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

Blodwen Rocks the Boat sets sail for Torch Theatre

Published

2 days ago

February 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

One-woman musical comedy from Newport performer Emily Davis heads to Milford Haven after Fringe success

FOLLOWING a successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe, Newport performer Emily Davis is setting sail on a UK tour with her uplifting one-woman musical comedy, Blodwen Rocks the Boat.

Blending sharp satire, original songs and heartfelt storytelling, the show takes an affectionate look at modern ideas of work, ambition and success — and what happens when we dare to question the path we’re on.

Blodwen believes she’s finally got it all figured out. The job, the city lifestyle, the reassuring sense that she’s “made it.” But when a corporate away day takes her unexpectedly out to sea, something begins to shift. As the tide turns, so too does Blodwen’s understanding of what success really means.

Directed by Paulus the Cabaret Geek and accompanied by musician and composer Andy Campbell Smith, Blodwen Rocks the Boat is a witty and life-affirming reminder that success isn’t always about climbing higher — sometimes it’s about choosing your own direction.

Emily Davis is a Welsh cabaret performer, singer and writer who has built a loyal following for her character-led solo shows. Previous Blodwen productions have enjoyed acclaimed runs at the Edinburgh Fringe and venues including the Wales Millennium Centre. This latest show marks her most ambitious project yet — a fully original musical developed through Fringe performances, previews and professional collaboration.

Emily said: “My Blodwen has blossomed! This is my biggest show yet and I can’t wait to see how audiences respond. I invite you to spend an evening with me — a Welsh woman who can sing and doesn’t mind making a fool of herself on stage! I promise you’ll also leave feeling very excited about stationery!”

The London Theatre Review described the show as “stunning”, adding: “Emily’s striking and powerful singing contrasts beautifully with the Welsh-accented simplicity of Blodwen’s stories. What an engaging performer.” Cabaret Scenes praised her vocal talent, calling it “her secret weapon.”

Blodwen Rocks the Boat tours the UK this spring and comes to the Torch Theatre on Tuesday, March 17 at 7:30pm.

Tickets are £15 and the show is suitable for ages twelve and over.

For more information visit www.torchtheatre.co.uk or contact the Box Office on (01646) 695267.

Entertainment

Let the cat out of the bag with the Torch Theatre

Published

2 days ago

February 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

IT MAY feel like Christmas is a long way off, but tickets for the Torch Theatre’s 2026 school pantomime are already selling fast.

This year’s production promises hiss-terical humour, plenty of local references and a whisker of Western adventure as Puss in Boots rides into town. With over 2,000 tickets already booked and some performances sold out, schools are being urged to secure their seats now.

For a limited time, tickets are available at a special early bird price, and schools pay nothing until December. Booking early not only guarantees the best seats in the house but locks in this year’s prices too.

Last year’s Rapunzel welcomed more than 3,000 schoolchildren from across Pembrokeshire. Six schools also received financial support through the Arts Council of Wales ‘Go and See Fund’ to attend. The theatre is hoping to build on that success in 2026.

Tim Howe, Senior Manager for Youth and Community at the Torch, said: “For many young people, pantomime is their first experience of live theatre — that first spark of theatrical magic. Our commitment goes beyond the curtain call, with every school receiving a dedicated resource pack to bring the themes of the show into the classroom.

“Regardless of where they live, young people need the arts. We’re proud to support our community’s wellbeing through live performance. Studies suggest that the social connection found at the theatre can even reduce GP visits and hospital stays. Our panto isn’t just a show — it’s part of building a healthier Pembrokeshire. And they do say laughter is the best medicine.”

The Torch is preparing to welcome audiences this December as Puss helps our heroes chase fame and fur-tune in Wild West Wales. Pull on your cowboy boots and join the meow-sical extravaganza — it promises to be the cat’s pyjamas.

A Relaxed Environment performance will take place on Saturday 19 December at 2:00pm, and a BSL-interpreted performance on Tuesday 22 December at 6:00pm.

For more information visit www.torchtheatre.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01646 695267.

Community

Festival of the Sea to return with free family day at Milford Waterfront

Published

4 days ago

February 12, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Coastal groups, artists and charities unite at Sybil House to celebrate Pembrokeshire’s marine life and community spirit

MILFORD HAVEN is set for a splash of colour, music and marine discovery next month as the Festival of the Sea returns with a full day of free activities for families.

Organised by Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum, the event will take place at Sybil House on Sunday, March 1, from 10:00am to 4:00pm, bringing together conservation groups, artists, performers and community organisations to celebrate the county’s coastline and the people whose lives are tied to it.

The Herald understands the festival proved popular last year and has been expanded for 2026, with organisers moving into the larger indoor venue to allow more stalls, workshops and performances.

Visitors can expect a packed programme of hands-on activities and entertainment aimed at all ages. Highlights include a marine wildlife touch tank hosted by the Field Studies Council, children’s art and clay workshops at the Waterfront Gallery, live music and sea shanties, and walkabout pirate performers bringing a bit of theatre to the waterfront.

Throughout the day, local choirs and musicians will perform, creating what organisers hope will feel like a relaxed, community celebration rather than a formal exhibition.

Sue Burton, Pembrokeshire Marine Special Area of Conservation Officer, said: “The Festival of the Sea was really popular last year, and I’m really pleased it’s coming back in the bigger venue of Sybil House.

“The marine environment of Pembrokeshire is internationally important for wildlife as well as for employment and energy. The festival is a fun way to celebrate all the great work being done for our seas, and it’s a great opportunity to engage young people through art workshops, face painting and street theatre.”

A wide range of organisations will host information stands and activities, including the RNLI, Sea Trust, Project Seagrass, The Crown Estate, Car-y-Môr, Marine Conservation Society, Marine Energy Wales and the Port of Milford Haven.

Together, they will showcase projects ranging from marine wildlife protection and habitat restoration to renewable energy and sustainable seafood, highlighting the economic and environmental importance of the Haven and surrounding coastline.

Food and refreshments will also be available, including local produce from Pembrokeshire Beach Food, giving visitors a taste of Pembrokeshire’s growing reputation for coastal cuisine.

Entry is free, and organisers say people are welcome to drop in for a single activity or spend the whole day exploring what is on offer. A full schedule of talks and workshops will be released closer to the date.

For more information, visit www.pembrokeshirecoastalforum.org.uk/festival-of-the-sea.