Entertainment

The Pembrokeshire Murders: Episode 1 review

Published

5 years ago

January 11, 2021

TONIGHT, Monday January 11, sees the first episode in ITV’s adaptation of ‘The Pembrokeshire Murders’.
A slick ITV production from the opening shot, ‘The Pembrokeshire Murders’ is a story that I’m surprised it’s taken this long to see dramatised.
Luke Evans cuts a stoic figure as SIO Steve Wilkins, trying to find his way back into his old life after returning from London and into the life of his son whilst investigating John Cooper, Wilkins’ story serves as a great opposite to the father-son struggle we get a sense of taking place between John and Andrew Cooper.
Evans gives a physical presence and a single mindedness to Wilkins that, without doubt, helped him convict Cooper but also threatened to derail his attempts to put things back together with his son. Evans plays Wilkins as vulnerable but strong, masculine but not toxic, solitary but a great team-player, distant but involved enough to keep his team motivated when the going gets tough. It’s a layered performance that steers clear enough of cop show stereotypes whilst, over the course of the series, embracing nearly all of them in a fresh way.
‘The Pembrokeshire Murders’ doesn’t hang about, it isn’t long before Wilkins is putting together a team under the code name of Operation Ottawa to investigate Coopers’ links to the Scoveston Park, Coastal Path and Nolton Hill Estate crimes.

Operation Ottawa: the team that cracked the case in the new ITV drama

First on Wilkins’ list is DI Ella Richards, Alexandria Riley does a great job bringing some heart and concern to a character that so easily could’ve become lost along the way. Richards was clearly emotionally affected by the Nolton Hill events and even admits to keeping tabs on the victims 10 years later. It’s little moments like that that elevate this drama above a mere cop show, that kind of professional concern feels very Pembrokeshire and Riley’s performance instantly makes Richards feel like the beating emotional heart of Operation Ottawa.
The insights we have into the life of Andrew Cooper, expertly portrayed by Oliver Ryan, help keeps the drama grounded. From seeing him struggle with his shopping to wincing in pain during physiotherapy, Andrew Cooper is portrayed as a physically and emotionally fragile man struggling to get by having been shunned by both of his parents.
It was quite clear that the Nolton Hill parts of this episode were filmed in Swansea but it didn’t hurt my enjoyment and was done to provide as much protection for the victims and their families as possible, so you can’t really complain about that choice of location change.
Caroline Berry’s Pat Cooper gets our sympathy from one of her first scenes as she berated by her husband when visiting him in prison. A subtle turn from Berry, her Pat is a nervous, fraught figure clearly struggling with the idea that John Cooper will soon be out on parole but someone so caught up or lost in Cooper’s web of lies that there simply isn’t a way out. It’s easy to forget that Pat was a victim of Cooper as well as an accomplice in silence, but never once does Berry’s Pat feel like a bad person, she’s simply between a rock and a hard place.

Caroline Berry as Pat Cooper (L) and Oliver Ryan as Andrew Cooper (R)

John Cooper himself is played by an in-his-element Keith Allen. He plays Cooper as a restrained, powder keg of pent-up aggression just waiting for someone to light his fuse. His Cooper plays mind games, manipulates and controls, even from behind bars.
Allen it seems is having so much fun portraying John Cooper that sometimes his regular accent grins through his assumed South Pembrokeshire-twang but not for long and so much of Allen’s John Cooper is communicated through the eyes that it’s easy not to notice those momentary lapses and when he gets the accent spot on, it’s chilling.
A solid start to ITV’s three part adaptation, ‘The Pembrokeshire Murders’ plot will only thicken from here. What could’ve been an empty police procedural drama is elevated by great performances all around and seeing Luke Evans driving across the Cleddau Bridge was a very cool image to remind us all exactly how local these horrendous crimes were. 4/5

Entertainment

Freyja’s ‘Aquantis’ named winner of Torch Theatre’s festive design competition

Published

6 days ago

December 9, 2025

Tom Sinclair

TEN-YEAR-OLD Freyja from St Francis RC School has been crowned the winner of the Torch Theatre’s Design an Evil Sea Creature competition – beating more than 300 imaginative entries that ranged from cyclops creations to fanged dolphins and double-headed stingrays.

Her design, Aquantis, caught the eye of the judges and will now be brought to life on stage in this year’s Christmas pantomime, Rapunzel, at the Torch Theatre.

Freyja said she was “ecstatic” to hear the news.
“It was really good news to have. Drawing and creative writing is something that I enjoy and have a passion for, so to be given this opportunity and to win was incredible. I’d like to say well done to everyone else who entered – it was a fun competition to be part of.”

A sea monster with a story

So what exactly is the Aquantis?

“She was once a tiny kraken with a big heart,” Freyja explained. “She has special powers and shoots slime balls that can paralyse her victims – and during the paralysis phase they are completely under Aquantis’ control. She swims joyfully through the enchanting depths of the sea with a love of exploring every corner of the ocean.”

Freyja said her imagination and a recent snorkelling trip inspired the creature.
“My idea for the Aquantis came through my imagination, after deciding what backstory I wanted to create for her. I can’t say I’ve seen any sea monsters up close, but I’ve recently been snorkelling in the Red Sea so that helped give the Aquantis an edge. I’m really honoured to have been chosen and can’t wait to see it all come together on stage.”

Workshops inspire young artists

This year’s project was delivered in partnership with the Arts Society West Wales, whose representatives joined Torch Theatre professionals for day-long creative workshops in three Milford Haven primary schools. The aim was to help pupils imagine, design and model their own scary sea monsters.

The children’s enthusiasm and creativity were clear throughout the sessions, with dozens of colourful, sci-fi-inspired designs produced. All entries are now on display in the Torch Theatre Gallery.

Torch Theatre’s Artistic Director, Chelsey Gillard, said she was so impressed by the range of ideas that several of the friendlier creatures will also feature in Rapunzel, voiced by members of the Torch Youth Theatre.

Rapunzel this Christmas

Rapunzel runs at the Torch Theatre from Saturday 6 December to Sunday 28 December.
Tickets: £24.50 | £20.00 concessions | £78.00 family.
Relaxed Environment Performance: Saturday 13 December at 2:00pm.
BSL Interpreted Performance (Liz May): Tuesday 16 December, 6:00pm.

Entertainment

Artistic licence brings comedy classic noises off to the Torch Theatre

Published

6 days ago

December 8, 2025

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE theatre company Artistic Licence is preparing to bring the much-loved farce Noises Off to the Torch Theatre in Milford Haven from Thursday 5 to Saturday 7 February.

It is 25 years since the National Theatre’s ground-breaking production of Michael Frayn’s comedy first wowed audiences. Now Artistic Licence is presenting its own take on what critics have long hailed as “the greatest farce ever written”.

Packed with slamming doors, flying sardines and backstage mayhem, Noises Off follows a theatre company whose production is falling apart both on stage and behind the scenes. The result is a chaotic tribute to live theatre – and the perfect night out for anyone who has ever been on stage, or simply sat in the audience.

Local cast takes centre stage

The entire cast is drawn from Pembrokeshire performers. Artistic Licence, which champions local talent, has assembled a strong ensemble for the show.

The company includes Kerry Steed as Dotty/Mrs Clackett, Marcus Lewis as Lloyd, Alex Jukes as Garry/Roger, Laura Barrett as Brooke/Vicki, Will Oliver as Frederick/Phillip/Sheikh, Janine Lewis as Belinda/Flavia, Frank Tobin as Selsdon/Burglar, Hun Benbow as Tim/Stage Manager, and Chloe Wheeler as Poppy/ASM.

Artistic Licence was founded by Carol Mackintosh, Trisha Biffen and Marcus Lewis to bring classic plays and quality comedy to local audiences, while giving Pembrokeshire actors the opportunity to perform at the county’s only professional producing theatre.

“We’re so excited to be bringing Noises Off to the Torch,” said Carol, Tricia and Marcus. “It’s one of the funniest plays ever written, and it’s a real treat to work with such a talented group of local performers. Artistic Licence is all about celebrating great writing and giving Pembrokeshire talent a chance to shine – and Noises Off is the perfect show for that.”

How to book

Performances take place in the Torch Theatre’s Main House from 5–7 February 2026. Tickets are available now from the Box Office on 01646 695267 or online at torchtheatre.co.uk.

For anyone who loves theatre, laughter and a generous dose of organised chaos, this is one not to miss.

Entertainment

Will new broadband work bring faster internet to rural Wales by early 2026?

Published

7 days ago

December 8, 2025

Staff Writer

Wales is moving forward with plans that bring real internet coverage to areas where speeds fall short. The project now launched is built on data, fieldwork, returned funding and a clear digital objective. The timing and the scope are fixed, the tools are known, and the outcome is firm. Rural parts of Wales can expect change early in 2026.

A plan built for areas still waiting

The Welsh Government set aside £70 million to bring high-speed broadband to premises where 30Mbps is still out of reach. These areas sit outside all commercial and public rollout activity confirmed for the next three years.

The new effort uses returned funds from BT’s Superfast Cymru phase. Take-up levels went up, the clawback clause activated, and now the amount is being put back into the ground.

There are two LOTS in the framework. LOT 1 carries £60 million and targets clusters with 1,000 or more premises. LOT 2 carries £10 million and goes to smaller sites with fewer than 1,000.

The tender was open until November 26th, 2025. Contracts are expected to be handed out on 20 January 2026. Once awarded, the build can begin. The first results are expected soon.

Coverage gaps are actively targeted

As of mid-2025, around 97.6 percent of premises across Wales reach 30Mbps or more. Roughly 87.8 percent of those can access gigabit speeds. However, smaller areas still remain with lower coverage. These are the homes, farms, outbuildings, and business spots now included in the new plan.

The open market review defines the list. It checks all current commercial and government plans and picks only those premises outside them. That keeps the focus on gaps. It also stops money from going to areas already covered.

Installation cost per premise stands around £2,400. That is slightly higher than figures under Project Gigabit, which usually run under £2,000. Reaching these remote spots takes more work, more equipment, and more time. FTTP is the main option here, as fibre to the Premises means fast, direct access right at the socket.

Where the difference will be felt

This rollout reaches people and places with low speeds, weak lines and poor access to online services. The reach includes people working from rural homes, small business owners, live streamers, and residents who rely on online platforms for everyday tasks.

New coverage will also change how users access data-heavy services like online gaming, app-based tools, and systems that demand instant response and secure payments.

Faster internet helps with media, support platforms, and site features that rely on strong upload and download signals. Those who play online casino games on established gaming platforms will notice smoother delivery.

This type of gaming in the UK has grown steadily in recent years. It is driven by the ease of access from home and the steady shift toward digital formats. With stronger networks, features like live tables, high‑speed slots, and timed promotions can perform more reliably.

With the broadband upgrade, performance will be more consistent, and the interface will become more responsive, especially where visuals or payouts are involved.

Research that helped target the project

The Welsh Government commissioned Cwmpas to gather feedback from those living and working in the most affected areas. This research reached across all parts of Wales and focused on rural users. Respondents included students, self-employed workers, remote professionals, and community leaders.

The biggest age group was 54 to 63, which made up 31.4 percent of replies. The group with the lowest reply rate was 16 to 25, at just 1.45 percent.

Many users saw FTTP as the best solution. They wanted something that worked now, but they were ready to accept bridging options until the final system could be built. Every user surveyed asked for fast and reliable service. No one wanted to wait another three years.

UK Government feedback from similar research confirmed the trend. Those living in areas with limited coverage said they wanted better access for basic online actions, work‑from‑home tasks, and information services. Businesses said they needed faster lines for productivity, better access to cloud tools, and system stability for customer contact.

Support, structure and who builds it

The Welsh Government worked alongside Building Digital UK and local councils to avoid overlap and make sure that funding reached places without confirmed service. City and growth deals across Wales also had input. Coordination across all levels was a key part of planning.

The grant process will include requirements for environmental awareness. Past broadband builds asked providers to show how they would manage biodiversity, and this project will carry the same. Civil works for fibre take weeks, so early notice and open communication help ease disruption in each area.

While this is an infrastructure project, some users face extra difficulty once it goes live. Low income and low digital confidence can slow take-up. This was flagged in early assessments. Providers may offer setup guidance and local signposting to make sure coverage turns into real access.

The build also gives support to third sector groups. These groups use online tools to manage funding, communicate with teams and run outreach. Reliable broadband makes this simpler. The same applies to people using online learning, public service portals or tools with streaming content. It keeps users in touch with what matters.

Fixed timetable, clear impact

The contracts close in late 2025, and awards follow in January 2026. The first build phase starts just after that. Over time, the network will stretch into farms, valleys, border towns, hill properties, and distant coast spots. Each home and business added gets stable signal and a future‑proof line.

The aim is always steady access. Rural areas take longer to build into, but the model here has been tested and planned with care. Providers like Openreach, Ogi, Netomnia and Virgin Media all match the project size. Some need more backing than others, and some may only go after one LOT.

Service helps people stay productive. It lets platforms run with fewer errors. It removes the weak points in a stream or feed. Once the new lines go live, the full package of modern tools and services can follow. Wales stays online without lag, skips the drop, and cuts out the wait.