Entertainment

The Pembrokeshire Murders: Episode 1 review

Published

4 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

Anna Ryder Richardson roars back to Manor Wildlife Park after six-year break

Published

21 hours ago

October 4, 2024

Luke Sinclair

ANNA RYDER RICHARDSON, the celebrity founder of Pembrokeshire’s Manor Wildlife Park, has returned to lead the zoo after a six-year hiatus. Her comeback follows widespread speculation about her involvement with the park, which she and her ex-husband, Colin MacDougall, purchased and transformed in 2008.

Ryder Richardson, a former TV presenter and interior designer, stepped away from the park in 2018 after her divorce. The couple had invested heavily in redeveloping the once-dilapidated site into a popular family attraction, including the construction of a £300,000 rhino house and the introduction of various species such as lions, zebras, and parrots.

In a statement, Ryder Richardson expressed her enthusiasm for her return. “I am very excited, it has been a long time coming, but I am finally back with my beloved animals, incredible team, and excited to greet our visitors into the park. I have huge plans for the future of Manor Wildlife Park,” she said.

She further highlighted her commitment to the local community, saying: “Starting with our locals, who have supported us since 2008 when I bought the park, with the park being open all year round. I would love to open up conversations with schools and groups of all ages, from toddlers, teens, and the elderly, to find out how we can tailor days to suit them.”

Manor Wildlife Park is preparing to mark two significant events today, 4th October—World Animal Day and the birthday of its white rhino, Zamba. Residents and visitors are encouraged to take part in the celebrations and support the park’s ongoing conservation efforts.

Ryder Richardson had previously spoken to the Daily Mail about her decision to step away, stating that the “stresses and strains and expense of running our wildlife park have destroyed our marriage.” Despite the personal challenges, her passion for the animals and the park has brought her back to continue its development.

For more details about Manor Wildlife Park or to make group bookings, visit their official website or email [email protected].

Entertainment

Get ready to power-up: ‘Dubtendo’ lands at ‘Eddie’s Rocks’

Published

2 days ago

October 3, 2024

Luke Sinclair

Hold on to your Mario hats, Pembrokeshire! After years of waiting, the kingdom is about to power-up with the most exciting event in ages—Dubtendo is landing in Haverfordwest, and it’s bringing the nostalgia and rave energy back to West Wales in a way we haven’t seen in years. On Saturday, December 14th, get ready to level up your night at Eddie’s as the retro gaming vibes, giant Mario Kart battles, and a high-energy music lineup will have you screaming Lessagoooo!

But here’s the scoop: Dubtendo’s humble beginnings were right here in West Wales, starting in the student haven of Aberystwyth, where it first took its fans on a journey through beats and retro gaming sillyness. However, it’s been years since this iconic experience has made its way back to these shores, and this return promises to be bigger and bolder than ever!

The lineup is a true Super Smash, featuring Badger, Diagnostix, Local (Live), and the Dubtendo Allstars, along with a crew of local DJs and artists ready to bring the party to life. And if you’re a fan of nostalgia, you’re in for a treat—the Retro Games Lounge is set to take you on a trip down memory lane, with Giant Mario Kart races, performers, and epic decor to immerse you in a pixel-perfect wonderland.

It’s been a long wait, but West Wales is finally getting its 1-Up! So, grab your mates, hit the “start” button, and power up for a night to remember. Tickets are available now, and with this lineup, they’ll go faster than a blue shell on the final lap!

🎟️ Tickets are available here

Get ready to mash those buttons, because this Dubtendo is going to be game-changing! 🍄

MORE INFO ON DUBTENDO HERE:

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Entertainment

Get ready for a fangtastic night at ‘Flamingo Bingo’s Halloween Special’

Published

2 days ago

October 3, 2024

Luke Sinclair

The dead are rising, and so is the excitement in Pembrokeshire, as West Wales’ biggest and wildest Halloween party returns. Flamingo Bingo is back on Saturday, 26th October, bringing spine-tingling thrills, ridiculous dance-offs, live music, and a dash of naughty fun to The Hangar in Milford Haven. This isn’t your granny’s bingo – it’s a night of pure mayhem with a devilish twist!

Bingo halls may once have been the domain of the quiet and the tame, but Flamingo Bingo is here to turn that stereotype on its head. Prepare for a haunted house of bingo madness, where the only thing scarier than missing a number is the confetti cannon that’ll rain down as soon as someone scores a win. With smoke machines swirling and the music cranked up to 11, the atmosphere will be electric.

Expect five rounds of bingo with prizes to die for – from quirky treats to a Henry Hoover (yes, you could end your night with something to suck up those cobwebs!). But if that’s not enough to get your heart racing, how about a £50 prize for the best fancy dress? Throw on your sexiest ghoul outfit, or perhaps something a little more devilish – the crowd will be judging!

And speaking of devilish, every time the notorious number 69 gets called, the crowd will go wild with cheeky grins and dance moves that might make the spirits blush. With classic tunes like Mousse T’s “Horny” keeping the room buzzing, you can expect some seriously sinful dance breaks between rounds. So even if you miss out on that full house, there’ll be plenty of chances to shake your tail feather.

The night will be filled with spooky surprises – beware of false calls, as those unlucky enough to get it wrong will face hilarious forfeits. And don’t think you’ll get off easy. With every dab and missed number, the tension rises – and so does the fun. It’s a marathon, not a sprint, and keeping track might get tricky after a few drinks. But that’s all part of the intoxicating chaos!

Flamingo Bingo promises an unforgettable mix of bingo and pure, unbridled mischief. With prizes, laughter, and a few unexpected twists, you’ll be howling with joy all night long. Whether you’re there to win big or just let your inner party animal out to play, this Halloween special will be the most fun you’ve had in a bingo hall – or anywhere else for that matter.

So grab your tickets, round up your mates, and prepare to be scared… but in all the right ways. The Flamingo Bingo Halloween Special is the party you don’t want to miss – where the prizes are insane, the tunes are banging, and the innuendos fly as freely as the confetti!

Tickets available here: https://fatso.ma/0mEI