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.

AN EARLY-morning search was carried out in South Pembrokeshire after a missing person was reported.

The inshore lifeboat was launched shortly before 2:30am on Monday, April 13.

The person was believed to be somewhere between Saundersfoot and Lydstep. 

Tenby RNLI said on social media: “The volunteer crew were tasked to search the shoreline between Monkstone and Giltar, whilst Coastguard teams searched ashore.

“It was soon confirmed that the person had been found safe and well (apart from being a little cold) on South beach.”

The lifeboat then stood down and returned to the station at 3:30am.

Pembrokeshire sanctuary says it is at breaking point and fears devastating consequences if urgent public appeal fails

GREENACRES RESCUE has warned it may be forced to shut its doors to new animals unless it can raise more than £24,000 in just 20 days to clear a huge vet bill.

The Pembrokeshire-based rescue says it is facing its toughest month yet, with a March bill of £24,113.92 and a growing number of sick, injured and abandoned animals needing urgent treatment.

In a stark public appeal, Mikey Lawlor said the sanctuary is at breaking point and may soon be left with no choice but to turn away dogs and other animals in desperate need.

He said: “I am the one that will have to say no to dogs sat on death row.”

Greenacres said it will continue to honour commitments already made to animals in its care, but warned that failing to clear the bill could force it to stop taking in new emergency cases.

The charity said that could have devastating consequences, with some animals potentially dying before they ever get the chance of rescue, while others face far longer waits for urgent help.

So far this year, the rescue says it has already raised and paid off £43,404, but described the latest demand as its most severe financial crisis yet.

Among the major cases driving the cost are Ruby, who needs a leg amputation, Clio and Spot, who both require major dental work, Dixie, who underwent specialist orthopaedic surgery to save her leg, Freddie, who needed an eye removed, Ozzie the Chihuahua, who is being treated for hydrocephalus, and Biscuit, a cat needing leg amputation.

The rescue said the strain has been fuelled by the continuing fallout from excessive breeding during the Covid lockdown period, rising abandonment, and the increasing number of animals arriving with serious medical needs.

Greenacres also stressed that routine care such as neutering, vaccinations, microchipping and parasite treatment remains essential and unavoidable.

In the appeal, Lawlor thanked supporters and praised the rescue’s vets, saying the bill reflects the sheer volume of urgent cases rather than excessive charging.

The charity is now urging the public to donate or share its appeal, warning that clearing the March bill is vital if it is to remain able to respond to the next emergency call.

Ways to donate to Greenacres Rescue

PayPal: paypal.com/gb/fundraiser/charity/129520

Website: https://donorbox.org/pennies-for-lives

Or pay directly towards our vet bill

Fenton Vets, Haverfordwest – 01437 762806 (option 2)

Or via bank transfer

Greenacres Rescue: HSBC – A/C 01580299 – Sort code 40-23-21

Cheque: Greenacres Rescue, Ebbs Acres Farm, Talbenny, Haverfordwest, SA62 3XA