Entertainment

Youth theatre production supported by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority

Published

2 months ago

February 26, 2026

A POWERFUL new youth theatre production inspired by the shocking felling of the iconic Sycamore Gap tree is taking to the stage at Milford Haven’s Torch Theatre this week, with support from the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.

The famous tree, which stood beside Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland, made headlines worldwide in 2023 after it was illegally cut down, sparking outrage across the UK and beyond. That real-life event now forms the backdrop to Torch Youth Theatre’s spring production, which explores themes of community, responsibility and environmental connection.

Young performers from across Pembrokeshire will bring the story to life, combining humour with more serious reflections on friendship, conflict and the pressures facing young people today.

Tim Howe, Senior Manager for Youth and Community at the Torch Theatre said: “We are thrilled to partner with the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority on this production. Their support is invaluable, and we cannot wait to see our young actors blossom on stage. Anyone familiar with the Torch Theatre Youth Theatre knows we exist to celebrate young people and the incredible things they are capable of.

“Youth Theatre is about so much more than the final performance; it’s a safe space for difficult conversations. We’ve tackled topics like toxic relationships and the reach of online influencers head-on, and seeing our cast transform these real-world challenges into art has been a massive boost for their confidence and mental health. But don’t be deceived — it isn’t all heavy. There are moments of genuine humour throughout. After all, young people know better than anyone exactly when the only thing left to do is laugh.”

The National Park Authority said it was proud to support the production, describing the original Sycamore Gap tree as a symbol shared across the UK’s protected landscapes.

Marie Parkin, Head of Marketing and Communications at the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority said: “As an organisation we were deeply saddened by the felling of the Sycamore Gap tree. For generations, it stood not only as an iconic feature of Northumberland National Park, but as a powerful symbol within the wider family of UK National Parks of the beauty, history and shared heritage that bind our protected landscapes together.

“The public response to its felling demonstrated the strength of feeling people have for these treasured landscapes and the vital role they play in supporting mental health, cultural identity and community connection.

“The Youth Theatre production is a fantastic way of raising awareness and understanding of our National Parks and the issues surrounding the felling of the Sycamore Gap tree, and we’re delighted to be supporting the show.

“We very much look forward to joining Youth Theatre members in the coming months to plant a sapling of the Sycamore Gap tree in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park — a powerful sign of hope, resilience and our shared commitment to nurturing the next generation’s connection to nature.”

As the story unfolds on stage, audiences are invited to consider questions of accountability and truth, as tensions rise, friendships are tested and long-held grudges emerge. Will the police uncover what happened first, or will members of the Eco-club get there ahead of them?

Torch Youth Theatre presents Al Smith’s Sycamore Gap this February as part of the National Theatre’s NT Connections programme.

Sycamore Gap runs at the Torch Theatre from Wednesday (Feb 25) to Friday (Feb 27), 2026. Tickets are £10 (£8 concessions). For more information visit www.torchtheatre.co.uk
or call the Box Office on (01646) 695267.

Entertainment

Where to find reliable gambling insights online

Published

2 days ago

April 17, 2026

Staff Writer

WHEN looking at new online gambling sites, it’s important to do your research to ensure the site is legitimate, enjoyable, and safe.

However, finding trustworthy gambling insights isn’t always easy. It’s not uncommon to come across ‘reviews’ that are biased, affiliate-heavy, and even misleading, and it can make finding a suitable online gambling site feel almost impossible.

Luckily, there are a few ways to separate impartial guidance from promotional waffle so you can make a more informed decision – here’s how.

Stick to Independent Review Platforms

Platforms that prioritise transparency over promotion typically offer more than a simple star rating and instead use an analytical approach. Insights from Gambling Insider, for example, are in-depth, rating online slots by taking factors such as game quality and usability, payment methods and withdrawal, and licensing and player safety into account.

Cross-Reference Expert Analyses

Game analyses can provide useful context for users, especially when it comes to things like user experience and withdrawal processes. However, not all content written by ‘experts’ is as trustworthy as it may seem.

Since many review sites operate on paid promotion or affiliate models, it’s important to double check their claims with independent sources, particularly if a review seems overly positive.

Use Official Records

Verifying licensing and legitimacy should be your top priority when it comes to choosing a gambling site. Platforms that don’t have a license, or use an unverified one, may be fraudulent, meaning the risk of scams or data breaches is much higher.

Even if you find a trusted review site, it’s important to confirm that a site is legitimate using official records. The UK Gambling Commission, for example, has a directory of sites that are legally authorised to operate in Britain, which includes details on what license they hold. These insights can help you make a more informed decision on your next gambling destination.

Gather Evidence From Multiple Sources

When looking for genuine gambling insights to inform your next gambling destination, it’s best to look at more than one source. Independent review platforms can offer excellent insight into things like overall enjoyability and bonuses, and offer valuable information like what payment methods are available. But it’s always important to cross-reference the claims made with other independent sources, and complete a final verification using official records.

By making an informed choice, you can ensure you’re using safe online gambling sites and have a more enjoyable experience.

Entertainment

Yourythmics brings Eurythmics classics to the Torch

Published

3 days ago

April 16, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Full-band tribute show led by award-winning Annie Lennox lookalike Stacy Green promises a night of eighties nostalgia in Milford Haven

THE TORCH THEATRE in Milford Haven is inviting audiences to celebrate one of the biggest acts of the 1980s with a night of unforgettable hits and nostalgia.

Taking fans on a journey back in time, Yourythmics brings the music of Eurythmics to life with favourites including Love is a Stranger, Here Comes the Rain Again, Would I Lie to You?, Right by Your Side and, of course, the chart-topping Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This).

Yourythmics promises the ultimate full-band tribute to the legendary duo, combining energetic musicianship, striking costumes and plenty of audience participation. Leading the show is Stacy Green as Annie Lennox.

Stacy has already earned recognition as the UK’s number one Annie Lennox tribute and lookalike, an honour awarded by the National Agents Association. She has also been recognised by Annie Lennox herself.

The production promises an evening of singing, dancing and classic songs that are sure to have audiences on their feet and joining in.

Yourythmics comes to the Torch Theatre on Saturday, June 20 at 7:30pm.

Tickets are £25 and can be booked through the Torch Theatre website or by calling the Box Office on 01646 695267.

Entertainment

Chitty set to fly into Torch Theatre in 2027

Published

4 days ago

April 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society unveils musical director Angharad Sanders as work begins on next big production

MILFORD HAVEN Amateur Operatic Society has announced the first member of the creative team for its 2027 production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the Torch Theatre.

The society revealed this week that Angharad Sanders will join the production as Musical Director, as preparations begin for the much-loved Ian Fleming musical to arrive in Pembrokeshire in March 2027.

In a post shared on social media, the group said it was “absolutely thrilled” to unveil part of the production team for the show, describing Sanders as bringing “a wealth of knowledge from the West End to Pembrokeshire”.

The appointment comes after the society’s recent sell-out production of Evita, with members saying they were delighted to be working with her again.

The society added that rehearsals for the new show are due to begin in September, with Sanders expected to lead the cast musically as preparations gather pace over the coming months.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang remains one of the best-known family musicals, featuring songs that have delighted audiences for generations and a title role that is always a major draw for theatre-goers.

The announcement is likely to build excitement among local performers and audiences alike, with the Torch Theatre once again set to host a major amateur production on its stage.

Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society said details on how people can join the society and take part in the audition process will be released in due course.