Entertainment

Torch announces the departure of CEO after 5 years at the helm

Published

2 years ago

October 10, 2024

THE TORCH THEATRE, centre for the arts in Pembrokeshire and one of Wales’ pre-eminent producing theatres today announces the departure of Executive Director Benjamin Lloyd after an historic five years at the helm.

Ben’s tenure at the Torch has taken in the lows of the pandemic and the subsequent determination to survive and flourish, continuing to serve our communities throughout, and the highs of a record breaking 45^th year. Ben has overseen an exhilarating renewal of artistic leadership, major national partnerships and co-productions and the redoubling of the Torch’s commitment to the young, vulnerable and underrepresented in our community with the establishment of a dedicated Youth & Community department.

Enduring highlights include The Pembrokeshire Story engagement project that brought together artists and communities during the pandemic in the building of a living archive of stories; a bumper anniversary year in 2022 that saw five Torch productions, tours of Wales and the UK and runs in London and Edinburgh with a mix of new writing and Torch classics; the establishment of the groundbreaking Craidd partnership, and securing of long-term funding aimed at removing barriers to mainstream theatre for Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists and freelancers; and the achievement of a vital uplift in funding as part of the Arts Council Wales Investment Review, securing the Torch’s strategic position at the vanguard of Welsh theatre and bucking the trend of funding cuts across the board.

Benjamin Lloyd, Executive Director said: “It has been the honour of my professional career to lead the theatre that has given so many of us in west Wales our first, and so often only exposure to high quality performing arts in all its forms. The Torch is a minor miracle in today’s funding climate and a precious resource for the community. It represents a window to the world beyond and a lifeline for so many – young, old, isolated and vulnerable – in this beautiful, far-flung part of the world. I am beyond proud of the commitment, skill, humanity and passion of the team under my leadership and what we have achieved together in extremis has been spectacular, delivering for our community and supporting the arts ecology in Wales in ways both seen and unseen.

“However, the commitment required to sustain the Torch throughout this period has been absolute and has come at no small cost to me and to my young family. Now is the time for me to pass on the baton and regain some equilibrium. I have absolute confidence in the artistic leadership of the Torch under Chelsey Gillard, and faith in the team to continue on this exciting trajectory. As I step away, I will be taking some time with my family before pursuing fresh opportunities as we look forward to our next adventure. I will enjoy again celebrating and supporting the Torch as a patron and will look forward to contributing with fresh energy and perspective to the arts and the cultural conversation in Wales and beyond.

“There is never a perfect moment to step aside but having been in dialogue for some time over how and when I would make this change, and with long-term funding and support for artistic innovation and organisational development secured, I have decided with the Board that now is the time to make the break. As such I am stepping down from today with interim arrangements in place as the Board reviews the strategic plan and objectives for my successor.

“I want to thank the staff and volunteer teams (past and present) who go above and beyond to provide a warm welcome and life-enriching experiences to our patrons. Sincere thanks also to our partners, funders – especially colleagues at Arts Council Wales – sponsors, supporters and above all our audience members. Each have delivered a huge vote of confidence in my leadership and the quality in artistic and community provision delivered by our team, with their support throughout my years in post – both financial and otherwise – and it has been so very much appreciated.

“I would like to use my parting words on behalf of the Torch to entreat government at every level to recognise not only the economic and wellbeing benefits that the arts generate and deliver, but also the essential contributions that the arts and in particular, a venue such as the Torch makes to the cultural fabric of their community and society at large. Our theatres, at their best, are citadels of expression and inclusion that play a vital role in forging social cohesion, place-making and sustaining communities, particularly in times of social decline and unrest. However, such venues within the funded arts sector cannot continue to exist on the good will and the commitment of their overextended workforce and require adequate funding and support if they are to continue to prosper. Protect the arts, Caru the Torch.”

Katrina Marsh, Chair of the Torch Theatre Board of Management said: “On behalf of the Board and staff team we extend our thanks to Ben for his dedication and leadership through the most challenging period in our history. His commitment to the Torch, its artists and the people of Pembrokeshire has left a legacy that we will seek to protect and build on. We wish Ben and his family well in their future endeavours and will be working with the senior management team to continue the delivery of our operational and strategic plans.”

Entertainment

Saundersfoot film to premiere where it was made

Published

3 days ago

June 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A PEMBROKESHIRE-made feature film is to receive its big-screen premiere next month in the very harbour where much of it was shot.

Near and Distant Things, written and directed by Saundersfoot filmmaker Emily Batty, will be shown outdoors at Saundersfoot Harbour on Saturday, July 18, as part of the Torch Theatre’s Sunset Cinema series.

The drama, filmed in summer 2025, tells the story of a grieving fisherman trying to support his daughter after she returns home, while experiencing dreamlike visions of his late wife.

The film makes strong use of the Saundersfoot landscape, with scenes filmed at the harbour, The Royal Oak pub, Monkstone Point and other familiar local locations.

Emily, 22, who grew up in Saundersfoot and recently graduated from the University of Oxford with a geography degree, has described the project as “a love letter to home”.

She said: “Watching a film set in Saundersfoot, with recognisable faces and locations on screen, in the heart of the harbour itself where we filmed many scenes, feels incredibly full-circle.

***The crew pause for a team-photo (Pic: Rachell Lambert Photography)***

“I can’t wait to share that experience with people.”

The film was made with the support of a small team and a largely local cast and crew.

Emily said the production had only been possible because of the “incredible amount of local support” received during filming.

She also praised composer and sound designer Zach Worthington, whose work helped shape the atmosphere of the film.

She said: “The score and soundtrack feel so entangled with the landscape of home.

“It’s a little bit folk, a little bit Celtic, and rather emotional.”

Emily, who has written and directed the film under the name Emily Florence, said some of the ideas behind the film had been with her for several years.

***Saundersfoot Harbour was used as a filming location and will now host the premiere (Pic: Rachell Lambert Photography)***

She said: “Some of the images within the film have been in my head since I was 18.”

She added that Pembrokeshire remains a major source of inspiration for her future work.

“I have a couple of screenplays in the works – I never stop writing – and I’m looking to get agented,” she said.

“I’m excited to continue to tell stories, in whatever capacity that may be.

“I can say that Pembrokeshire is still my muse, and I don’t think I’m done telling stories about home.”

The outdoor screening will take place on the harbour decking, with gates opening at 6:00pm and the film beginning at 7:00pm.

The film is rated PG, but includes themes of bereavement, mental health, domestic abuse and references to suicide which some viewers may find upsetting.

Emily said she hoped the premiere would be a moment of shared pride for the village.

She said: “So many people helped bring this film to life.

“There’s something very special about sharing a story set in Saundersfoot, surrounded by the landscape that inspired it.”

Tickets are available through the Torch Theatre website, with advance booking recommended.

Entertainment

Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir to perform at Royal Welsh Show

Published

5 days ago

June 16, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE HAWKSTONE FARMERS’ CHOIR, winners of ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent, will perform at the 2026 Royal Welsh Show.

The choir will sing in the main ring on the afternoon of Monday, July 20, the opening day of the show at Llanelwedd, Builth Wells.

Formed by Jeremy Clarkson as part of an advertising campaign for his Cotswolds-based brewing business, the choir has since grown into a national success story, using its platform to raise awareness of mental health within the farming community.

Aled Rhys Jones, chief executive of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society, said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome the Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir to the Royal Welsh Show.

“Their performance on the Monday in the main ring, in front of thousands of visitors, will be a truly special occasion.”

He added that it would be the choir’s first official performance in Wales since winning Britain’s Got Talent, and said many choir members had strong links with the Royal Welsh.

Lead soloist Rosie Jones, a beef and sheep farmer from Mid Wales, said: “What an honour to be invited to sing at the Royal Welsh Show 2026.

“This fairytale journey just keeps growing, but the greatest thing to come from it is the community we’ve built within the choir and beyond.”

The Royal Welsh Show is one of Europe’s leading agricultural events, celebrating Welsh farming, food and rural life.

Picture caption:

The Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir (Pic: Britain’s Got Talent / ITV).

Entertainment

Safe Online Gambling: Tips for Staying in Control

Published

5 days ago

June 16, 2026

Staff Writer

In many cases, online gambling is a harmless hobby. However, for others, gambling can become problematic without the right considerations. Thankfully, there are many ways to keep gambling habits restrained to prevent addiction. With that in mind, here are some safe online gambling tips to help you stay in control and keep gambling fun.

Set Financial Limits

Licensed operators must offer tools that allow people to set personal budgets. And from 30 June, they must also provide customers with an opportunity to set deposit limits, which refers to the amount a customer pays into their account over a set duration. These kinds of tools can be invaluable for people who struggle knowing when to stop or have a habit of chasing losses.

Similarly, most reputable casinos also have time limits, to ensure you aren’t spending too much time gambling. Additionally, if you feel you’ve lost control entirely, you can also self-exclude yourself from all sites by registering for an account with Gamstop Online.

Avoid Gambling Under the Influence

Gambling under the influence, after consuming alcohol for instance, can impair your judgement and lead to impulsive decisions. It’s essential that you only gamble while sober and when you’re not experiencing any particularly strong emotions, so you can make more informed, level-headed decisions.

This is especially true when using the fastest payout casinos or high intensity games, as it can be easy to get caught up in the fun, lose money fast, or make more impulsive decisions.

Know the Signs of Problem Gambling

When you gamble, you are taking a risk. Not just financially, but emotionally too. It’s important that you recognise the signs of problem gambling, so you can address any problems early to prevent further harm.

Some of the common signs of problem gambling include:

Frequently chasing losses
Using money intended for savings or essential expenses for gambling
Borrowing money from friends or relatives to gamble
Feeling agitated, angry, or anxious when not gambling
Having a preoccupation with gambling
Feeling out of control or impulsive when gambling
Not engaging in other hobbies or withdrawing from social activities
Concealing or lying to loved ones about gambling habits

Maintain Gambling Best Practices

To prevent your gambling habits from becoming a problem. Be sure to set yourself financial and time limits, avoid gambling when under the influence or when experiencing strong emotions, and get to know the early warning signs of problematic behaviour so you can address any issues quickly.