Entertainment

Rescue drama at sea as Torch Theatre unveils its most imaginative panto yet

Published

3 weeks ago

November 17, 2025

Rapunzel takes to the waves in a Pembrokeshire twist on a classic tale

REPORTS are coming in of a multi-agency rescue operation six miles off the coast of Milford Haven — led, of course, by indomitable local hairdresser Dame Belinda Beehive.

The mission? Nothing less than saving Neyland’s head-turning stunner, Rapunzel, who this year finds herself stranded at the top of a 200-foot lighthouse rather than a tower. The Herald understands that alongside appalling sea conditions, rescuers are also contending with an unidentifiable sea monster determined to make off with their belongings.

It can only mean one thing: pantomime season has arrived at the Torch Theatre.

The Milford Haven venue’s festive production of Rapunzel, running from December 6 to December 28, promises to be one of its most ambitious and imaginative pantomimes to date.

“Yes, it’s an interesting one,” laughs writer and artistic director Chelsey Gillard, the driving force behind this year’s show. “People are starting to look for different titles and slightly more unusual fairy tales. Following on from last year’s Jack and the Beanstalk, I wanted something a bit more ‘princessy’ — but still very Pembrokeshire.”

Given the Torch’s clifftop location, Chelsey leaned straight into a maritime twist. “So instead of a tower, Rapunzel is stuck in a lighthouse somewhere off the coast of Milford Haven,” she says.

Rapunzel is played by Neyland’s Holly Mayhew, a recent graduate of Drama Studio London. Her long-lost mother — Dame Belinda Beehive — is brought to life by Lloyd Grayshon, while mischievous puffin Zephyr is played by Freya Dare. They are joined by the occasional shark, an assorted school of fish, and a host of friendly sea creatures played by members of the Torch Youth Theatre.

But while the setting may be new, Chelsey says the heart of pantomime remains firmly intact.

“It’s a slightly unusual story, but it’s still got all the essentials: a dame, slapstick routines, loads of songs, silly dances, and all the audience interaction that creates the magic of a pantomime. People’s expectations are huge — this is the main theatrical event of the year — so we have to pour everything into it.”

Chelsey admits that responsibility weighs heavily, but her love for panto keeps her motivated.

“I’ve always adored panto. As a child I’d look forward to it every year with my school or with my mum and dad. It was a huge thing for me — and I want our audiences to feel that same excitement.”

This year’s production also comes as something of a relief after Chelsey’s recent turn into darker territory with October’s gothic The Turn of the Screw.

“That was a much more serious piece,” she says. “So the thought of being silly for a few weeks is exactly what I need!”

Rehearsals are now entering their second week ahead of the first school performance on November 26. With just three weeks to pull everything together, Chelsey says she is supported by a formidable creative team, including designer Kevin Jenkins and workshop manager Sam Wordsworth.

“All the sets are built on site here at the Torch — which is really rare these days. Thanks to the team’s skill, the designs were finished back in May. A panto takes a good twelve months of planning before opening night.”

Even so, Chelsey admits to nerves during the first script read-through.

“You always wonder whether the jokes will land and if the cast will get your humour. And audiences here in Pembrokeshire are not shy about telling you what they think!”

But now that rehearsals are in full swing, she says the joy of the process has returned.

“I’m lucky to do a job I love so much. And once the show is up and running, I get to step back and enjoy what this brilliant cast has created.”

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

Gavin & Stacey stars reunite for Christmas advert

Published

16 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Luke Sinclair

GAVIN & STACEY favourites Joanna Page and Mathew Horne have reunited on screen for a Christmas special – though not the one fans might have hoped for. Instead of returning to Barry or Billericay, the duo appear together in a new festive advert for Waitrose, sharing a turkey pie while responding to a fan’s heartfelt letter about expressing love through food.

The short film marks their appearance in How to Say It With Food, a six-part series in which Page and Horne tackle some of the nation’s most common Christmas food dilemmas. The clip opens with Page teasingly nodding to their iconic sitcom: “Oh, you didn’t think we’d let Christmas roll around without showing up again, did you?”

Horne quickly follows with his own playful line: “Us? Miss Christmas? Not a chance. But this time we’re here to help you say it with food.”

The pair are then handed an envelope “from Santa”, containing a letter from a viewer asking how he can show his “leading lady” he loves her through food. Mathew quips: “First time saying it, you want a statement. Sixteenth time, you want a statement that doesn’t involve socks.”

He then introduces Waitrose’s new Christmas advert starring Keira Knightley and Joe Wilkinson. The main campaign follows an unlikely festive romance sparked by Sussex Charmer cheese and culminating in Wilkinson presenting Knightley with a turkey pie decorated with the words “I love you”. Watching the moment unfold, Page smiles at Horne and mirrors another classic Gavin & Stacey reference: “Oh, that’s so romantic.”

The duo are soon given their own turkey pie to try. Horne eagerly tucks in before cutting Page a slice, prompting laughter from his co-star. The advert ends with the pair wishing viewers a Merry Christmas as Knightley and Wilkinson share a warm festive kiss on screen.

The reunion comes almost a year after audiences tuned in to the BBC sitcom’s much-anticipated finale, which drew an impressive 12.3 million viewers on Christmas Day. The episode wrapped up storylines including Gwen’s blossoming romance with Dave Coaches, Smithy’s near-wedding to Sonia, and the moment fans had long debated – Smithy and Nessa tying the knot.

Reflecting on the new project, Page said: “You thought you’d seen the last of us! Well, we’re back and what fun we had.” She added: “It was such a treat working with Mat… food is what brings people together over the festive season.”

Horne described the experience as “brilliant”, calling their on-screen reunion “a Christmas tradition”.

Entertainment

Filming for new season of S4C crime drama Cleddau returns to Pembrokeshire

Published

2 days ago

December 3, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Production crew spotted in Pembroke Dock, Neyland and Burton as series set for 2026 release

FILMING has returned to Pembrokeshire this week for the next season of Cleddau — the hit S4C crime drama released in English as The One That Got Away.

The production crew has been seen in Pembroke Dock, Neyland and Burton capturing new scenes for the upcoming 2026 series. Local photographer Gareth Davies shared images of the team working along the estuary, describing “a real buzz” in the area as cast and crew returned after the success of the first season.

Crime thriller rooted in the Cleddau estuary

Cleddau follows a murder investigation that reopens buried secrets in a quiet west Wales community. The show has been praised for its atmospheric storytelling, strong performances and striking use of local Pembrokeshire scenery — with the Cleddau estuary itself forming a central part of the series’ identity.

Residents have reported seeing cameras and production vehicles around familiar walking routes, waterfront areas and estuary-side villages as the crew makes full use of the landscape that inspired the show’s name.

Local interest and economic boost

The return of filming has been welcomed locally, bringing attention, visitors and activity into communities along the waterway. For many residents, the excitement lies in spotting familiar places on screen when the new season airs next year.

The new series of Cleddau is expected to be broadcast in 2026.

Entertainment

Cardigan Theatre brings Beauty and the Beast to Mwldan this Christmas

Published

4 days ago

December 1, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Festive panto promises magic, music and family fun

CARDIGAN Theatre is set to bring festive magic to Theatre Mwldan this Christmas with a fun-filled production of Beauty and the Beast, running from 21–29 December. The pantomime is written and directed by Jonathon Preece and promises all the traditional panto sparkle audiences love.

The story follows once-proud Prince Louis (Emily Davies), who angers Agatha the Evil Enchantress (Kelly Lewis). As punishment for his selfishness, she transforms him into the fearsome Beast (Steve Green). His only hope of breaking the spell is to find true love – or remain a beast forever.

Meanwhile, brave and kind-hearted Belle (Ruby Lemoine) sets out to rescue her eccentric father Marcel (Tom Loveday) who on his way to the “Big Invention Competition”, gets lost and stumbles into the enchanted castle and is taken prisoner by the Beast. Determined to save him, Belle is joined by her loyal friend Jaques, the village silly billy (Sarah Harris), flamboyant Dame Madam Fromage (Rhys Davies), and Gavin (Paul Robinson), the vain village heart-throb who is convinced Belle should marry him!

Inside the castle, Belle encounters a host of enchanted objects, including Tick Tock (Lilwen), Flambe (Bryce), and Mrs Kettle (Manon), who provide humour, magic and plenty of encouragement as they try to help the Beast win Belle’s heart and break Agatha’s curse.

With songs, jokes, colourful characters and plenty of audience participation, the production promises festive fun for all ages.

Beauty and the Beast runs at Theatre Mwldan from 21–29 December. Early booking is advised to avoid disappointment.

Cardigan Theatre can be followed on Facebook and Instagram for updates on future shows.