Entertainment
Charming, cheeky and cunning: Award-winning Hamlet comes to the Torch screen
Olivier Award winner Hiran Abeysekera stars in National Theatre Live’s bold, contemporary take on Shakespeare’s most famous tragedy.
OLIVIERO Award-winner Hiran Abeysekera, best known for his acclaimed performance in Life of Pi, takes on the title role in Hamlet as National Theatre Live brings its fearless and contemporary reimagining of Shakespeare’s classic to the Torch Theatre screen this January.
Directed by National Theatre Deputy Artistic Director Robert Hastie (Standing at the Sky’s Edge, Operation Mincemeat), the production has been awarded five stars by Broadway World and praised for breathing fresh life into a play written more than 400 years ago, yet still strikingly relevant today.
Trapped between duty and doubt, and surrounded by power and privilege, Prince Hamlet grapples with grief, revenge and the ultimate question that has echoed through centuries of theatre. Hastie’s sharp, stylish and darkly funny interpretation places the troubled young prince firmly in the modern world, without losing the depth and complexity that has made the play endure.
Reviewers have been quick to praise the production, with Broadway World describing it as “exactly the kind of Hamlet you would hope to see,” while Upcoming hailed Abeysekera’s performance as “charming, cheeky and cunning.”
With its intricate plot, richly drawn characters and a lead performance that balances wit with emotional intensity, NT Live: Hamlet is a must-see for Shakespeare fans and newcomers alike.
NT Live: Hamlet will be screened at the Torch Theatre on Thursday 29 January at 7:00pm.
Tickets are priced at £15, £13 concessions, £10 under 26, and £8.50 concessions under 26.
For more information or to book tickets, visit www.torchtheatre.co.uk or contact the Box Office on (01646) 695267.

Entertainment
Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir to perform at Royal Welsh Show
THE HAWKSTONE FARMERS’ CHOIR, winners of ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent, will perform at the 2026 Royal Welsh Show.
The choir will sing in the main ring on the afternoon of Monday, July 20, the opening day of the show at Llanelwedd, Builth Wells.
Formed by Jeremy Clarkson as part of an advertising campaign for his Cotswolds-based brewing business, the choir has since grown into a national success story, using its platform to raise awareness of mental health within the farming community.
Aled Rhys Jones, chief executive of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society, said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome the Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir to the Royal Welsh Show.
“Their performance on the Monday in the main ring, in front of thousands of visitors, will be a truly special occasion.”
He added that it would be the choir’s first official performance in Wales since winning Britain’s Got Talent, and said many choir members had strong links with the Royal Welsh.
Lead soloist Rosie Jones, a beef and sheep farmer from Mid Wales, said: “What an honour to be invited to sing at the Royal Welsh Show 2026.
“This fairytale journey just keeps growing, but the greatest thing to come from it is the community we’ve built within the choir and beyond.”
The Royal Welsh Show is one of Europe’s leading agricultural events, celebrating Welsh farming, food and rural life.
Picture caption:
The Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir (Pic: Britain’s Got Talent / ITV).
Entertainment
Safe Online Gambling: Tips for Staying in Control
In many cases, online gambling is a harmless hobby. However, for others, gambling can become problematic without the right considerations. Thankfully, there are many ways to keep gambling habits restrained to prevent addiction. With that in mind, here are some safe online gambling tips to help you stay in control and keep gambling fun.
Set Financial Limits
Licensed operators must offer tools that allow people to set personal budgets. And from 30 June, they must also provide customers with an opportunity to set deposit limits, which refers to the amount a customer pays into their account over a set duration. These kinds of tools can be invaluable for people who struggle knowing when to stop or have a habit of chasing losses.
Similarly, most reputable casinos also have time limits, to ensure you aren’t spending too much time gambling. Additionally, if you feel you’ve lost control entirely, you can also self-exclude yourself from all sites by registering for an account with Gamstop Online.
Avoid Gambling Under the Influence
Gambling under the influence, after consuming alcohol for instance, can impair your judgement and lead to impulsive decisions. It’s essential that you only gamble while sober and when you’re not experiencing any particularly strong emotions, so you can make more informed, level-headed decisions.
This is especially true when using the fastest payout casinos or high intensity games, as it can be easy to get caught up in the fun, lose money fast, or make more impulsive decisions.
Know the Signs of Problem Gambling
When you gamble, you are taking a risk. Not just financially, but emotionally too. It’s important that you recognise the signs of problem gambling, so you can address any problems early to prevent further harm.
Some of the common signs of problem gambling include:
- Frequently chasing losses
- Using money intended for savings or essential expenses for gambling
- Borrowing money from friends or relatives to gamble
- Feeling agitated, angry, or anxious when not gambling
- Having a preoccupation with gambling
- Feeling out of control or impulsive when gambling
- Not engaging in other hobbies or withdrawing from social activities
- Concealing or lying to loved ones about gambling habits
Maintain Gambling Best Practices
To prevent your gambling habits from becoming a problem. Be sure to set yourself financial and time limits, avoid gambling when under the influence or when experiencing strong emotions, and get to know the early warning signs of problematic behaviour so you can address any issues quickly.
Entertainment
Waverley marks 79th anniversary with Pembrokeshire sailings
THE WORLD’S last seagoing paddle steamer will return to Pembrokeshire this week as Waverley marks the 79th anniversary of her maiden voyage.
The historic vessel will sail from Milford Haven and Tenby on Tuesday (Jun 16), with trips including a daytime cruise around Skokholm, Skomer, St Brides Bay and Ramsey Island from 11:30am to 4:30pm.
There will also be an evening sailing from Milford Haven at 5:00pm, travelling to St Govan’s Head, Caldey Island and along the Pembrokeshire coast, returning at 9:50pm.
Passengers can also join Waverley at Tenby, with sailings to Milford Haven and an evening cruise around Caldey Island and the coast.
On Wednesday (Jun 17), Waverley will make her only Fishguard visit of 2026, with an evening cruise to St David’s Head, passing Strumble Head Lighthouse, from 6:15pm to 9:15pm.
Tickets are available through Waverley Excursions.
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