Entertainment

Pembrokeshire star-struck as Olivia Dean gets call from Sir Elton John while camping

Published

3 months ago

January 23, 2026

RISING soul star Olivia Dean has revealed how a quiet camping trip in Pembrokeshire turned into the call of a lifetime after she received a FaceTime from music legend Sir Elton John.

The 26-year-old singer told BBC’s The Graham Norton Show that she was cooking “sausages and beans” on a small gas stove when her phone rang and Sir Elton’s name appeared on the screen.

Dean said her team had warned her the star might get in touch, but she panicked when the moment arrived and initially declined the video call.

“It rang and it was a FaceTime and I said ‘no – I’m not ready’,” she told the audience, as the studio erupted with laughter.

Realising what she had done, Dean said she immediately regretted it and feared she had missed her chance — but Sir Elton called back moments later.

The Your Song hitmaker then offered words of encouragement, telling her he was proud of her and that it looked like she had worked hard and was “ready now”.

Dean said she managed a quick thank you before collapsing on the ground “like a starfish”.

The light-hearted story has once again shone a spotlight on Pembrokeshire’s reputation as a place to switch off and recharge, with its beaches, coastal paths and campsites offering a peaceful escape from busy city life.

Dean, who is London-born and has Jamaican-Guyanese heritage, has previously spoken fondly about the county’s coastline and the appeal of getting away from the spotlight.

Her surprise call from Sir Elton also reflects his well-known habit of supporting fellow artists, with host Graham Norton joking that the music icon “loves the phone” during the segment.

A short clip of the moment has since been shared online, with viewers praising both Dean’s down-to-earth reaction and the county she chose for her downtime.

Entertainment

Torch Youth Theatre takes aim with Robin Hood adventure

Published

8 hours ago

April 28, 2026

Tom Sinclair

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

Published

2 days ago

April 26, 2026

Tom Sinclair

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

Entertainment

Three actors bring The Invisible Man to Torch Theatre

Published

3 days ago

April 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

SLAPSTICK STAGE FUN

THE THOUGHT of invisibility, and the advantages it might bring, has captured imaginations for generations since H. G. Wells’ classic story was first published.

Now The Invisible Man, adapted for the stage by Derek Webb, is coming to the Torch Theatre in Milford Haven this May, offering audiences an evening of fast-paced slapstick silliness.

Although the story has been adapted many times for film, it is far less often seen on stage. This original and riotous version features 15 characters played by just three energetic actors, with quick costume changes, clever prop work, wacky imagination and plenty of tongue-in-cheek fun.

The production is presented by Our Star Theatre Company, following its successful 2023 UK tour and critically acclaimed sell-out run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

The British Theatre Guide praised the show as “high paced throughout”, adding: “An exuberant cast, Daniel Davis, Eleanor Catherine Smart and Sophie Watkins, deserve credit for confidence and maintaining a high pace throughout. Watkins is a talented performer, coaxing the best out of the piece.”

The Invisible Man will be performed at the Torch Theatre on Wednesday, May 13, at 7:30pm.

Tickets are priced at £18 and can be booked online at torchtheatre.co.uk or through the Box Office on 01646 695267.