Entertainment

Two must-see post-show talks at the Torch Theatre

Published

5 months ago

October 15, 2025

AUDIENCE members attending The Turn of the Screw at the Torch Theatre on Saturday (Oct 18) and Tuesday (Oct 21) are in for a treat — with two fascinating post-show talks scheduled as part of the venue’s spooky autumn production.

The first, on Saturday (Oct 18), will feature Pembrokeshire author Brian John, whose session titled The Angel Mountain Saga: Echoes and Shadows coincides with the 25th anniversary of his debut novel’s publication. It was in that book that Mistress Martha, the heroine of the now-celebrated Angel Mountain series, first appeared.

“My talk will explore the boundary between what’s real and what’s imagined,” said Brian. “Stories get better every time they’re told — so a little black dog in a local anecdote might eventually become a massive black hound with drooling fangs. We’ve got to trust stories in good faith, whether they’re about dragons, fairies, goblins or corpse candles. We humans are driven by what I call the elaboration imperative.”

Brian, who will take audience questions after his talk, has lived an extraordinary life. Educated at Haverfordwest Grammar School and Jesus College, Oxford, he earned a DPhil for his pioneering research into the Ice Age in Pembrokeshire. He led expeditions to Iceland and Greenland, worked as a field scientist in Antarctica, and lectured for eleven years at Durham University.

A prolific writer, Brian has published more than 90 books and hundreds of articles, covering topics from geography and environmental science to Welsh folklore. His Angel Mountain Saga has been acclaimed for its strong sense of place and historical authenticity, while his 2012 release Ghostly Tales from Pembrokeshire became a Christmas best-seller.

When asked if he believes in ghosts, Brian said: “I tend to believe what people say as a matter of preference. Some people are more sensitive and tuned in than others — and they clearly experience things others do not.”

The second post-show event, on Tuesday (Oct 21), is titled Director Discussions and will feature Artistic Director Chelsey Gillard and Senior Manager for Youth and Community Tim Howe.

“Our post-show talks are a great way to learn more about Torch Theatre productions,” said Tim. “Get a peek behind the scenes at the process that takes us from page to stage — and ask Chelsey all the things you’d like to know about the creative choices behind The Turn of the Screw.”

The Turn of the Screw continues at the Torch Theatre until Saturday (Oct 25). Tickets cost £18–£28, and places for the post-show talks are limited.

Book via torchtheatre.co.uk
or call the Box Office on 01646 695267.

Entertainment

Tenby steams up in spectacular style as crowds flock to festival

Published

10 hours 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