Entertainment

Pastel passion on display at the Torch

Published

10 months ago

May 31, 2025

Deborah Thomas to debut first solo exhibition

MILFORD HAVEN artist Deborah Thomas is preparing to unveil her first solo exhibition this June at the Joanna Field Gallery in the Torch Theatre.

A self-taught pastel painter, Deborah rekindled her love of art later in life after a break of more than twenty years. “After a long time away from painting, I picked up a pencil and decided to draw again,” she said. “I experimented with pastel chalks and pencils and quickly fell in love with the level of detail I could achieve.”

Deborah, who cares full-time for her elderly mother Diana, describes painting as a form of escapism. “I don’t paint as often as I’d like to, but when I do, I’m transported into my own little world. I need to be in that creative space to truly work.”

Her interest in art began at Milford Central School and continued briefly during a stint at art college in Newton Abbot, Devon. She cites the British comic strip Andy Capp, created by Reg Smythe, as an early inspiration. “I used to love sketching Andy Capp—it really got me into drawing as a child.”

After leaving school, Deborah stopped drawing entirely for over two decades. Her return to the craft began with a portrait of Marilyn Monroe, sparking a creative journey that has since produced works such as The Violin, Celtic Barn Owls, White Thunder (a bald eagle), White Iceland Falcon, Beagle, and Mum and Baby Fox.

“Having this exhibition at the Torch Theatre means a lot to me,” she said. “I’m excited, though a little nervous. I always aim to improve with every piece. I’m my own worst critic, but I do the best I can.”

One of her earliest works—a lion’s head—is proudly displayed in the home of her son Gregory, who now lives in Australia.

Deborah Thomas’s pastel exhibition will be on display throughout June at the Joanna Field Gallery, Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. The gallery is open during Box Office hours. For more information, visit torchtheatre.co.uk or contact the Box Office on 01646 695267.

Entertainment

Tenby steams up in spectacular style as crowds flock to festival

Published

1 hour ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Colourful parade, towering creations and Victorian flair bring town centre to life

TENBY was transformed into a vibrant Victorian fantasy on Saturday (Mar 21) as hundreds of visitors descended on the town for the annual Steampunk Festival.

The highlight of the day came with the much-anticipated Peacock Parade, which saw elaborately dressed participants wind their way through Tenby’s narrow streets, drawing large crowds of spectators.

Residents and visitors lined the route, many stopping to take photos as performers in eye-catching costumes passed by. From brass goggles and top hats to military-inspired uniforms and elegant gowns, the outfits on display reflected the creativity and theatrical spirit of the steampunk scene.

Among the most striking sights were the towering pink flamingo creations, which rose high above the crowds and became an instant talking point. Musicians in period costume added to the atmosphere, playing lively tunes as they marched through the town.

Families were out in force, with children and adults alike enjoying the spectacle. Many visitors had travelled from across Wales and beyond to attend the event, which has grown in popularity in recent years and is now firmly established as a key date in Tenby’s events calendar.

The Herald understands that local businesses also benefited from the influx of visitors, with cafés, pubs and shops seeing a steady flow of customers throughout the day.

In addition to the parade, a range of activities were taking place across the town, including markets, performances and themed entertainment centred around the De Valence Pavilion.

Organisers have worked to create an inclusive and welcoming event, with many people choosing to dress up while others simply come along to enjoy the unique atmosphere.

The festival continues on Sunday, with further events planned as Tenby remains firmly in the grip of steampunk fever for the weekend.

Photos: Colourful characters take part in the Peacock Parade through Tenby on Saturday (Pic: Gareth Davies).

Entertainment

St Patrick’s night celebration at Giraldus Centre

Published

3 days ago

March 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

GET ready to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in style this Friday at the Giraldus Centre in Manorbier.

The community venue is hosting a lively evening of music, dancing and Irish-themed fun, with entertainment from popular local group The Slipway Ukes.

Doors open at 7:00pm on Friday (Mar 20), with free entry for all. A fully licensed bar will be open throughout the evening, serving drinks and snacks with an Irish twist.

Organisers are encouraging everyone to “unleash their inner leprechaun” and enjoy a night on the dance floor.

There is no need to book—just turn up and join in.

Donations on the night will be gratefully received in support of the Paul Sartori Foundation.

The event takes place at the Giraldus Centre, Manorbier, SA70 7TN.

Entertainment

Met Opera’s Tristan und Isolde comes to the Torch Theatre

Published

6 days ago

March 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Lise Davidsen leads star cast in Wagner’s epic tale of love and death in special cinema broadcast on Sunday (Mar 22)

AFTER years of anticipation, a truly unmissable event arrives in cinemas worldwide as the electrifying Lise Davidsen takes on one of the ultimate roles for dramatic soprano – the Irish princess Isolde – in Wagner’s transcendent meditation on love and death, Tristan und Isolde.

Heroic tenor Michael Spyres stars opposite Davidsen as the love-struck Tristan in what promises to be a powerful and emotionally charged performance.

The production also marks the arrival of a new staging at the Metropolitan Opera by Yuval Sharon, making his Met debut. Sharon has been hailed by The New York Times as “the most visionary opera director of his generation” and was the first American to direct an opera at the famous Wagner festival in Bayreuth.

Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin also leads Tristan und Isolde at the Met for the first time in this landmark production.

The cast includes mezzo-soprano Ekaterina Gubanova reprising her acclaimed portrayal of Brangäne, alongside bass-baritone Tomasz Konieczny as Kurwenal following his celebrated Met appearances in Wagner’s Der Fliegende Holländerand the Ring cycle. Bass-baritone Ryan Speedo Green makes an important role debut as King Marke.

Reviewing the production for The Observer, Fiona Maddocks described it as a “glorious production” and “well worth catching”, adding: “This was one of those rare and blissful nights when dropped jaws silenced noisy opinion in the queue for coats afterwards.”

The recorded broadcast of Tristan und Isolde will be screened at the Torch Theatre on Sunday (Mar 22) at 4:00pm.

For further information visit www.torchtheatre.co.uk or contact the Box Office on (01646) 695267.

ENDS