News

Downton Tom backs college’s new venture

Published

12 years ago

March 10, 2014

DOWNTON ABBEY actor and Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama graduate Tom Cullen has spoken of his support for the College’s new project to take its prestigious Young Actors Studio to West Wales, offering creative opportunities and professional actor training for young people in Pembrokeshire.

“It’s fantastic that young aspiring actors in west Wales will now have the chance to discover what being an actor is all about. Equipping themselves with all the skills needed as an actor whilst working with professional practitioners in a collaborative environment and having an absolutely great time doing it,” says Royal Welsh College graduate Tom.

Students will be offered the opportunity to audition for the acting course in March or to attend open-entry Theatre Workshops. Auditions are on Saturday, March 8 at Pembrokeshire College. Students will take part in a group workshop and perform a prepared audition piece for lecturers from Royal Welsh College.

“Drama school is an amazing route into the acting profession and the Royal Welsh College is undoubtedly one of the best drama schools in the country,” continues Tom. “Young Actors Studio will simply give these young people a fantastic learning and help make sure that young people who want to get into the profession are prepared for that.”

Fellow graduate, Merlin star and former Young Actors Studio mentor Alex Vlahos agrees: “I can honestly say that I have never been more proud of the Royal Welsh College than with their work for Young Actors Studio. The skills, the advice and excellent classes taught by world class acting teachers are invaluable, not only for aspiring actors but also for nurturing other skills for future life. I believe that Young Actors Studio is a perfect gateway on the first step towards applying for drama school. During my time as mentor there, I saw the students start as young children and then by the end of their time, mature into confident adults.”

Young Actors Studio in Pembrokeshire will officially launch in April 2014 with sessions for both Acting Courses and Theatre Workshops taking place every Saturday from April 26.

All this training is delivered by professional actors, directors, choreographers and industry professionals from both theatre and television. The Young Actors Studio currently provides weekly training at the highest level in Cardiff for around 150 talented 12-20 year olds.

For details on the free workshops, and the Young Actors courses go to www.rwcmd.ac.uk/yas.

Young Actors Studio in Pembrokeshire is made possible through its partnership with Valero, the world’s largest independent refining company and Pembrokeshire’s most significant employer.

Crime

Police probe ball bearing damage in Haverfordwest

Published

12 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are investigating reports of criminal damage in Haverfordwest after suspected metal ball bearings were used to damage a vehicle and a property.

Dyfed-Powys Police said damage was caused to the wing mirror of a blue Range Rover Evoque on Glenfields Road sometime between 11:10am and 11:20am on Sunday, May 10.

Officers believe metal ball bearings may have been used.

A second incident was reported at around 2:30pm on Tuesday, May 12, when the window of a property on Glenfields Road was allegedly struck by a suspected metal ball bearing.

Police said local officers are continuing to speak with residents after receiving a number of calls about ball bearings being found in the Glenfields Road and Old Hakin Road areas.

Anyone who witnessed anything, or who has information that could help the investigation, is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

Quote reference: 26*375605.

Crime

Stolen vehicle investigation after late-night crash in Waterston

Published

14 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A VEHICLE involved in a late-night single-vehicle crash in Waterston, Milford Haven, is believed to have been stolen, police have confirmed.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers received a report of the collision at around 11:55pm on Sunday (May 17).

The vehicle was recovered at approximately 1:15am on Monday (May 18), but nobody was found at the scene.

Following enquiries, police established that the vehicle had reportedly been stolen at some point during Sunday evening.

Officers said enquiries into the incident are ongoing.

News

Labour names Senedd spokesperson team after election defeat

Published

14 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Ken Skates says group will focus on holding new Welsh Government to account

INTERIM Welsh Labour leader Ken Skates has unveiled the party’s Senedd spokesperson team following its defeat in the recent election.

Mr Skates will act as interim leader of Welsh Labour and spokesperson for health, care and national security.

He said the Labour group would draw on “extensive experience” while bringing “fresh energy and ideas” to its work in opposition.

The party said its Senedd group was committed to holding the new Welsh Government to account and pushing for practical results for the people of Wales.

Jayne Bryant MS has been appointed spokesperson for housing, communities, public and preventative health, with women’s health also included in her brief.

Mike Hedges MS will cover culture, sport, local government and legislation.

Vikki Howells MS becomes Chief Whip and spokesperson for environment, farming, energy and transport. Her portfolio also includes planning.

Lynne Neagle MS has been named Business Manager and spokesperson for children, education and lifelong learning.

Shav Taj MS will cover employment, equalities and economic transformation, including social partnership.

Huw Thomas MS has been appointed spokesperson for finance, democracy, citizenship and the Welsh language. Regional and city deals will also fall within his brief.

Welsh Labour said Sarah Murphy’s portfolio will be announced when she returns from maternity leave.

A photo call with the Welsh Labour Senedd Group is due to take place in Cardiff Bay on Tuesday (May 19), although no interviews will be available.