Entertainment
A fun-filled volcanic eruption at the Torch
THIS February half term, the Torch Theatre is inviting young science fans to step into a world of fizz, bang and discovery with a brand-new, action-packed live performance.
The Exciting Science Show promises to amaze and astound children aged four and over, putting the “exciting” firmly back into “science”. Packed with fast-paced demonstrations and fact-filled fun, the show brings learning to life with spectacular experiments performed live on stage.
Audiences can expect everything from a dramatic volcanic eruption to everyday objects transformed into surprising scientific contraptions — including a vacuum cleaner turned missile launcher and a smoke blaster aimed straight at the crowd. With plenty of “wiz, bang, pop… and splurt”, this is a show where standing clear is strongly advised.
Led by a larger-than-life team — Mad Mike, Dangerous Dean, Krazy Kelly and Fabulous Faye — the performance blends theatre and science to spark curiosity and keep young minds fully engaged.
Explaining the characters, Mad Mike said: “I’m the inventor of the group — give me a roll of gaffer tape and a set of pliers and I can turn anything into a science experiment. Dangerous Dean is our crash-test dummy — if there’s something we’re unsure about, Dean tries it first. Kindly Kelly might look friendly, but she’s our master of destruction, and Fabulous Faye knows her facts, knows her science… she’s just fabulous.”
Anwen Francis from the Torch Theatre marketing team added: “We’re delighted to be welcoming this fun-filled science show to the Torch this half term. So many young people enjoy science, especially when they can see real experiments unfolding live on stage. We can’t wait to see what amazing and exciting moments emerge.”
Exciting Science comes to the Torch Theatre on Wednesday, February 18, with performances at 11.30am and 2:00pm. Tickets cost £15.50.
For more information or to book, visit www.torchtheatre.co.uk or contact the Box Office on (01646) 695267.
Entertainment
New theatre show explores realities of motherhood in Pembrokeshire
A NEW theatre production exploring the joys, pressures and complexities of modern motherhood in Pembrokeshire is set to premiere in Haverfordwest next month.
Pembrokeshire writer Ceri Ashe, known for Bipolar Me, 99er, Farmers Townies & Grocles, has teamed up with comedy writer-producer Angharad Tudor to create Enjoy Every Minute / Joia Bob Munud, a community-rooted performance commissioned by SPAN Arts and Unlimited.
The project grew out of the pair’s own experiences of motherhood and mental health, and began with a series of creative workshops held in 2025 for mothers of children aged four and under. Thirteen free places were offered to local mums with no previous creative experience, with weekly sessions taking place at Milford Haven Library and the Pill Social Centre.
Participants took part in poetry, storytelling, singing and movement sessions, with children welcome but the focus firmly on giving mothers time to explore their own creativity and wellbeing.
Ceri Ashe and Angharad Tudor said: “While we valued mother-and-baby groups, we felt something was missing in Pembrokeshire — a space for mums to explore creativity, connect honestly, and take time for themselves. To see it grow into a fully-fledged creative project rooted in the community has been a true pinch-me moment for us both.”
The resulting stage production features a cast of professional Pembrokeshire actors including Anna Monro, Anna Collcyz, Maya Jones, Tessa Ryan, Ceri Ashe, Cathy Davies and Janine Grayshon, alongside a chorus of community singers.
Alternative lyrics to well-known nursery rhymes — written by mothers who took part in the workshops — form part of the performance, capturing the humour and realities of parenting life.
The show blends poetry, storytelling, music and physical performance, aiming to offer an honest and heartfelt portrayal of motherhood while celebrating resilience and community connection.
A British Sign Language-interpreted performance will take place during the 4:00pm showing.
- Creative team:
- Director: Ceri Ashe
- Assistant Director: Siobhan McGovern
- Musical Director: Sara Benbow
- Movement Director: Tessa Ryan
The performances will take place at Albany Hall in Haverfordwest on Saturday, March 14, with shows at 12:00pm and 4:00pm. The production runs for approximately ninety minutes.
Tickets operate on a pay-what-you-can basis starting at £5, with free tickets available for carers.
SPAN Arts, a Narberth-based community arts charity with more than thirty years of work in Pembrokeshire, commissioned the production as part of the Unlimited Partner Commissions programme, supported by National Lottery Awards for All funding.
For tickets and information visit span-arts.org.uk or call 01834 869323.

Entertainment
Understanding casino welcome offers: A consumer’s guide to promotional bonuses
Online casinos have become a popular form of entertainment across the UK, with millions of players signing up each year. One of the main attractions for new users is the welcome bonus – a promotional offer designed to give players extra funds or free spins when they register. With so many operators competing for attention, comparison sites listing the uk best casino bonuses have become a useful resource for players looking to understand what’s on offer before committing their money.
However, not all bonuses are created equal – and not all operators have your best interests at heart. Understanding how these offers work, and knowing the warning signs of a rogue operator, can help you make smarter decisions and protect yourself from potential scams.
What is a welcome bonus?
A welcome bonus is a promotional offer given to new players when they sign up and make their first deposit at an online casino. These offers are designed to attract new customers and give them an incentive to try the platform.
The most common type is a matched deposit bonus, where the casino matches your deposit up to a certain amount. For example, a 100% match up to £100 means if you deposit £100, you’ll receive an additional £100 in bonus funds to play with. Some casinos offer even larger matches – 150% or 200% – though these typically come with stricter terms.
Other welcome offers may include free spins on selected slot games, no-deposit bonuses that let you try the casino without risking your own money, or package deals combining cash bonuses with free spins spread across your first few deposits.
Understanding wagering requirements
Before accepting any bonus, it’s essential to check the wagering requirements. This is arguably the most important factor in determining whether a bonus offers genuine value or is simply too good to be true.
Wagering requirements specify how many times you must play through the bonus amount before you can withdraw any winnings. A 35x wagering requirement on a £100 bonus means you’d need to place £3,500 in total bets before cashing out. Some operators apply wagering to both the bonus and your deposit combined, which can significantly increase the amount you need to play through.
Wagering requirements across UK casinos typically range from 20x to 50x. Lower requirements generally mean better value for players, though it’s important to consider the overall package rather than focusing on a single number.
Game contributions and restrictions
Not all games contribute equally towards meeting wagering requirements. Most casinos weight games differently based on their house edge and volatility. Slots typically count 100% towards wagering, meaning every pound you bet on slots counts fully towards clearing your bonus.
Table games like blackjack and roulette, however, often contribute just 10-20% – or in some cases nothing at all. This means if you prefer playing table games, you may need to wager significantly more to clear the bonus. Some casinos also exclude certain games entirely from bonus play.
Additionally, many bonuses come with maximum bet limits while playing with bonus funds. Exceeding these limits – often set around £5 per spin – can result in your bonus and any winnings being forfeited.
Spotting the warning signs of a rogue operator
Unfortunately, not every casino operating online has legitimate intentions. Rogue operators use enticing bonus offers to lure in unsuspecting players, only to make withdrawals nearly impossible or disappear with deposited funds altogether.
There are several red flags to watch out for. Be wary of bonuses that seem too good to be true – a 500% match bonus with no wagering requirements should raise immediate suspicion. Legitimate operators cannot afford to give away money without conditions attached.
Other warning signs include poor website design with spelling errors, vague or missing terms and conditions, limited or no customer support options, and pressure tactics urging you to deposit quickly. If an operator is reluctant to provide clear information about their licensing status, that’s another major cause for concern.
Verifying a casino’s licence
The single most important step you can take to protect yourself is to verify that any casino you’re considering is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. It is illegal for unlicensed operators to offer gambling services to UK residents, and playing at such sites leaves you with no consumer protection whatsoever.
Licensed operators are required to display their licence number, usually in the website footer. You can verify this number directly on the Gambling Commission’s website, where a public register lists all licensed operators along with any regulatory actions taken against them.
Licensed casinos must adhere to strict standards including fair game testing, segregation of player funds, clear bonus terms, and robust responsible gambling measures. If something goes wrong, you also have the right to escalate complaints to an independent Alternative Dispute Resolution provider.
Protecting your personal data
When signing up to an online casino, you’ll be required to provide personal information including your name, address, date of birth and payment details. This makes it essential to ensure the operator has robust security measures in place.
Look for sites that use SSL encryption – indicated by a padlock icon in your browser’s address bar and a URL beginning with ‘https’. Reputable casinos will also have a clear privacy policy explaining how your data is stored, used and protected.
Be cautious about casinos that ask for unnecessary personal information or request copies of sensitive documents before you’ve even made a deposit. While identity verification is a legal requirement before withdrawals, legitimate operators won’t pressure you for documentation upfront without good reason.
What to do if something goes wrong
If you encounter problems with a licensed UK casino – such as withheld winnings, unfair bonus terms or account closures – you have options. Start by contacting the operator’s customer support team and keeping a record of all communications.
If the issue isn’t resolved to your satisfaction, you can escalate the complaint to the casino’s designated Alternative Dispute Resolution service, details of which should be available on their website. For serious concerns about an operator’s conduct, you can also report the matter directly to the UK Gambling Commission.
Play responsibly
While bonuses can enhance your gaming experience, it’s important to treat them as entertainment rather than a way to make money. The house always has an edge, and bonuses are designed to encourage play rather than guarantee profits.
Set a budget before you play and stick to it. Use the responsible gambling tools offered by licensed operators – such as deposit limits, loss limits, session reminders and self-exclusion options. Never chase losses, and if gambling stops being fun, it’s time to take a break.
Entertainment
Boots, beer and barn dancing coming to Broad Haven
Live country music night promises fun for all at village hall
A NIGHT of country music, dancing and Western-style fun is coming to Broad Haven next month as the Havens Hoedown rolls into the village hall.
The event, taking place on Friday, March 20, will feature live music from local band Red Skies, along with line dancing and a relaxed, social atmosphere aimed at bringing the community together.
Doors open at 7:00pm, with music starting at 8:00pm. Organisers are encouraging attendees to embrace the theme, with cowboy hats and boots very much welcome on the night.
As well as the live entertainment, honky tonk shots will be available to purchase, and the evening will follow a bring-your-own format for other drinks.
Tickets are priced at £12.50 and are available from Broad Haven Post Office, or by contacting the organisers via email or Facebook.
Event organisers said the hoedown is designed to be a fun, inclusive night out for residents across the Havens and surrounding communities.
They added: “We wanted to create something a bit different — a lively evening where people can enjoy great music, have a dance, and spend time together locally without needing to travel far.”
The Havens Hoedown is expected to be popular, and early ticket purchase is advised.

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