Entertainment
Cast announced for a hair-raising adventure at the Torch Theatre
THE STAGE is set, the music is ready, and the script is written — but who will bring Rapunzel to life in this year’s festive pantomime at the Torch Theatre?
The Pembrokeshire favourite returns this December with a fresh twist on the classic tale — set not in a distant kingdom, but along the windswept coast of West Wales. This tangled tale of a girl with magical hair, locked away in a lighthouse, will be told by a lively mix of local and professional actors.
A stellar cast from stage and screen
Making his pantomime debut, UK and international actor Eifion ap Cadno will play Periwinkle, a mischievous but well-meaning sea sprite. His past credits include The Hound of the Baskervilles at English Theatre Hamburg, The Picture of Dorian Gray, The Shadow Over Innsmouth, and Frankenstein with Lost In Time Theatre.
Lloyd Grayshon, a Haverfordwest actor and audience favourite, returns as the flamboyant dame Belinda Beehive — a glamorous hairdresser and “friend to the stars.” Lloyd has delighted Torch audiences before in roles including the loveable Titiana Trott.
Pembrokeshire-born Holly Mayhew, a graduate of Drama Studio London and former member of the Torch Youth Theatre, takes on the title role of Rapunzel. “I can’t wait to get in the festive spirit with everyone back home,” she said.
Homegrown talent returns to the Torch
Joining the cast as the wicked Mother Gothel is another Haverfordwest native, Jess Dyas. “I’m delighted to be performing here at the Torch,” she said. “This is where I first fell in love with acting — it feels like coming home.”
Local performer and choreographer Freya Dare — who runs Forest Friends Theatre — returns after playing Agz in Jack and the Beanstalk last year. This time, she’ll take flight as Zephyr the Puffin, one of the show’s heroes.
Completing the cast is Harry Lynn as Prince Nathaniel of Neyland, fresh from his performance in The Wizard of Oz at Aberystwyth Arts Centre.
A Pembrokeshire panto for all the family
Torch Theatre Artistic Director Chelsey Gillard said: “Rapunzel is a festive treat that will keep the whole family entertained with hair-larious jokes, audience participation, original songs, and plenty of Pembrokeshire silliness. It’s a pantomime not to be missed — expect lots of laughter this Christmas.”
Rapunzel runs from Saturday, December 6 to Sunday, December 28.
Tickets: £24.50 | £20 concessions | £78 family.
Relaxed performance: Saturday, December 13 at 2:00pm.
BSL interpreted performance: Tuesday, December 16 at 6:00pm (interpreter: Liz May).
For full details, visit www.torchtheatre.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01646 695267.
Entertainment
Shakespeare’s ‘mistaken identities’ to appear on outdoor Pembrokeshire stage
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.
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Entertainment
Torch Youth Theatre takes aim with Robin Hood adventure
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
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
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