attendees can look forward to various attractions suitable for all ages, including bouncy castles, slides, face painting, and small rides.
Local Business Participation: Local businesses and organizations are expected to host indoor stalls, pop-up shops, and provide engaging games and demonstrations, offering unique products and services to visitors.
Live Performances: Live music and performances will provide a vibrant backdrop to the day’s festivities, showcasing local talent and adding to the celebratory atmosphere.

The Milford Haven Business Circle is actively seeking support from local businesses to ensure the event’s success. Sponsorship packages are available, offering various promotional opportunities, and businesses can also contribute by donating raffle prizes or assisting with event logistics.

How to get involved:

Sponsorship and Donations: Businesses interested in sponsoring the event or donating prizes can contact the organizers for more information on available packages and benefits.
Volunteer Opportunities: Community members wishing to volunteer their time and skills to assist with event preparations and on-the-day activities are encouraged to reach out.

For more details or to offer support, please contact the organizers through the Milford Haven Business Circle Facebook page or via email at [email protected].

The community’s collaborative spirit has been instrumental in the event’s past successes, and Milford Haven’s Founding Day 2025 promises to be another memorable celebration of the town’s rich heritage and vibrant community life.

***Mayor and Consort at last year’s event (Image: Herald)***

Entertainment

Welsh Motorsport & Supercar Festival returns to Pembrey

Published

2 days ago

March 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE WELSH Motorsport & Supercar Festival is set to return to Pembrey Circuit on Sunday, September 21, 2025, with backing from The Trade Centre Wales and Iconic Auctioneers.

The Trade Centre Wales, the country’s largest used car supermarket, operates from sites in Abercynon and Neath, offering thousands of vehicles. Iconic Auctioneers, a globally recognised auction house, specialises in classic and modern supercars, competition vehicles, and automobilia.

Last year’s inaugural event drew 6,000 fans to the ‘Home of Welsh Motorsport,’ granting visitors unprecedented access to paddocks, supercar zones, motorsport displays, pit garages, and live-action demonstrations. The 2025 edition promises an even bigger spectacle, with more historic Formula 1 cars, rare motorsport machinery, and high-profile motorsport personalities. A headline theme will be announced soon.

Fan experience will be a priority, with improvements based on feedback from last year. Additional car parks within Pembrey will ease entry, a new food village will offer a wider selection, and more seating and improved signage will enhance the visitor experience.

Mark Bailey, founder of The Trade Centre Wales, said: “As a company founded in Wales, we are immensely proud to support the Welsh Motorsport & Supercar Festival at Pembrey Circuit. This event allows us to give back to the local community and connect with passionate motorsport fans.”

Iconic Auctioneers classic car specialist Arwel Richards added: “Last year’s festival was a phenomenal success, proving that motorsport and supercar enthusiasts exist in their thousands beyond the M4. We’re excited to be involved.”

Pembrey Circuit Manager Phil Davies said: “Having The Trade Centre Wales and Iconic Auctioneers as partners strengthens the event, and they will be showcasing some never-before-seen cars. We aim to build on last year’s success to make this year’s festival even bigger and better.”

Welsh Motorsport & Supercar Festival
Pembrey Circuit, Sunday, September 21, 2025
Tickets: £22 in advance / Children 15 and under FREE
More information: pembreycircuit.co.uk/event/welsh-motorsport-supercar-festival
BARC (Pembrey) Ltd., Pembrey Circuit, Pembrey, Carmarthenshire, SA16 0HZ

Entertainment

Rich Hall set to bring razor-sharp comedy to Torch Theatre

Published

5 days ago

March 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

“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.