IT’S that time of year again … Oh no it isn’t! Oh yes it is! The Torch Theatre, Milford Haven, is delighted to bring you its festive pantomime Beauty and The Beast this Christmas. A tale as old as pantomime with a twist in the tail, the story is inspired by the classic French fairy tale.

This ‘beauty’ of a show, written and directed by Artistic Director Chelsey Gillard, features an extraordinarily talented cast, loads of audience participation and brand-new songs that are sure to have you singing along and splitting your sides with laughter.

And talking of cast members …. Would you like to know who appears in our panto? Shout louder! Was that a yeah?! This week the Torch Theatre shares with you its amazing, glittering, spectacular cast members who will take your family on a wonderful fun adventure.

First up is Amelia Ryan who plays Crystal the Butler. Having trained at the University of Wales Trinity St David’s and the California State University Fullerton, she has, since graduating, worked with the Torch Theatre on an R&D project ‘Nest.’ She has also appeared in the Money Monster student finance Wales commercial, Public Health Wales advertisement and has voiced for Funky Pigeon and Hodge Bank. This will be Amelia’s third Christmas at the Torch and she is “so pleased to be back once again.”

Next up is Ceri Ashe as the Evil Fairy Shadowmist, a Pembrokeshire born actor and writer with her own theatre company Popty Ping Productions. Her on screen credits include Niamh in the Pilot of Class, Ros in Gwaith/Cartref – Series 6 for Fiction Factory / S4C and Claire in Ridley Scott Associates’ Pull Up Pilot. Ceri also plays the Detective in the Feature Film Scam.

Our next introduction is Ceri Mears. Originally from Llanelli, Ceri plays the part of the Good Fairy Gertrude, our Dame. He trained at the Royal Welsh College of Music and drama and has appeared on Stella, CBBC’s The 4 O’Clock Club, Being Human and BBC’s Torchwood opposite John Barrowman to name but a few. He has also featured in various commercials including Vodaphone, Network Rail and Pot Noodle and is a dab hand on the guitar, bass guitar and drums.

Fluent Welsh speaker, actress Leilah Hughes is a mezzo soprano and her skills include ballet and modern dance. Leilah plays Belle. She has appeared on Pobol y Cwm and Gwaith Cartref on S4C as well as appearing in Truth and Dare with Theatr Clwyd and Anthem for the Wales Millennium Centre.

Our next actor needs no introduction – Pembrokeshire’s Samuel Freeman plays the Beast. Samuel was born and raised in Milford Haven and attended the Torch Youth Theatre as a child. The actor, musician and composer recently appeared on stage at the Torch in the Jabberwocky and Other Nonsense (Calf 2 Cow).

Samuel said: “So naturally, I am ecstatic to be working at the Torch again this Christmas in Beauty and the Beast. It promises to be full of all the laughter, music, and fun you expect from panto and more! I heard the beast is quite dashing under all that fur and makeup too…”

Joining the Torch as our Swing – an understudy for the roles of Belle, Evil Fairy, Butler and Belle’s Father (as Mother) is local actor Freya Dare. Freya is a community dance/drama artist in Pembrokeshire and runs her own Theatre Company Forest Fairies and Friends Theatre. Her television and film credits include Baker Boys (BBC), Red Haven (feature film), TUI commercial, BT commercial and OXO commercial. She is looking forward to being a part of the Torch Theatre Pantomime this year.

And last but not least is again another native of Pembrokeshire Lloyd Grayshon who plays Belle’s Father. An actor and film creator he is no stranger to being on the Torch stage. You may have seen him in a few Torch productions; A Midsummer’s Night Dream (Mappa Mundi/Torch Theatre production) Aladdin (Torch Theatre) and Brief Encounter (Torch Theatre). Lloyd was also delighted when asked to be the Musical Director/Band leader in the Torch Theatre production of One Man Two Governors. He said: “I’m extremely pleased to be returning to the Torch again this Christmas and can’t wait to work with Chelsey for the first time.”

Beauty and the Beast will magically make its way to the Torch Theatre stage from Friday 15 December to Sunday 31 December. Relaxed Environment Performance – Saturday 16th December @ 2pm and BSL Interpreted Performance – Tuesday 19th December @ 6pm.

Note: Torch members get 25% off up to four tickets purchased for Beauty and the Beast.

Usual tickets are £22.50 | £19.00 CONS | £70.00 FAMILY. Tickets can be purchased from the Box Office at the Torch Theatre on 01646 695267 or visit torchtheatre.co.uk.