Entertainment
Pembrokeshire’s favourite panto dame returns
There really is nothing like a dame — and there is certainly nothing quite like Pembrokeshire’s very own Lloyd Grayshon.
THE MUCH-LOVED local actor has been invited back to the Torch Theatre for this year’s festive pantomime, Puss in Boots, which comes with a Wild West twist this December.
Spirited, lively and always with a twinkle in his eye, Lloyd has become a firm favourite with Torch audiences through a string of memorable pantomime performances. Past roles have included Titania Trott in Jack and the Beanstalk and Dame Belinda Beehive in Rapunzel.
Lloyd said: “I’m absolutely delighted and very honoured to be invited back. I’m also very excited, as it’s not every day you get to dress up, wear wacky clothes and get such a great response from our lovely audience.”
Bold, brassy and full of charm, Lloyd’s larger-than-life dame performances have delighted audiences of all ages. With his mischievous grin, boundless energy and gift for comic timing, he has had theatre-goers rolling in the aisles and coming back for more.
“I’ve played many different roles at the Torch and in its pantomimes,” he said. “The first was the Genie in Aladdin, and again in 2019. My next pantomime role came in 2023 as Belle’s Father and understudy for the Dame in Beauty and the Beast. That was when I got my first chance to play the Dame, and I haven’t looked back since.”
Lloyd, who runs his own media company and lives in Hook, said playing Dame Belinda Beehive was one of the most enjoyable experiences of his career.
He added: “Playing Dame Belinda Beehive was one of the most fun experiences I have ever had on stage. Belinda was a big, bright, energetic beauty who had a keen eye for the opposite sex. Once she had you in her sights… look out!”
A father of two, Lloyd says the role of the Dame gives him the freedom to throw himself fully into the performance.
“I love the freedom it gives me to have fun with both the audience and the cast,” he said. “It’s great fun reacting in the moment to ever-changing situations. I really enjoy throwing myself around on stage and giving 100 per cent energy from start to finish.
“I just love making a connection with the audience. Some are up for it straight away and others need a little encouragement, but the more they give me, the more fun I have. It’s not to be feared — it’s a lot of fun.”
As Lloyd gets ready to step into Puss in Boots, audiences can expect original songs, hiss-terical humour and more local references than you can shake your tail at. In Wild West Wales, anything is possible. Can Puss help our heroes find fame and fur-tune? Audiences will have to pull on their dancing shoes and join the meow-sical extravaganza to find out.
Puss in Boots will be at the Torch Theatre from Saturday, December 5 to Saturday, January 2. A Relaxed Environment Performance will take place on December 19 at 2:00pm, while a BSL-interpreted performance will be held on Tuesday, December 22 at 6:00pm.
Tickets are available through the Torch Theatre website or from the Box Office on 01646 695267.
Entertainment
Free screening to focus on climate and nature crisis
PUBLIC INVITED TO LETTERSTON EVENT HOSTED BY TRANSITION BRO GWAUN
A FREE public screening of The People’s Emergency Briefing is to be held at Letterston Memorial Hall on Friday, May 29.
The event, hosted by Transition Bro Gwaun, starts at 7:00pm, with doors opening at 6:30pm.
The screening will be introduced by Dr Sarah Beynon, of The Bug Farm, St Davids, and will be followed by a structured discussion on climate and nature risks and what they may mean for local communities.
The 50-minute film has been adapted from the National Emergency Briefing, held at Westminster Central Hall in November 2025, where more than 1,200 MPs, peers, business leaders, cultural figures, faith representatives, sports figures and media leaders gathered to hear from experts on climate and nature risks.
The briefing, introduced by Chris Packham CBE, examines the potential impact of climate and nature breakdown on food security, public health, infrastructure, the economy and national security.
Dr Beynon said: “We are in a biodiversity and climate emergency. We have destroyed over half of our wildlife. In my late father’s lifetime, we have destroyed 97% of our wildflower meadows.
“Over 80% of our habitats are in poor condition. Over 60% of our rivers are not in good health and one in five species is at risk of extinction.
“How do we want to leave this planet for future generations? Then ask yourself if you are prepared to act. If you are, the first step is to understand the issues facing us, and this film is a vital part of understanding the situation we are in so we can all step up and do something together.”
The People’s Emergency Briefing was launched nationwide in April and is now being screened in communities across the UK. Organisers say more than 300 showings have already taken place, with around 1,000 scheduled over the summer.
Further local screenings are also planned for Solva and Cardigan in June.
Transition Bro Gwaun said the Letterston event comes at a time when communities in Pembrokeshire are facing increasing pressure from severe weather, flooding, dry spells and wildfire risks.
November and December 2025 saw flooding affect many areas, with the Met Office confirming rainfall was more than 50% above average during that period.
The group said the event was not intended to be “doom and gloom”, but would also focus on practical and hopeful responses.
Henry Tufnell MP, Pembrokeshire county councillors and town and community councillors have been invited to attend.
Tom Latter, trustee at Transition Bro Gwaun, said: “TBG welcomes the opportunity to host one of many Emergency Briefing events around the UK, addressing the climate and nature crisis.
“Co-ordinated restorative action is urgently needed, and understanding of the urgency for honest commitment to resilience planning from all branches of society.”
Free tickets are available through Transition Bro Gwaun, and refreshments will be provided.
Entertainment
Torch Youth brings fresh twist to Robin Hood legend
More than 50 young actors will take to the stage at the Torch Theatre this July for a new version of one of Britain’s best-loved stories
Robin Hood: The Legend of the Black Knight has been written especially for Torch Youth Theatre and will run for three nights, from Monday, July 20 to Wednesday, July 22, at 6:30pm.
The production promises adventure, comedy, romance and mystery, while giving the classic tale a fresh Pembrokeshire stage treatment.
Director Tim Howe, who is originally from Nottingham, said the legend had been part of his life since childhood.
He said: “I grew up surrounded by the legendary tales of Robin Hood and his merry men — stories filled with bravery, rebellion and mischief.
“Add to that the brilliantly funny Maid Marian TV series with Tony Robinson, which kept me glued to the TV throughout my childhood, and you can imagine how deeply rooted all the versions of the Robin Hood stories are for me.
“It’s been great to explore them and reimagine them with our young people in mind.”
The story of Robin Hood has been told, retold and reinvented since the 1300s, and the Torch version keeps many familiar ingredients — green-clad heroes, robbing from the rich to give to the poor, a damsel in distress and a power-hungry ruler.
But this new production also changes the legend in unexpected ways.
Tim said: “You’ll find that Prince John has been replaced by his mother, the ruthless Queen Eleanor, and there’s a mysterious Black Knight who keeps popping up.
“We’ve also had a lot of fun developing some of those key members of the gang — Will Scarlett loves to dress up in disguises, and Allan-a-Mor is a musician desperate to find the perfect four-chord song.
“So, it’s the classic legend… sort of!”
Tim described the play as “adventurous, hilarious and heartfelt”, adding that the production had been designed to give every young performer a meaningful moment on stage.
He said: “With large ensemble action-filled moments, to quieter character-driven scenes, there’s space to suit everyone’s skills.
“Torch Youth Theatre aims not just to develop the young people’s acting skills, but also their confidence, teamwork and imagination, and large-scale productions like this are the perfect opportunity to do just that.”
Robin Hood: The Legend of the Black Knight will be staged 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 can be booked at torchtheatre.co.uk or through the Box Office on 01646 695267.
Community
Step into West Wales history this Half Term with CADW
FAMILIES across Wales can look forward to an action‑packed May half term, as Cadw unveils a jam-packed programme of events at castles, abbeys and historic monuments across the nation.
Running from Saturday May 23 to Sunday May 31, the wide range of events invite visitors to step into Wales’ past through immersive experiences, interactive workshops and hands‑on activities designed to spark curiosity and bring Welsh history to life.
With activities ranging from knight school and jester workshops, to adventure trails and bubble animals there is something for all ages to enjoy this May half-term.
Chief Executive of Cadw, Kate Roberts, said: “May half term is the perfect chance for families to get out and explore the incredible history on their doorstep in Wales. This year’s programme has been designed to be hands-on, engaging and genuinely fun, giving visitors of all ages the chance to connect our nation’s past and spend quality time together outdoors.
“With children going free with any adult membership, it’s a great-value option for families planning a few days out over the holidays. Cadw members enjoy unlimited access to over 130 historic locations across Wales, alongside a range of exclusive benefits, making it easier than ever to discover something new.”
With over 20 events across the school holidays, highlights from the half term line up will include the Strata Florida Abbey Craft Fayre when the abbey will host local arts, crafts and produce, alongside family-friendly activities, guided tours and more.
Also taking place is the Rainbow Gecko Bubbleman at Laugharne Castle on Saturday, May 30 and Sunday May 31 between 11am and 4pm when Bubbleman and the Bubble Faerie will bring a playful dose of magic to the day with their fully interactive bubble performances, featuring giant bubbles, bubble animals and even frozen creations. Visitors of all ages can join in the fun, learn a few tricks and take home their own bubble‑filled memories.
For those looking to take advantage of the events available during May half-term, a Cadw membership offers free event entry and unlimited access to over 130 historic places across Wales, offering a unique way to explore Wales’ rich heritage. Children also go free with any adult membership.
A selection of Cadw’s most fascinating historic places will also be open for guided tours throughout the summer.
To find out more, visit https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/whats-on/guided-tours-cadw
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