THIS OCTOBER at the Torch Theatre, local business owner Lloyd Grayshon, a Pembrokeshire native, will showcase his wonderful photographs of the county at the Joanna Field Gallery called The Lloyd Grayshon Exhibition. Based mostly on nature and wildlife, Lloyd’s images have captured the changing Pembrokeshire weather and its glorious landscape.

Owner of Media to Motion; a production company with a special focus on video creation based here in Pembrokeshire, Lloyd’s passion lies in videography. However most recently, he has also developed a deep appreciation for the art of photography. 

Father of two, Lloyd, is really looking forward to be exhibiting his work at the Torch Theatre which is on his doorstep. He said:

“I’m thrilled to present my photography in the Torch Theatre Gallery. The shots were taken whilst on various projects as a videographer. A drone pilot allowed me to capture the stunning beauty of Pembrokeshire from unique angles and perspectives.”

The county is most precious to Lloyd and through his images, he hopes to promote Pembrokeshire in the most magical of ways.

Lloyd concluded: “Pembrokeshire holds a special place in my heart, and through my lens, I aim to share my personal connection and daily encounters with the region’s natural beauty.

“I hope that you’ll enjoy my interpretation of this remarkable place that I call home.”

The Lloyd Grayshon Exhibition will take place at the Joanna Field Gallery, Torch Theatre throughout October and will be open during Torch Theatre opening hours.

AS THE TORCH THEATRE’S autumn production of Private Lives makes its way to the Torch stage this October, its freelance lighting designer, who works predominantly in Wales, will be celebrating his 30th year in the industry. Ceri James from Llanarthney near Carmarthen works quietly behind the scenes to devise and manage the lights for a variety of productions and is relishing the challenge of working on Private Lives.

His extensive career has taken him around the globe but he’s never far from Pembrokeshire. After graduating from RWCMD Cardiff in 1990, Ceri moved to California to study and work for the University of Southern California. He has designed over 20 productions for the Sherman Theatre Company and has designed lighting for Theatre Centre, Dalier Sylw, Theatr Clwyd, Theatr na n’Og, Salisbury Playhouse, Unicorn Theatre, Haymarket Theatre Leicester, The Royal Derngate Northampton, New Theatre Stoke, Theatr Bara Caws and Wales Theatre Company. He is a founder member of Mappa Mundi Theatre for whom he has designed over 30 productions.
‘I worked extensively in Cardiff as a Lighting Designer, Production Manager and Producer from 1992 – 2012 including Cardiff Millennium Celebrations, and Cardiff’s first Big Weekend. During this period, I was a Founding Member of Mappa Mundi Theatre producing over 20 productions,’ said Ceri. 

But even though he has journeyed extensively with his work, he has also worked regularly for the Torch Theatre here in Pembrokeshire for the past 10 years since moving to Llanarthney. He has even worked with Chelsey Gillard, Torch Theatre’s Artistic Director before.

‘I first worked with Chelsey Gillard in 2018 as a Lighting Designer for ‘Blue’ at Chapter Arts Centre and now five years later we are back working together on a terrific comedy drama and it’s just great,” added Ceri who designs using the latest 3d visualisations, making work digitally and sharing ideas remotely.

And Chelsey is just as delighted to be working with Ceri once more.
“Ceri’s work is so detailed, always adding to the storytelling of the production and ensuring the focus is where we need it to be onstage. I’m looking forward to working with Ceri again, I admire his work so much and we already have a shared taste. Private Lives is going to be a brilliant spectacle and we can’t wait for you to see it,’ said Chelsey.

This October, Ceri will have designed four productions around Wales, Private Lives and the tour of Torch Theatre original production Carwyn produced by Bale & Thomas. And this Christmas he will be Lighting Designer for Sherman Theatre’s Christmas shows – Hansel & Gretel and Peter Pan. 

THE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF WALES has announced an impressive series of events to commemorate the rich heritage of broadcasting in the country. Hosted in partnership with major Welsh broadcasters such as BBC Cymru Wales, ITV Cymru Wales, and S4C, the “Wales Broadcast Archive Presents…” series promises to be a veritable feast for fans of Welsh television and radio.

The series is designed to spotlight the contributions of stars from various realms of broadcasting, including drama, comedy, presenting, and journalism. The events will be enriched by rare clips from the broadcasting archives, bringing to life the stories and experiences of the featured personalities.

In the first event scheduled for October 26th, the globally renowned actor and heartthrob of Y Gwyll / Hinterland, Richard Harrington, will share the stage with presenter Ffion Dafis. November will see the talented comedian, singer, and presenter Caryl Parry Jones regale the audience with stories and songs, again hosted by Ffion. Both these events are set to be held at the revered National Library for Wales in Aberystwyth.

The third event promises to be an extraordinary evening at Carmarthen Library’s Clip Corner. Scheduled for January 25th of next year, it will feature a stellar lineup of BBC Radio Wales presenters from yesteryears and today, presided over by Dot Davies. Attendees can expect insightful interviews with journalist Gilbert John, presenter Roy Noble, and reggae sensation and presenter Aleighcia Scott. Furthermore, a nostalgic dip into the archives will showcase news and happenings from Carmarthen’s rich history.

Tickets for these intriguing events are now up for grabs on the library’s official website.

The Wales Broadcast Archive is a noble initiative funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Welsh Government, and the national library. Its mission is to safeguard and present the broadcasting heritage of Wales to the public. Dafydd Tudur, the archive project manager for the national library, shared, “Our primary goal is to welcome people from all walks of life to explore and relish the Wales Broadcast Archive.”

The archive, by the end of its journey, will provide public access to half a million video and audio clips, chronicling the history of radio and television in Wales.

For those interested in diving into the visual history of Wales, tickets are available on the library’s website: events.library.wales.

For further details or interview requests, please reach out to Rhodri ap Dyfrig, the Head of Marketing and Audiences at the National Library of Wales.