Entertainment

Victorian style returns to the Torch with The Turn of the Screw

Published

7 months ago

October 2, 2025

AUDIENCES at the Torch Theatre this autumn can look forward to the elegance and drama of Victorian fashion as The Turn of the Screw takes to the stage.

Behind the scenes, local Costume Supervisor Louise Sturley has been working tirelessly to recreate the glamour and authenticity of the late 19th century. With just two professional actors – Seren Vickers and Samuel Freeman – set to play multiple roles, her work has been central to bringing the story to life.

“Having worked in costume for a number of years I already had a good knowledge of historical costume,” said Louise. “But it’s always prudent to brush up once in a while. I like to look at historical fashion books, with photographs, prints and sketches showing how garments were made. I think it’s important on a period production to get as close to accurate as possible. Research is key.”

Louise, who lives in Milford Haven, is a familiar face at the Torch. She first worked on Noises Off in 2006 and went on to design every in-house production until 2016, with highlights including The Hired Man and Brief Encounter. After returning in 2023, she says she is excited by the Torch’s current ambition and boundary-pushing approach.

This is not the first time Louise has worked on The Turn of the Screw. Back in 2013, under former Artistic Director Peter Doran, the play featured at least five actors, cast according to age. This new production, she explained, will take a different approach.

“I’m excited to see how Seren and Samuel will take on the different characters without making big physical changes to their appearance,” she said. “There may be a corset, a detachable collar, maybe a pocket watch – but anything else will be a surprise. What you can expect are beautiful Victorian silhouettes and the look of late-19th-century gentry.”

The Turn of the Screw runs at the Torch Theatre from Wednesday 8 October to Saturday 25 October. Tickets are priced £18–£28 and are available from torchtheatre.co.uk or by calling the Box Office on 01646 695267.

Entertainment

Shakespeare’s ‘mistaken identities’ to appear on outdoor Pembrokeshire stage

Published

6 hours ago

April 29, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

Following the success of last year’s spellbinding production of The Tempest, SPAN Arts is thrilled to welcome back The Festival Players for another evening of open-air Shakespeare in the stunning grounds of Lampeter House, near Narberth.

Featuring one of Shakespeare’s earliest plays, ‘The Comedy of Errors’ follows two sets of twins, twin brothers and their twin servants, separated by a shipwreck. When they unknowingly arrive in the same town on the same day, a whirlwind of confusion unfolds.

Mistaken identities lead to comic chaos: husbands appear to fall in love with the wrong people, debts go unpaid, and servants lock their masters out of their own homes. As the confusion builds, the play explores themes of identity, family and belonging.

The Festival Players bring this lively farce to life with original live music, fast-paced storytelling, traditional costume and plenty of humour, as part of their 2026 (and 41st) open-air summer theatre tour.

Lampeter House provides the perfect stage for this unforgettable evening. Nestled amongst towering trees and gardens full of character, the intimate amphitheatre setting promises a truly atmospheric experience.

So whether you’re a lifelong Shakespeare fan or a newcomer to his work, this performance offers the chance to enjoy world-class theatre under the open skies.

Make your evening complete with a delicious pre-show supper. A hot summer cawl with bread and cheese will be available to pre-order for just £6 while vegetarian and other dietary options are available by simply selecting your preference when booking online or over the phone. A fully stocked bar and refreshments will also be available throughout the evening.

A limited number of mats and ground seating will be provided, but audiences are encouraged to bring their own picnic blankets or low-backed chairs for maximum comfort. As the performance will proceed come rain or shine, please dress appropriately for the weather.

This year’s production takes place on Friday June 12, with the doors opening at 6pm and the performance commencing at 7pm.

Tickets can be reserved on 01834 869323.

Entertainment

Torch Youth Theatre takes aim with Robin Hood adventure

Published

1 day ago

April 28, 2026

Tom Sinclair

OVER 50 young actors will take to the Torch Theatre stage this summer for a new version of the classic Robin Hood tale.

Robin Hood: The Legend of the Black Knight will be performed by members of Torch Youth Theatre across three nights in July, promising adventure, excitement and a few unexpected twists.

The production will feature the familiar ingredients of the much-loved story, with Robin Hood robbing from the rich to give to the poor, the Sheriff of Nottingham causing trouble, and Maid Marian presented as a spirited heroine.

Director Tim Howe said: “All the elements of the story we know and love will be there. Robin Hood robs from the rich and gives to the poor, the Sheriff of Nottingham is up to no good, and Maid Marian is exactly the feisty heroine we all need.

“But it wouldn’t be a Torch Youth Theatre production without some things you won’t be expecting, and we can’t wait to share those surprises with you.”

Youth theatre success

The show follows the record-breaking success of Sycamore Gap and forms part of a busy year of activity for young people at the Torch.

Torch Youth Theatre provides weekly sessions during school term time for young people aged seven to 18. All members are able to take part in the summer production, with no auditions required.

Tim added: “We provide weekly sessions during school term time for young people aged seven to 18, all of whom are able to take part in the summer production – there are no auditions – and booking is now open.

“We also offer activity in the summer when young people can join us for a full week of workshops and rehearsals to create a production which is shared in our studio for their families and friends. So there’s loads of ways to join in with us.”

The Torch Youth Theatre’s sessions and productions aim to develop young people’s theatrical skills while also giving them a space to find their voice, build confidence and learn more about themselves and each other.

Robin Hood: The Legend of the Black Knight will be performed at the Torch Theatre on Monday, July 20, Tuesday, July 21 and Wednesday, July 22 at 6:30pm.

Tickets cost £10, or £8 for concessions, and are available from torchtheatre.co.uk or the Box Office on 01646 695267.

Entertainment

Music at the Manor to strike a chord with return to Scolton

Published

3 days ago

April 26, 2026

Tom Sinclair

YOUNG musicians from across Pembrokeshire will take centre stage next month as Music at the Manor returns to Scolton Manor.

Pembrokeshire Music Service is inviting music lovers to enjoy an evening of live performances in the grounds of the manor on Friday (May 8).

The event will showcase the talents of scores of young musicians from across the county, with performances from Pembrokeshire Music Service’s county ensembles.

These will include the County Orchestra, Wind Band, Brass Band, Training Orchestra with Second Steps, Rock and Pop Band, and Big Band.

There will also be performances from the Community Choir and this year’s Secondary Valero festival winner, drummer Ryan Block from Ysgol Bro Preseli.

Gates open at 4:30pm, with the music starting at 6:00pm.

Tickets are available from ticketsource.co.uk/pembrokeshire-county-council