News

Torch Theatre will re-open next week after 18-month Covid pandemic closure

Published

5 years ago

August 25, 2021

MILFORD HAVEN’S Torch Theatre will be re-opening its doors again to its patrons on Wednesday 1 September 2021. After a long 18 months, this is much welcomed news for the theatre, its staff, and volunteers, and most importantly its community who have missed the thrills and enjoyment of on-stage and big screen entertainment.

The Torch will be offering a full programme of Cinema and Live Broadcasts throughout September. As a special thank you to the Pembrokeshire community for their ongoing support and loyalty, all Cinema tickets will be priced at £5 per ticket and Live Broadcasts will be priced at £10 per ticket for all September screenings.

The Cinema programme includes a feast of recent releases including Disney’s Cruella, Fast and Furious 9, Peter Rabbit 2, The Suicide Squad, Dream Horse and The Father. Later in September, the Torch will be screening Marvel’s Shang Chi, People Just Do Nothing Big In Japan and Free Guy. The Live Broadcast offering includes Andre Rieu’s Together Again and the National Theatre Live’s Follies and Romeo and Juliet. Socially distanced seating will remain in place throughout September as the theatre gears up to returning to full capacity from October with the return of its Live Theatre programme.

Executive Director of the Torch Theatre, Benjamin Lloyd, on the re-opening said: “These past months have been incredibly painful and isolating for so many, and this has been made worse by the loss of communal experience and expression throughout lockdown. Whilst the Torch has carried on our support of community groups, classes, and our youth theatre, online and behind closed doors, nothing is the same without our audiences inhabiting the building and so we are beyond thrilled to announce our public reopening with a trademark rich, varied and inclusive programme from Wednesday 1 September.”

For the reassurance of audiences and staff alike, enhanced Covid policies and procedures will be in place for when the doors re-open. In accordance with Welsh Government guidelines, patrons will be asked to wear a facemask at all times (unless eating or drinking), hand sanitiser stations will be located throughout the building, bookings will be limited to group bubbles with socially distanced seating placed across both auditoria, patrons will be encouraged to book online (Box Office support is available) and use print at home/digital tickets where possible, and, entry times will be staggered across the day so that the theatre can be thoroughly cleaned ahead of the next performance.

There will also be a few changes to how food and drink is offered from within the Torch. A new kiosk has been built in the Box Office offering a range of sweets and snacks, ice creams, hot and cold drinks, and alcoholic beverages. The main bar spaces and Café Torch will remain closed initially but will re-open later in the year as the Torch phases in different parts of its operations coinciding with the lifting of social distance restrictions.

The much-acclaimed Torch Theatre Company Productions will return to the stage from October starting with Angel, a play inspired by the true story of a female Kurdish freedom fighter who fought against ISIS insurgents in Syria. Also from October, the Torch will welcome two extraordinary exhibitions: One World: An Exhibition from the Penally Camp Artists will feature in the Torch’s Oriel Joanna Field, and, to coincide with the launch of a dedicated website for our artistic engagement project The Pembrokeshire Story, a specially curated exhibition will be held to celebrate the people and places of Pembrokeshire that feature in this innovative project.

For those who have missed their annual festive treat of Pantomime, the Torch can also confirm that Cinderella is scheduled to take place this December with Pembrokeshire’s favourite Dame, Dion Davies, and the much loved Dave Ainsworth so far confirmed to star in the most magical of family Christmas shows. Both Angel and Cinderella will be directed by the Torch Theatre’s Artistic Director, Peter Doran.

The Torch will also welcome back its local community and creative groups. After a summer of socially distanced Youth Theatre and Joon Dance Workshops, all community groups will be returning to the Torch in person from September, including the Cradle Choir, Mother and Baby Groups and Arts Care disability movement classes. Both the Torch Youth Theatre and the Torch Voices Choir will return later in the Autumn.

Benjamin Lloyd added: “We are thrilled to be getting back to what we do best and I want to extend my thanks once again to our staff, volunteer team and to you, our valued patrons, for the backing you have shown the Torch in these past months. The Torch is a precious resource for the Arts in Wales and for our communities alike and whilst we have some tough times ahead as we begin the process of building back brighter, I know that with your continued support, we will continue to create, engage, inspire and entertain for generations to come.”

It is an exciting time ahead for the Torch and most importantly the theatre is ready to welcome you all back once again. Tickets are now on sale for the Torch’s Autumn programme, with more shows to be announced very soon. Tickets are recommended to be purchased in advance from the Torch Theatre’s website www.torchtheatre.co.uk and for extra support with your booking, please call the Box Office on 01646 695267.

Climate

Blue sea creatures wash up on Welsh beaches including Tenby

Published

6 hours ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

VISITORS to Welsh beaches have been warned not to touch unusual blue sea creatures which have washed ashore along parts of the coastline.

Hundreds of velella velella, commonly known as by-the-wind sailors, have been reported on beaches in Anglesey, Gwynedd and Tenby.

The small, bright blue marine creatures are free-floating hydrozoans and are related to Portuguese man o’ war, sea anemones and corals.

They get their name from a small sail-like structure on their body, which catches the wind and carries them across the surface of the sea.

One was spotted on Tenby South Beach on Tuesday (Jun 16), where beachgoer Maxine Allinson described it as “fantastic” and “like a crystal”.

Marine experts say the creatures are often seen after changes in currents or stormy weather, which can push large numbers ashore at the same time.

Although they are much smaller and less dangerous than Portuguese man o’ war, they do have stinging cells.

Their sting is usually mild, but people are being advised not to pick them up, especially as contact with the face, lips or sensitive skin could cause pain or tingling.

Experts also warn that the stinging cells can remain active even after the creatures appear to be dead on the beach.

The advice is to admire them from a safe distance and leave them where they are.

Caption: Maxine Allinson spotted a velella velella on Tenby South beach Tuesday

Local Government

Mayor to hold drop-in session for Haverfordwest residents

Published

6 hours ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

HAVERFORDWEST residents will have the chance to raise ideas, concerns and local issues directly with the town’s mayor this week.

Cllr Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner will hold a Talk to Your Mayor session on Thursday, from 12:00pm until 2:00pm.

The initiative is aimed at giving residents an opportunity to speak directly with the mayor about matters affecting the town and wider community.

Cllr Thomas-Turner said communication and engagement were “vital”, adding that the session was about listening to local people, working together, and ensuring every voice had the opportunity to be heard.

Anyone wishing to book an appointment is asked to contact the Haverfordwest Town Council town clerk.

The mayor said: “Together, we can continue building a stronger and more connected community. Together we can make Haverfordwest the best in the west.”

News

Senedd rejects Reform call to end Welsh Government international spending

Published

8 hours ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE SENEDD has rejected a Reform UK motion calling for an end to all Welsh Government international spending, after a heated debate which saw several Members walk out of the chamber.

The motion, tabled by Reform MS Llŷr Powell, was defeated by 48 votes to 37 on Wednesday (Jun 17).

An amended motion, backing Wales’ reputation as an “internationalist, tolerant and outward-looking nation”, was then passed by the same margin.

The debate followed warnings from Hub Cymru Africa and other campaigners that ending international spending would damage Wales’ global reputation and undermine projects linking Welsh communities with partners overseas.

Reform argued that Welsh Government money should be focused on domestic pressures, including the NHS, schools, transport and the cost of living.

Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar backed the Reform motion, saying foreign relations and international development were matters for the UK Government rather than Cardiff Bay.

But Plaid Cymru and Welsh Government speakers rejected that argument, saying Wales’ international work supported trade, public services, education, health partnerships and the country’s reputation abroad.

The debate became heated after comments by Reform MS Joe Martin, who criticised overseas schemes including beekeeping and tree-planting projects in Uganda.

Several MSs left the Siambr during his contribution, with the Llywydd later urging Members to reflect on the tone of the debate.

Hub Cymru Africa had said before the vote that Wales’ international solidarity budget represented a tiny fraction of overall spending and helped deliver work in public health, climate action, women’s empowerment and sustainable development.

The organisation said the vote was an opportunity for the Senedd to reaffirm Wales’ place in the world.