WELSH rugby icon Gareth Thomas is set to swap the pitch for the pantomime stage this Christmas, as he takes on the magical role of the Genie in The Big Pembrokeshire Pantomime’s production of Aladdin.

The former Wales captain, who earned 100 caps for his country and is regarded as one of the nation’s most iconic sportsmen, will bring his trademark charisma and larger-than-life energy to the show, which runs from 10th to 31st December 2025.

He joins a cast that includes seasoned performer and director Drew Baker, who will be pulling double duty as Widow Twankey and as director, and Pure West Radio’s Tom Dyer, who steps into the villainous shoes of Abanazer.

A spokesperson for The Big Pembs Panto said: “We are absolutely over the moon to have Gareth Thomas joining our pantomime family. Gareth is not only a national treasure but also has the charisma and stage presence that will make him a perfect Genie. His addition to our cast brings a whole new level of magic to what was already shaping up to be our most spectacular show yet.”

Drew Baker added: “Working with Gareth is going to be absolutely brilliant! He brings so much energy and enthusiasm to everything he does, and I know audiences are going to be utterly spellbound by his performance. The chemistry between our cast is already fantastic, and I can’t wait for everyone to see what we’ve got in store – it’s going to be our biggest, boldest and funniest pantomime yet!”

Tickets for Aladdin are already selling fast and can be purchased online at bigpembspanto.com

THE GREATEST prehistoric show on Earth is coming to Pembrokeshire – and families are in for a ROAR-some treat.

Dinosaur Adventure Live will headline the Torch Theatre in Milford Haven on Thursday, July 24, bringing its brand-new 2025 adventure The Big Jurassic Storm to life for local audiences.

Now in its third chapter, the hit family show promises a thrilling mix of fun, learning, and awe-inspiring animatronic dinosaurs. From the thunderous roar of a T-Rex to the chance to feed baby dinos (if you’re brave enough), the immersive stage experience transports audiences back to the Jurassic era.

Written by Mike Newman (Exciting Science), the story follows a team of rangers on Dinosaur Island after a satellite malfunction causes the island’s weather system to spiral out of control. A tropical storm brews, threatening to destroy everything – unless the code to reset the satellite can be found in time.

Set in an overgrown science lab, the show invites the audience to help save the dinosaurs before it’s too late – blending adventure, education, and comedy in equal measure. Children are encouraged to join in, and organisers say adults often get just as involved.

RED Entertainment said: “This is a show 65 million years in the making. Whether you’re four or forty, Dinosaur Adventure Live is a magical experience for everyone.”

The show runs for one hour with no interval, and includes a meet-and-greet session with the dinosaurs after the performance. It is recommended for children aged 4 and above.

For press enquiries, interviews, or editorial opportunities, contact:

• James Wallace (PomonaPR) – [email protected] / 07871 860985
• Anna Anikeyeva (RED Entertainment) – [email protected] / 0207 127 9125

Performance details:

• Date: Thursday, July 24, 2025
• Venue: Torch Theatre, Milford Haven
• Times: 2:00pm and 4:30pm
• Tickets: From £17.50 (£65 family), premium “Danger Zone” seats also available
• Booking: www.torchtheatre.co.uk

Get ready to meet the dinosaurs – before you end up on the menu!

Australia is a popular destination for UK travellers, whether it’s for tourism, study, or business. However, Australia has a variety of entry requirements and visa options that you need to be aware of to ensure a smooth journey. So, here’s a breakdown of what UK citizens need to know when planning a trip to Australia. 

Types of visa 

There are a few options when it comes to Australian visas. The right type for you will largely depend on the purpose and length of your stay. 

Tourist visas 

One of the most common visas for tourists is an eVisa, which permits you to stay in Australia for up to three months per visit. You can visit as many times as you want within a 12-month period. It’s ideal for those who are looking for short-term visits. These visas cost around £80. 

If you have family or friends that you visit regularly, you can get a frequent traveller stream visa, which can be granted for up to 10 years and you can visit as often as you like in this validity period. However you can only stay for up to three months each time you enter and can only stay for 12 months in total over any 24-month period. These are roughly £688.

Student visas 

If you are choosing to study in Australia you will need to acquire a student visa. You must be studying at a recognised educational institution and be able to provide evidence of this. You also need to provide proof of your finances, English proficiency skills, have health insurance, and have no substantial criminal record. The visa lasts up to five years and will set you back about £766. 

One thing to note is that you are only permitted to work for a maximum of 48 hours per fortnight. So if you need additional work, you must apply for another visa that permits you to work in Australia. 

Business visas

If your company has connections in Australia and you need to travel there for business purposes, you will need to get a business visa. They’re also commonly known as ETA Short Stay business eVisas. 

With this visa, you can make multiple business trips to Australia that allow you to stay for up to 90 days per trip. You can attend business meetings and seminars, meet partners or customers, or conduct any other business-related activities. One thing you can’t do is be paid for any work you carry out whilst in Australia. These visas start at £40.

Plan ahead 

No matter what the purpose of your visit is, you need to obtain a visa to enter Australia. It’s important that you plan ahead and get the right visa to ensure your trip goes without a hitch.