Entertainment
Queen guitarist and wildlife activist launch new new TV programme
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Brian May: The Badgers, the Farmers and Me, is an authored, first-person piece by the Queen guitarist and wildlife activist. Broadcast on BBC Two at 9pm on Friday, 23 August, the programme follows Brian over a decade long journey to understand the crisis caused by Bovine Tuberculosis and his opposition to the controversial badger cull, implemented to curb the spread of the disease in cattle.
For decades, Brian May and his team have passionately opposed the cull of badgers, organising marches, protests, and a petition. Despite their efforts, the cull in England began in 2013 and continues to this day. It has caused a divide between wildlife activists and farmers, whose livelihoods depend on the health of their cattle herds. Under current laws, any cow testing positive for TB must be slaughtered, placing immense pressure on the agricultural community.
Speaking about the documentary, Sir Brian May said: “I don’t blame people for being suspicious of me in the beginning, because, you know, I’m a guitarist. You know I’m a rock star. What am I doing? Why would I have some contribution to make?
“I came in to save the badgers. I now realise that to save the badgers, you have to save everybody because it’s a mess. It’s a tragic human drama where people’s hearts are broken”.
Providing a platform for numerous voices in this debate, the documentary presented by Sir Brian shares discoveries and tragic stories, including one farmer who lost his entire herd to this devastating disease. It also highlights the plight of badgers, who Sir Brian May argues are being scapegoated, with hundreds of thousands culled over the years. In 2016, Sir Brian partnered with large mammal vet Dick Sibley and farmer Robert Reed, whose farm was chronically infected with bovine TB. Together, they conducted what they claim is a groundbreaking four-year experiment to eradicate the disease, and without harming badgers.
The experiment faced numerous challenges but its supporters claimed success; the farm was declared TB-free without the culling of a single badger. Now, Brian and the team believe that they could have identified the real source of TB spread among cattle. However, the challenge remains as to whether they can convince the wider farming community, the scientific world and authorities to listen to and consider their findings.
Brian May: The Badgers, the Farmers and Me is a 1×60’ Athena Films production for the BBC set to air Friday 23 August, on BBC Two and BBC Two Wales at 9.00pm.
(Image: BBC News Hub)
Entertainment
Big musicals on he big screen at the Torch Theatre
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This year and next, fans of musicals will be in awe as the Torch Theatre broadcasts recordings of the most popular and much-loved shows including Les Misérables and The Phantom Of The Opera. From this September to April 2025, six well-known musicals will feature on the Torch cinema screen.
The first of these musicals will be the spectacular, sell-out 25th Anniversary Gala Performance of the global stage sensation Miss Saigon on Sunday 22 September. This will also feature appearances by the original cast including Jonathan Pryce and Lea Salonga. Described as “the most thrilling, soaring and emotionally stirring musical with magnificent performances” by the Daily Telegraph and “the greatest musical of all time” by the Daily Mail, this epic love story is a must see.
The Phantom Of The Opera from the Royal Albert Hall will provide the second treat.Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical is a worldwide entertainment phenomenon. It has been staged in 145 cities across 27 countries and its box office sales eclipse Avatar, Titanic and Star Wars. To celebrate its 25th Anniversary year, Cameron Mackintosh presents The Phantom Of The Opera in a fully-staged, lavish production with a recorded broadcast on Sunday 3 November at 7pm.
On Sunday 24 November at 7pm, audience members can watch Girl From The North Country. Written and directed by celebrated playwright Conor McPherson and featuring Tony Award-winning orchestrations by Simon Hale, Girl From The North Country reimagines 20 legendary songs of Bob Dylan as they’ve never been heard before, including “Forever Young,” “All Along The Watchtower,” “Hurricane,” and “Like A Rolling Stone.”
Taking us into 2025, and Les Misérables – The Staged Concert (40th Anniversary celebration) can be viewed on Sunday 2 February 2025. Seen by over 120 million people worldwide, it is undisputedly one of the world’s most popular musicals. In 2019, Cameron Mackintosh produced a spectacular sell-out staged concert version at the Gielgud Theatre featuring an all-star cast including Michael Ball, Alfie Boe, Carrie Hope Fletcher, Matt Lucas and John Owen Jones. Now cinema audiences can experience a unique encore of this incredible show to celebrate Les Misérables 40th Anniversary. Featuring a cast and orchestra of over 65 the musical includes the songs I Dreamed A Dream, Bring Him Home, One Day More and On My Own.
Moving onto March 2025, and Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s rock classic Jesus Christ Superstar returns to its roots with this sensational performance filmed in the UK during the Live Arena Tour. An incredible cast including Tim Minchin as Judas Iscariot, Melanie Chisholm as Mary Magdalene, Chris Moyles as King Herod and Ben Forster as Jesus Christ, perform hit songs including “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” “Gethsemane,” “Heaven on Their Minds,” “Everything’s Alright,” “King Herod’s Song” and “Superstar” in an exciting and contemporary interpretation screened here at the Torch on Sunday 2 March.
To conclude the Musical Season, the show based on the Academy Award® nominated film, Billy Elliot the Musical has won the hearts of millions since it opened in London’s West End in 2005 and will be screened at the Torch on Wednesday 2 April at 7pm. Set in a northern mining town, against the background of the 1984/85 miners’ strike, Billy’s journey takes him out of the boxing ring and into a ballet class where he discovers a passion for dance that inspires his family and whole community and changes his life forever. The original creative team behind the film, including writer Lee Hall (book and lyrics), director Stephen Daldry, and choreographer, Peter Darling, is joined by music legend Elton John (music) to produce a funny, uplifting and spectacular theatrical experience that will stay with you forever.
To book your tickets to see any of these musicals which can be enjoyed by all the family or for further information, contact the Box Office on 01646 695267 or visit torchtheatre.co.uk. Tickets for each musical: Full £15. Concession: £13 and U26: £8.50.
Entertainment
Please come to the Torch Theatre ‘One more time’ in next few months
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THE TORCH THEATRE in Milford Haven, is launching a new fundraising campaign – One More Time! The message is simple – if you came just ‘one more time’ to the Torch over the next few months that would help us massively to maintain our position as the centre for cultural arts here in Pembrokeshire.
Ben Lloyd, the Torch Theatre’s Executive Director, explains: “This time last year local people stepped up and supported us to raise much needed funds which helped to fill the shortfall left by cut backs in public funding. As a charity we are extremely grateful for the support we received and thanks to the generosity of our community we had a successful year. We’re not alone, we know many publicly funded arts organisations are in the same position. We now know that this situation is not going to change and we will need to raise funds every year. And so this year our ask is simple – whether you’re a regular visitor to the Torch, or you just come occasionally, or indeed if you’ve never been to Torch before, please consider coming One More Time! because each additional ticket is a vote of confidence in the value of the arts and the huge variety of events and activities we provide for our community.”
Supporting the Torch is more than just enjoying an evening of entertainment; it’s also being part of a creative community and culture. By attending the Torch Theatre, here in Pembrokeshire, for whatever it is you like to do – to see a film, watch a play, enjoy the opera or come to one of our creative workshops, you are directly contributing to the livelihood and the vibrancy of the community here in Pembrokeshire.
Ben added: “All local theatre is operating on a tight budget, and every ticket sale makes a difference in covering production costs, paying actors and staff, and ensuring the survival of the very theatre itself. Coming for one more event than you might normally do in a year will help ensure the success of current and future productions and all our community activities, keeping the local arts scene alive and thriving for us now but importantly, for future generations.”
The Torch has, for almost 50 years, been the local place where innovation often begins. It’s a space for experimentation, where new plays are tested and new talent is discovered – especially in our fantastic Youth Theatre. By coming One More Time, you’ll be supporting the next generation of playwrights, actors, and directors as well as all the creative activities we deliver for our community.
Attending a local theatre production isn’t just a transaction as Ben explains: “It’s an investment in your community’s cultural fabric. Each time you attend, you’re nurturing a creative environment that benefits everyone. Come one more time, bring a friend, and help keep the spotlight shining on local talent. Your continued support is the lifeblood of the arts, ensuring that the magic of theatre remains a vibrant part of our community for young and old alike.”
As well as the One More Time! campaign, there’s are other ways to show your support by becoming a Torch Member, making a one-off donation or giving a regular monthly donation, sponsoring a seat in your name for 10 years in our Main House, leaving a legacy in your will or, by giving your time and becoming a volunteer. Email [email protected] for more information or speak to the Box Office Team.
Entertainment
Nominations announced for Wales’ prestigious film and TV awards
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THE British Academy of Film and Television Arts in Wales (BAFTA Cymru) has today revealed the nominees for this year’s highly anticipated BAFTA Cymru Awards, recognising outstanding achievements in film and television across the Welsh screen industries. The winners will be announced in a glittering ceremony at the International Convention Centre Wales (ICCW) in Newport on Sunday, 20 October.
Among the highlights, the drama Men Up leads the way with six nominations, while Doctor Who, Pren Ar Y Bryn, and Steeltown Murders have each garnered five nominations. The thriller Wolf has secured four nominations, while Siân Phillips Yn 90 and feature film Chuck Chuck Baby have each been nominated three times. Meanwhile, Rhod Gilbert: A Pain In the Neck and Strike! The Women Who Fought Back have both earned two nominations.
The performance categories boast several first-time nominees, including Aimee-Ffion Edwards for Dreamland, Alexandra Roach for Men Up, Ncuti Gatwa for Doctor Who, and Philip Glenister for Steeltown Murders. Other debut nominees include Jess Howe, who has been recognised in the Director Factual category for Strike! The Women Who Fought Back, and Megan Gallagher and Matthew Barry, both of whom have been nominated in the Writer category for Wolf and Men Up respectively. Stifyn Parry is also celebrating his first nomination in the Presenter category for Paid â Dweud Hoyw.
As always, the ceremony will be attended by a host of creative talent, who will take to the stage to announce the winners on the night.
Commenting on this year’s nominations, Angharad Mair, Chair of BAFTA Cymru, said: “Congratulations to this year’s BAFTA Cymru nominees, who have showcased exceptional craftsmanship and creativity across a remarkable range of work. The list of nominees represents a must-watch selection of films, TV shows, and performances, and highlights the crucial role of supporting Welsh talent and our growing screen industries. BAFTA is honoured to continue championing and nurturing Welsh creativity through the BAFTA Cymru Awards and our year-round learning programmes and events. We eagerly await the chance to celebrate these achievements at next month’s awards ceremony.”
Rebecca Hardy, Head of BAFTA Cymru, also expressed her admiration for the nominees, adding: “This year’s BAFTA Cymru Awards nominees exemplify the outstanding creativity and dedication demonstrated across all 21 categories. Their hard work and commitment to their craft are a testament to the strength of the Welsh screen industries. BAFTA Cymru remains committed to supporting our creative community here in Wales, ensuring our place on the global screen map.”
The event’s sponsors and partners have been confirmed, including BBC Cymru Wales, Champagne Taittinger, Coco & Cwtsh, Creative Wales, Deloitte, EE, Executive Cars Wales, Gorilla, Hildon, Lancôme, S4C, and Villa Maria.
The BAFTA Cymru Awards operate on a not-for-profit basis. Tickets for the ceremony are available for purchase from 10am on 5 September via events.bafta.org.
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