A FASCINATING insight into the magical realm of Mochyn Myrddin and his encounters with symbolic animals, including the infamous wild boar from the Mabinogion, is being brought vividly to life this Friday when his tale will unfold at Canolfan Llwynhirion Brynberian.

The performance has been described as ‘an exploration of the living myth, how it relates to the present day and its relevance to our current ecological situation’.

The tale begins in Celyddon, which is the forest to which Myrddin flees, seeking the sanctuary of an apple tree, believed to be a remedy for disturbing futuristic visions triggered by the Battle of Arderydd.  There he befriends a wolf and a pig and the stories they tell each other unearth deep memories of an ancient sow goddess and a gallant quest involving the Mabinogion’s giant boar, Y Twrch Trwyth.  

1500 years later, a young single mother receives a visitation that will influence the course of her life, ultimately leading her to Wales on a quest for the living myth of Myrddin.

Mochyn Myrddin/Merlin’s Pig will be performed by Nicola Hart this Friday, October at 7.30pm.Canolfan Llwynhirion Brynberian.

WITH only two months to go before the Torch Theatre stage is awash with green beans, tasty blueberry pies, a talented dairy cow and a stalk winding its way high into the sky, the cast for the festive pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk has been announced, and we can’t wait!

Local faces and local talent will lead the way for the pantomime this year, including Samuel Freeman as naughty boy Terrence Fleshcreep, Lloyd Grayshon as the loveable Dame Titania Trott and Freya Dare as devious Agatha Fleshcreep. All three Pembrokeshire actors are very familiar with the Torch Theatre stage and appeared in last year’s record-breaking Torch pantomime Beauty and the Beast.

Community dance/drama artist Freya runs her own children’s theatre company here in the county and featured as the Swing in Beauty and the Beast, understudying for all the roles in the show. Lloyd is delighted to be returning to the Torch stage this Christmas in one of his favourite pantomimes! Milford Haven born and bred Samuel will make his fifth Torch Theatre appearance, following Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Of Mice and Men. He is excited to be returning to the Torch not only for the pantomime but also for next May when he returns with The Mumford & Sons Story: Awake My Soul. 

Carri Munn will appear as Pat the Cow. A Cardiff-born actor, writer, director and stand-up comedian, Carri is delighted to be back at The Torch, having performed here several times and most recently with Tachwedd (Theatre 503). Joining Carri on stage as Fairy Gabby Greenfingers will be Elena Thomas who has worked in television, film, theatre and radio. She recently completed a national tour of The Cherry Orchard playing Varya for Here to There productions. Alongside her acting work, Elena has also performed as a dancer and worked as a choreographer for S4C and Sherman Theatre. 

And last, but certainly not least, Gareth Elis will make his first ever Torch Theatre appearance as the hero of our story, Jack Trott. A familiar face on S4C’s Stwnsh, Gareth has appeared in productions for companies including Wales Millennium Centre, Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru, Cameron Mackintosh, Arad Goch and Leeway Productions and has worked abroad in Seoul.

Torch Theatre’s Artistic Director, Chelsey Gillard said: “I am over the moon to be working with such a talented cast. We will of course need the help of the audience to beat the giant, so we need you to come along ready to boo, hiss and cheer. There’s lots of opportunities to join in – it’s behind you! And it wouldn’t be a panto without plenty of silly laughs for the young ones and plenty more that will go over their heads to amuse the grown-ups.”

Jack and the Beanstalk will feature on the Torch Theatre stage from Fri 13 Dec – Sun 29 Dec 2024 with matinee and evening performances. Ticket prices: £23.50 | £19.50 Cons | £75.00 Family. Relaxed Environment Performance on Saturday 14 December at 2pm. BSL Performance – Tuesday 17 December at 6pm.

To book your tickets or for further information, contact the Box Office on 01646 695267 or visit torchtheatre.co.uk.

ANNA RYDER RICHARDSON, the celebrity founder of Pembrokeshire’s Manor Wildlife Park, has returned to lead the zoo after a six-year hiatus. Her comeback follows widespread speculation about her involvement with the park, which she and her ex-husband, Colin MacDougall, purchased and transformed in 2008.

Ryder Richardson, a former TV presenter and interior designer, stepped away from the park in 2018 after her divorce. The couple had invested heavily in redeveloping the once-dilapidated site into a popular family attraction, including the construction of a £300,000 rhino house and the introduction of various species such as lions, zebras, and parrots.

In a statement, Ryder Richardson expressed her enthusiasm for her return. “I am very excited, it has been a long time coming, but I am finally back with my beloved animals, incredible team, and excited to greet our visitors into the park. I have huge plans for the future of Manor Wildlife Park,” she said.

She further highlighted her commitment to the local community, saying: “Starting with our locals, who have supported us since 2008 when I bought the park, with the park being open all year round. I would love to open up conversations with schools and groups of all ages, from toddlers, teens, and the elderly, to find out how we can tailor days to suit them.”

Manor Wildlife Park is preparing to mark two significant events today, 4th October—World Animal Day and the birthday of its white rhino, Zamba. Residents and visitors are encouraged to take part in the celebrations and support the park’s ongoing conservation efforts.

Ryder Richardson had previously spoken to the Daily Mail about her decision to step away, stating that the “stresses and strains and expense of running our wildlife park have destroyed our marriage.” Despite the personal challenges, her passion for the animals and the park has brought her back to continue its development.

For more details about Manor Wildlife Park or to make group bookings, visit their official website or email [email protected].