Entertainment

Torch Youth Theatre prepares for its Autumn series

Published

1 year ago

August 14, 2023

THE TORCH THEATRE is known for priding itself on nurturing new talent and its Youth Theatre. For many, is where the magic of theatre all begins. The Youth Theatre (YT) is a programme for young people aged seven to 18 that helps them to understand what it is to be a theatre maker and the opportunities are endless.

Each week, the young people are encouraged to build their confidence through creative and engaging skill-building sessions, led by the Torch Theatre’s dedicated team. These sessions are not just about acting and theatre; the young people also learn about social skills, problem-solving, and teamwork. Most importantly they have fun and make new friends.

This year its youth theatre participants will be involved in two national programmes. The seven to 11-year-olds will be working on two fantastic new plays commissioned as part of Positive Stories for Difficult Times in association with Wonder Fools, Traverse and Youth Theatre Arts Scotland. Whilst young people aged 15-18 will be taking part in the UK wide National Theatre Connections programme.

The Torch Youth Theatre operates on seven key principles as Tim Howe, Senior Manager: Youth and Community told The Herald: “Here at the Torch, we provide regular connection for young people with their peers, we encourage the development of young people’s imagination, we promote creative, physical, and educational activity as well as offering the opportunity for young people to learn new skills. In addition to these we also support the development of methods for critical thinking, we provide space for young people to understand the world around us and finally, and most importantly, we enable young people to understand themselves.”

The Torch Youth Theatre is a welcoming space for everyone, regardless of development and ability and its Youth and Community Autumn Programme is supported by the Milford Haven Port Authority and Ingles trust.

Tim added: “We are aware that every young person develops at their own rate and ability is not always linked to age. We aim to make reasonable adjustments to our delivery to ensure that each group provides the best fit for everyone, so our young people can make the most of their experiences.

“We seek to engage young people in creative safe spaces which allow them to express themselves; to work out what matters to them, what they are passionate about, and how to tell everyone about that. We believe that the young people we work with have the power to make their own stories, and change how we all see our world,” concluded Tim.

The Torch Youth Theatre Autumn term starts on the week commencing 18 September with sessions held on the following days during term time:

Group 1: School years 3 and 4 meet on TUESDAYS 4:00pm to 5:30pm
Group 2: School years 5 and 6 meet on WEDNESDAYS 4:30pm to 6:00pm
Group 3: School years 7, 8, and 9 meet on TUESDAYS 6.30pm to 8:00pm
Group 4: School years 10, 11, 12 and 13 meet on WEDNESDAYS 7:30pm to 9:30pm

There is also a Youth Theatre session held every week during term time, but there is no pressure to attend each one of these.

If this sounds like something that appeals to you, then please contact the Torch Theatre’s box office team on 01646 694192 and they will be happy to book you in for your taster session.

For more information, and to begin your creative journey, contact the Torch Theatre’s Senior Manager: Youth and Community, Tim Howe –[email protected] or 01646 695267.

Entertainment

Unearthed Festival 2025: Headliners announced for 10th anniversary celebration

Published

2 days ago

December 20, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE UNEARTHED FESTICAL is set to celebrate its 10th anniversary in style, with headline performances from Macka B, Natty, and Ozric Tentacles.

Adding to the excitement, Marcus Gad is anticipated to join the lineup, though this awaits final confirmation, as stated in a recent newsletter to the festival’s mailing list.

The much-loved festival, renowned for its vibrant blend of music and arts, is gearing up for its milestone year. Organisers are urging festival-goers to secure their spots early, as campervan spaces, dog passes, and parking permits are in limited supply.

Early bird tickets for Unearthed 2025 sold out in record time, a testament to the festival’s enduring popularity among its dedicated fan base.

In a statement to attendees, the festival team said: “These epic artists are Unearthed icons, and as it’s our 10th anniversary festival, we couldn’t imagine celebrating without them.”

To mark the occasion, a redesigned festival website was unveiled last Friday, alongside the opening of applications for performers, volunteers, traders, and other contributors. The team encourages prompt submissions to ensure a chance to participate in this landmark event.

Adding to the festive spirit, organisers have also extended an invitation to their New Year’s Eve party—a warm-up to the main event next summer.

The Unearthed Festival has built a reputation over the past decade for delivering a unique community experience, blending diverse music, art, and culture in a way that resonates deeply with attendees.

As part of the broader summer festival scene, Unearthed continues to stand out as a celebration of creativity and connection, promising another unforgettable year in 2025.

Entertainment

Does Deal or No Deal need to attract more Welsh players?

Published

3 days ago

December 19, 2024

Staff Writer

With ITV’s reboot of Deal or No Deal now in full swing, fans have noticed that some of the most exciting moments have involved Welsh contestants. With viewers highlighting the charm and entertainment value of Welsh players, we’ve discussed why the hit game show could benefit from getting more locals involved.

The popularity of Deal or No Deal

The initial run of the UK’s Deal or No Deal was broadcast on Channel 4 between 2005 and 2016 before quietly being axed. In 2023, a new revival returned to ITV with a slightly altered format. With viewers flocking to the series in droves, the broadcaster was quick to renew the show for another season this year.

As the game is entirely luck-based, it has made it a great source of inspiration for online gambling games. This includes multiple online slots and even live dealer game shows with Deal or No Deal branding. These are featured at several quality sites that offer UK casino bonuses to new players in Wales, including 888Casino. Until the Welsh get more representation on the show, this is one of the best ways for players to experience being a contestant.

Welshman centre of memorable episode

During the early weeks of the series’ revival in 2023, an episode featuring Portsmouth-based Welsh player Simon inspired a passionate response from viewers after he played a comically bad game. Simon was adamant that his case contained £100,000, only to watch his chances at fortune slowly dwindle.

His confidence ultimately saw him make poor decisions after poor decisions, turning down strong offers and even inspiring viewers to back the Banker in frustration. The game culminated with Simon opening his case to win 10p. Despite his poor efforts, the episode generated widespread online conversations, leading us to believe that more Welsh players deserve a go at the jackpot.

The case for more Welsh players

After Simon’s disastrous performance, it seems fair that another Welsh player is invited along to do their country proud. In the final episode of the series’ ITV broadcast in 2023, Welsh player Jamie Foulkes from Cefn Mawr became an audience favourite after displaying the natural charming and quick wit characteristic of our locals.

His gameplay saw him nicknamed “mystic Jamie” for his ability to correctly guess case amounts, and after an extended moment of consideration, accepted a life-changing Banker’s offer of £14,850. This is a considerable amount when considering the top prize in the relaunched edition is £100,000 rather than the previous £250,000 offered.

The revival series is produced in Salford’s Media City complex, making it only a short drive away from residents in Northern Wales. This was one of the reasons that Foulkes applied for the show, so there’s no reason why more Welsh players couldn’t be selected.

Welsh players bring something special

Whether it’s the captivating yet frustrating performance of Simon or the charming run of Jamie Foulkes, Welsh players have already made a splash on the revived series of Deal or No Deal. We hope that the future season will showcase more local players to display our unique charms across the UK.

Entertainment

River-themed lanterns light up Cardigan in spectacular parade

Published

3 days ago

December 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THOUSANDS of people flocked to Cardigan on Monday (Dec 18) for the much-anticipated Giant Lantern Parade, hosted by Small World Theatre. Originally scheduled for Dec 6, the event was postponed due to Storm Darragh but proved to be a dazzling highlight of the festive season in Ceredigion.

The parade, inspired by the River Teifi, received financial support from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund as part of the Cynnal y Cardi Community Fund, administered by Ceredigion County Council. The festivities drew crowds from near and far, with Cardigan’s mayor, Cllr Olwen Davies, among those in attendance.

Leading the procession were the vibrant beats of Pembrokeshire-based Samba Doc and stunning giant feature lanterns. The parade snaked through the town and down to the quayside, where thousands of spectators enjoyed the spectacle. Larger-than-life lantern creatures crafted by pupils of Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi and pyramid lantern displays created by pupils from Ysgol Gynradd Aberteifi, Ysgol Llechryd, Cardigan youth groups, and the public added to the event’s charm.

This year, Cardigan is also hosting a Festival of Light, offering a series of festive attractions. In addition to the Lantern Parade, Small World Theatre has curated a Light Trail that runs from 4:30pm to 9:00pm daily, showcasing illuminated lanterns on buildings, creative light displays, and artworks throughout the town. Local independent cafes, shops, and galleries have joined in the festive spirit, decorating their windows to welcome visitors until Christmas.

Cllr Clive Davies expressed his excitement about the festivities:
“We’re delighted to have so many brilliant events happening in Cardigan, and the Giant Lantern Parade is exceptional. Congratulations to Small World Theatre and the community.”

Ann Shrobree, Director of Small World Theatre, thanked everyone involved:
“Thanks to everyone who helped—Ceredigion County Council, Cardigan Town Council, marshals from Cardigan Show and Barley Saturday Committees, Cardigan Castle, and our brilliant volunteers and first aiders. Samba Doc, fire juggling performers, and so many more came together to create a very special event for all.”

This year’s Lantern Parade has cemented its place as a cherished tradition, lighting up Cardigan and spreading festive joy across the community.