Entertainment

Pembrokeshire’s favourite panto dame returns

Published

1 month ago

April 13, 2026

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

Saundersfoot Seafest to bring free family fun to the harbour this July

Published

2 days ago

May 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A FREE community festival celebrating the sea, local food, seaweed and Pembrokeshire’s coastal environment will take place at Saundersfoot Harbour this summer.

Saundersfoot Seafest will be held on Saturday, July 11, offering a full day of activities, entertainment and hands-on experiences for residents and visitors.

The event will celebrate the area’s connection with the sea, coastal heritage and locally sourced food, with live cooking demonstrations, food sampling and interactive activities exploring Pembrokeshire’s shoreline.

There will be plenty for all ages, including guided seashore safaris, sandcastle building competitions, crabbing contests, and “seaweed and chips” sessions.

The festival will also feature pirate and dog fancy dress competitions, along with interactive exhibits, retail stalls, local produce, crafts and coastal-themed displays.

Boat trips and kayaking experiences will also be available, although a small charge will apply for these activities.

Sue Latham, Coordinator of Pembrokeshire Local Food Partnership, said: “Saundersfoot Seafest is a celebration of our coastline, our communities, and the incredible food and culture that comes from living so closely connected to the sea.

“We are delighted to welcome people of all ages to join us for a free, fun-filled day by the harbour.”

The event is supported by the Welsh Government, Pembrokeshire Local Food Partnership, Pobl Tir Môr, Saundersfoot Harbour, Saundersfoot Rotary Club, WWF Cymru and Wales Festival of Seaweed.

The Wales Festival of Seaweed will also take place in St Davids from September 10 to 13.

Entertainment

Circus Mondao returns to Tenby and Pembroke Dock with spectacular new show

Published

2 days ago

May 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

CIRCUS Mondao is returning to Pembrokeshire by popular demand, bringing its traditional big top show to Tenby and Pembroke Dock.

The family circus promises a packed programme of international performers, comedy, daring stunts, showgirls, ponies and high-energy circus acts.

This year’s show includes award-winning Chilean clown Kikin, Miss Madalane’s ponies, glass balancing with Fairy Talula, fast-paced juggling from Brazil, and the Agazian Brothers from Ethiopia.

Audiences can also expect one of the most daring line-ups ever presented by Circus Mondao, including the Wheel of Death, Russian swing, Icarian games, Russian bar, chair balancing and the South American Crazy Brothers.

Organisers said the show keeps alive the atmosphere of a traditional circus while also using modern lighting, music and production.

A spokesperson for Circus Mondao said: “This is a show not to be missed. We are delighted to be returning to Tenby and Pembroke Dock with amazing artistes from around the world, including performers from Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, Morocco, Chile, Spain, Ethiopia, Wales and the UK.”

The circus will be at Marsh Farm, Marsh Road, Tenby, SA70 8DU, from Wednesday, May 27 to Sunday, May 31.

Performances in Tenby will take place at 5:00pm and 7:30pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 2:00pm and 5:00pm on Saturday, and 2:00pm only on Sunday.

Circus Mondao will then move to Harlequins RFC, London Road, Pembroke Dock, from Wednesday, June 3 to Sunday, June 7.

Performances in Pembroke Dock will follow the same times: 5:00pm and 7:30pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 2:00pm and 5:00pm on Saturday, and 2:00pm only on Sunday.

Special offers include all seats for £8.50 on Wednesdays, buy one get one free on Thursdays, four seats for £45 on Fridays, children going free on Saturdays with each full-paying adult, and family tickets on Sundays for two adults and two children priced at £45, £55 or £60.

Terms and conditions apply to all offers, and they cannot be used with any other offer.

The booking office is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00am and is cash only. Tickets can also be booked online through TicketSource and LoveToVisit.

Entertainment

Green Man unveils star-studded comedy line-up for 2026 festival

Published

2 days ago

May 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Joe Lycett, Bridget Christie and Stewart Lee among big names heading to Bannau Brycheiniog as Green Man sells out months in advance

GREEN MAN Festival has revealed its comedy programme for 2026, with some of the UK’s biggest stand-up names set to join a packed line-up of music, arts and entertainment in the heart of Wales this summer.

The award-winning festival, held in the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park from Thursday, August 20 to Sunday, August 23, will welcome comedians including Joe Lycett, Bridget Christie, Stewart Lee, Josie Long, Jessica Fostekew, Glenn Moore and Garth Marenghi to its much-loved Last Laugh comedy stage.

The festival’s comedy programme, hosted at the Babbling Tongues stage, will feature 39 acts ranging from household names to emerging performers, in keeping with Green Man’s long-standing reputation for showcasing new talent alongside established stars.

Leading the bill is comedian and television presenter Joe Lycett, known for Joe Lycett’s Got Your Back, Late Night Lycett, and appearances on programmes including Taskmaster, QI and Have I Got News For You.

He will be joined by comedian, actor and writer Bridget Christie, whose Channel 4 sitcom The Change won widespread praise, alongside comedy veteran Stewart Lee, returning to Green Man after topping the bill in 2025.

Other major names announced include Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Josie Long, horror-comedy favourite Garth Marenghi, stand-up Kerry Godliman, and Jessica Fostekew, whose acclaimed show Hench earned an Edinburgh Comedy Award nomination.

The programme also features rising talent including Jack Shep, recently announced as part of the cast of Saturday Night Live UK, alongside sketch act Tarot, comedian Glenn Moore and a host of newer voices from across the UK comedy circuit.

Comedy forms just one part of Green Man’s wider cultural offering, with the festival also boasting a major music programme led by headliners Mogwai, Wilco, Four Tet and Wolf Alice.

Other acts confirmed for 2026 include Cat Power, Sparks, Tricky, Mogwai, Shame, Dry Cleaning, Aldous Harding, The Beta Band, Cate Le Bon and Mannequin Pussy.

Green Man, now in its third decade, remains Wales’ largest independent music, science and arts festival, attracting around 25,000 people daily to the Black Mountains area of Powys.

Festival organisers said all tickets for Green Man 2026 sold out within an hour of release in September 2025, although official resale tickets remain available through the festival’s approved resale platform.

Known for combining music with literature, film, science, wellness and family-friendly attractions, Green Man continues to draw visitors from across the UK and beyond while generating millions for the Welsh economy each year.

Fiona Stewart, founder and managing director of Green Man, has previously described the festival as a celebration of creativity and community, with a focus on supporting Welsh producers, artists and emerging talent.

For more information or resale tickets, visit Green Man Festival’s official website.

Photo caption: Green Man Festival has revealed its 2026 comedy programme, featuring major names including Joe Lycett, Bridget Christie and Stewart Lee (Pics: Green Man Festival).