Entertainment
Torch youth production sees theatre near to full capacity

A STAGGERING 700+ people gathered at the Torch Theatre over three nights to see the Torch Youth Theatre’s production of The Wind in the Willows. Described as “a thrilling and completely captivating production,” by Val Ruloff, one of the Torch Theatre’s community reviewers, the Theatre was a hive of toady-tastic activity.
With terrific costumes, set and music, the young people of Pembrokeshire were accompanied by members of Torch Voices, the Torch Theatre’s community choir. The popular evergreen tale with Badger, Ratty, Mole and Toad at the helm made audiences chuckle, roar and created wonderful memories for everyone.
“It was just toady-tastic to see 40 of the area’s young people on stage together, having fun and learning the craft of acting. They have worked incredibly hard and did an amazing job. It’s been nearly a decade since we’ve had so many young people on the stage at any one time and The Wind in the Willows allowed us to do just that.” said Tim Howe, Senior Manager Youth and Community at the Torch.
Freya Barn, one of the Torch Theatre’s young community reviewers was very impressed by the production. She told us: “This is my first time reviewing this drama group and I am already blown away. The way they tell this story is truly extraordinary. The actors in this play put on a marvellous show. The cast members were great and everyone had a part to play, whether helping with the set or saying a few words on stage. Everyone was given a chance to shine.”
The Torch Theatre was also blessed with the company of a real toad at its Box Office throughout the three days of production, kindly loaned by Dragon Reptiles and Aquatics of Pembroke Dock.
“Mr Toad himself was a real attraction, although he was quite shy and enjoyed hiding in the vivarium. He did make several appearances though and audience members were given a bilingual toad fact sheet to take home with them,” added Tim.
The Torch Youth Theatre Autumn term starts in September and a warm welcome is extended to all young people between eight and 18. Visit www.torchtheatre.co.uk for further information.
Photo credit: Chris Lloyd
Entertainment
Foreigner in My Body – Workshop and show

HOW we see ourselves isn’t always how others see us. Join movement artist Sara Hartel in a workshop that explores the tension between identity and perception here at the Torch Theatre this Wednesday followed by a work in progress show on Thursday with Foreigner in My Body.
The evening workshop will give you an opportunity to learn how to creatively use audio description in a safe, nurturing environment which gives you space to explore the role gender plays in how we move, and how others see the way we move, through the creation of a piece of movement.
The show itself, Foreigner in My Body, is a work in progress show exploring the transgender journey through the lens of crossing borders. It blends circus, physical theatre and storytelling with malicious audio description. A story of rebellion and trans joy. Think of the burlesque of airport security, the luggage carousel of emotional baggage and a plane crash on aerial silks.
The workshop will be held on Wednesday 12 February at 7pm and the show on Thursday 13 February at 7pm. Both the workshop and show are suitable for those 14+. Anyone who attends the workshop can go the performance for FREE too!
Tickets for Foreigner in My Body are priced at £5.00. Visit the website for further details on www.torchtheatre.co.uk or phone the Box Office on (01646) 695267.
Entertainment
Shaun Ryder – rock’n’roll wild man visits the Torch as part of major UK tour

HE’S the wild man of rock who became a national treasure. Now Shaun Ryder, front man of Happy Mondays and Black Grape, is hitting the road for a new, spoken word tour with an unforgettable night at the Torch Theatre on Saturday 5 April.
Taking in the length and breadth of the UK, Shaun will talk candidly about his hedonistic life in the music industry, his successful TV career, and everything in between and fans will be in for a real treat as he hosts a Meet and Greet session ahead of his performance.
The star of more -TV-shows-than-anyone-has-a-right-to-feature-on – including Celebrity Gogglebox, and I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, among many others – redefined the sex’n’drugs’n’rock’n’roll lifestyle during the halcyon age of Madchester.
Shaun will be touring in support of his new book: Happy Mondays – and Fridays and Saturdays and Sundays.
He said: “I have certainly had a bit of a mad life and I can’t wait to share all my stories from Happy Mondays, Black Grape and beyond. This is me at my most honest; nothing is off the table – expect the unexpected and prepare for me to twist your melons, man.”
Fans can look forward to a carnival of excess, wild tales, and improbable truths, as they enjoy the talents of a unique rock’n’roll star dubbed Britpop’s answer to WB Yeats.
Strap yourselves in and say Hallelujah for Shaun.
Shaun Ryder will visit the Torch Theatre on Saturday 5 April at 7.30pm. The Meet and Greet Session of 45 minutes will commence at 6pm. Tickets for the show are priced at £30 / £50 VIP and £80 Meet and Greet. Visit the website for further details on www.torchtheatre.co.uk or phone the Box Office on (01646) 695267.
Entertainment
Welsh crime thriller filmed in Pembroke Dock set for BBC debut

A NEW Welsh crime thriller, The One That Got Away—previously shown on S4C as Cleddau—is set to premiere on BBC One Wales and BBC Four later this month.
The gripping six-part series, featuring an all-Welsh cast, will debut on BBC One Wales at 9:10pm on Tuesday, February 25. A double-bill of the first two episodes will air on BBC Four on St David’s Day, March 1, with all episodes available on BBC iPlayer.
The series stars Elen Rhys (The Mallorca Files, Craith/Hidden) as DI Ffion Lloyd, who is forced to team up with her former lover, DS Rick Sheldon, played by Richard Harrington (Y Gwyll/Hinterland), to investigate the murder of a nurse in a Welsh seaside town.
Written by Catherine Tregenna (Law & Order UK, Lewis, DCI Banks) and directed by Sion Ifan (Y Goleudy), the drama explores the unresolved past between the two detectives while a disturbing murder case unfolds. The killing shakes the small community, raising doubts about a historic conviction and suggesting the terrifying possibility of a copycat at large.
Actor Elen Rhys, who returned to Wales to film the series, said: “Coming home to Wales to film was a joy—immersing myself in everything Welsh. The talented, close-knit crew worked together so well, making it a truly lovely and extraordinary experience. I felt so lucky.”
The series promises a gripping mix of psychological depth, crime investigation, and the emotional entanglements of its lead characters, set against the atmospheric backdrop of Pembrokeshire.
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