News
Panto is coming to Tenby…. Oh yes, it is!!!
A BRAND-NEW star-studded family pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk is coming to Pembrokeshire this Christmas, starring none other than James Argent, best known as “Arg” from TOWIE (The Only Way is Essex).
Lucky audiences will boo, laugh, cheer, clap, shout “Behind You!” and sing along to the family favourite premiering at the De Valence Pavilion in Tenby this December.
Featuring a cast of professional actors and some local performers, the production will have all the usual panto trimmings, stunning scenery and costumes, spectacular song and dance routines and bags of slapstick fun. It is the perfect festive treat for all the family.
Arg, star of ITVBe reality series “The Only Way Is Essex”, will play Silly Simon in the brand-new production. He is also a regular on radio and TV, as a guest presenter on Good Morning Britain, “Celebrity Super Spa”, ITV’s “Sugar Free Farm” and Channel 4’s “The Jump”. More recently he has worked alongside Gemma Collins on her show “Diva Forever” and has also taken part in TV favourites “Celebrity Coach Trip” and “Celebs go Dating”.
“I absolutely love pantomime especially interacting with the audiences, there is nothing like a good panto to really get you into the festive season. I love Wales and can’t wait to come to Tenby for the first time” says the reality star.
Alongside Arg will be a host of incredible performers including West End leading lady Emma Norman as The Woodland Fairy. Emma brings with her a wealth of experience having worked alongside famous names such as Michael Ball and Il Divo. The panto will also star James Schouten (Tony in West Side Story and Marcello in La Bohѐme) as the evil Fleshcreep, Alan Wilson, a 2021 graduate of London Studio Centre as our hero Jack and Woodrow Young who trained at Arts Educational, London as Ensemble/Dancer.
The show’s creator and director Drew Baker added “I could not be happier to be producing the pantomime at the De Valence Pavilion. The space is amazing, and I promise the biggest pantomime the county has ever seen featuring a quality star cast, fantastic scenery and costumes, an amazing live band, and magical special effects. Jack and the Beanstalk is a wonderful story that everyone knows and loves so make sure you book your tickets nice and early to secure the best seats, this will truly be an amazing spectacle for all the people of Pembrokeshire and beyond especially after the year we have all had”.
Drew, an accomplished performer, and director will also be playing the much-loved mother of Jack and Simon, Dame Trott.
Dave Jones, General Manager of The De Valence in Tenby said “For many years the De Valence has strived to bring a varied diary of entertainment and we are so proud to be working with Drew and the team at Vision Arts to give the county another top-class show on their doorstep. This is going to be a great boost for the future development of the arts in Pembrokeshire and we are so excited to be a part of It”
The Eagle-eyed readers amongst you will notice that there is no mention of who is playing Princess Jill and that is because the decision will be yours! ‘Search for a Princess’ will launch later in the year and will see the company on a County wide hunt to find someone to play the much-loved Princess Jill. Could it be you? Keep an eye on social media channels for more information.
The company will also be searching for 60 youngsters from the age of 6 – 12 to perform across the performances along with 4 local senior dancers. Auditions will take place in the summer so watch out for more info coming soon.
Local schools are being encouraged to book early for the special school panto performances available on selected dates during December, as tickets are expected to sell out quickly. In addition to fantastic group prices, and exclusive to Vision Arts productions, each school that books will be able to take advantage of a completely free Panto Workshop held at their school, a great end of term activity to look forward to!
There will be a signed and relaxed performance available along with some exclusive meet and greet opportunities. All of these will have limited availability, so please visit the website for more information.
Vision Arts will also be giving away 400 free tickets to Welsh NHS staff as a small token of thanks for the incredible work they do daily but even more so during the pandemic. The ‘NHS Free Ticket’ performances will take place on Sunday 12th, Monday 20th, Thursday 23rd and Wednesday 29th December. More information will be available on the website.
It is also a great privilege to be joined by Pure West Radio who are our official Radio Media Partners for this very first Big Pembs Panto!
Jack and the Beanstalk runs at De Valence Pavilion, Tenby from Thursday 9th to Friday 31st December.
Tickets can be booked via www.bigpembspanto.com
For fantastic group rates and the NHS Free Ticket offer contact [email protected]
Crime
Begelly man sentenced for carrying metal bar during nightclub fight
A MAN has been sentenced after approaching a Pembrokeshire nightclub armed with a metre-long metal bar.
Just after 2:30am on July 21, police were called to Main Street, Pembroke, following reports of a large fight involving around 100 people outside ‘Out’ nightclub.
Crown Prosecutor Nia James told Haverfordwest magistrates this week: “Officers were told it was a large fight. They saw Walter Probert, 27, march purposefully towards a parked van.
“The van’s lights were on, and they saw the defendant pull out a long, green metal pole. He took ten steps back towards the nightclub and transferred the pole from one hand to the other.”
Another man approached Probert, removed the pole from his hands, and placed it inside the van.
“Because of the manner in which the pole was used by the defendant, it became an offensive weapon,” added Ms James.
CCTV footage of the incident was shown to magistrates.
Probation officer Julie Norman said Probert had no recollection of the incident.
“He doesn’t remember what he was doing, but he accepts everything that has been said. He was very drunk,” she said.
“He was brought up in the gypsy travelling community and doesn’t have an alcohol issue; he’s just a social drinker. He’s thankful to his friend who took the pole and placed it back inside the van.”
Probert, of the Caravan Site, Kingsmoor Common, Begelly, pleaded guilty to possessing an offensive weapon in a public place. He was represented in court by Mr Tom Lloyd.
“No threats were made by the defendant when he picked it up, but it was a stupid decision,” said Mr Lloyd. “As soon as he was challenged and asked what he was doing, he ceased.”
Probert was sentenced to a 12-month community order, requiring him to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay £85 costs and a £114 court surcharge. Magistrates imposed a destruction order on the metal bar.
Charity
Set a New Year Challenge and explore Pembrokeshire for animals in 2025
ANIMAL lovers in Pembrokeshire looking to set an exciting goal for 2025 can now sign up for the RSPCA’s fundraising challenges, including the iconic Tour of Pembrokeshire on 24 May 2025.
From scenic bike rides to adrenaline-fueled adventures, the RSPCA is encouraging participants to embrace a challenge that not only benefits their health but also helps animals in need.
Abi Mustard, Events Manager at the RSPCA, said: “If you’re looking for a unique challenge for the New Year, the Tour of Pembrokeshire offers a perfect blend of stunning coastal views, physical endurance, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on animal welfare.”
The Tour of Pembrokeshire is renowned for showcasing some of the most breathtaking routes in Wales, attracting cyclists of all abilities. Participants will navigate challenging climbs, rolling hills, and picturesque landscapes, all while raising crucial funds for the RSPCA’s work in rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals across Wales.
Abi added: “Every mile cycled and every pound raised makes a difference. You’ll not only experience the beauty of Pembrokeshire but also become part of a dedicated team working to stop animal cruelty and neglect.”
Why Join the RSPCA Tour of Pembrokeshire Challenge?
- Personalised support from the RSPCA events team
- RSPCA branded cycling jersey once fundraising reaches £50
- Access to a dedicated events Facebook group for tips and encouragement
- Cheering packs for family and friends on event day
More RSPCA Challenges Across Wales in 2025
- Chepstow Half Marathon: 26 January
- ABP Newport Wales Marathon: 13 April
- Gower Peninsula Challenge: 19–20 July
- Snowdon Triple: 18–19 August
- Cardiff Half Marathon: 5 October
Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or a first-time fundraiser, the Tour of Pembrokeshire offers an unforgettable experience with a purpose.
To sign up or request a fundraising pack, visit the RSPCA website today and start your journey towards making a difference—for yourself and for animals in need.
Together, let’s make 2025 a year of action, compassion, and achievement.
News
Police close Westfield Pill Bridge over concerns for person’s welfare
FEARS for a person’s safety led police to close Westfield Pill Bridge, near Neyland.
The bridge, on the A477 between Honeyborough roundabout and the Cleddau Bridge, was shut for just over an hour, with drivers advised to seek alternative routes.
The incident took place on Friday evening and was concluded when the person was located safe and well.
A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “Dyfed-Powys Police received a call for a concern for the welfare of an individual on Westfield Pill Bridge at around 7:30pm on Friday, December 20.
“The road was closed and reopened at around 8:40pm.
“The individual was located safe and well.”
This is not the first time such an incident has led to a bridge closure.
There have been several previous similar incidents, including on Friday, October 4, 2024, the Cleddau Bridge was closed for about an hour following a call reporting a welfare concern. The closure occurred at around 4:45pm, and the bridge reopened at 5:45pm.
The person involved was taken to the hospital for treatment.
In June, a multi–agency rescue operation unfolded at Neyland Marina after a youth jumped approximately 40 metres from Westfield Bridge into the water below.
Emergency services, including crews from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) stations in Haverfordwest, Milford Haven, Pembroke Dock, and Carmarthen, were swiftly dispatched to the scene.
According to a spokesperson for MAWWFRS, members of the public were instrumental in rescuing the youth before the arrival of the emergency crews.
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