Entertainment
Record number of entries for Torch Theatre’s pantomime competition
A RECORD breaking 150 entries have been received for the Giant’s Golden Object Competition at the Torch Theatre, beating last years’ number of 84 where young people were asked to design a dress for Belle for the Beauty and the Beast pantomime. Five schools in the county have sent their entries in and many individuals with the winner being announced in the next few weeks.
With just under two months before the annual festive pantomime at the Torch Theatre, young people under 18 years old were asked to design a large golden object for the Giant’s castle for the evergreen pantomime of Jack and Beanstalk.
The winning design, keeping everyone on their toes, will be a difficult one to build as designer Kevin Jenkins explains.
“I really liked the fact that it was both gold and silver, as well as being covered in a range of different jewels, such as rubies, emeralds and sapphires. The winner thought it would be both the perfect item for the Giant to have kept locked away from everyone but also something that was a little bit fun and silly (just like our pantomime!).”
Tim Howe, responsible for Youth and Community at the Torch, who doesn’t want to give too much away before the winner is announced, said:
“The design team will now have the really tough task of making the winning golden object as we can’t just buy these things off the shelf you know! Our team of wonderful theatre professionals will be scouring every shop they can find so that they can create this very special golden object – and don’t forget it’s got to be big enough for the Giant too!”
“We were amazed by all the brilliant entries that young people across our county came up with. The designs have been terrific – what imaginations you all have! And we can’t wait to surprise the winner in the next week or so – who knows, we could be knocking on your door very soon!” concluded Tim.
All ‘Golden Objects’ designs will be displayed in the Torch Theatre’s Joanna Field Gallery throughout December for all to see.
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
Entertainment
Huw Edwards criticises TV drama about his downfall
FORMER BBC news presenter Huw Edwards has issued a strongly worded statement criticising an upcoming television drama based on his fall from grace.
Edwards, who received a suspended prison sentence after admitting offences relating to indecent images of children, said the programme was produced without properly checking its claims with him.

The two-part drama, Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards, features actor Martin Clunes portraying the former newsreader.
In a statement published in the national press, Edwards claimed those behind the programme failed to verify key elements of the story before filming began. He said producers only approached him for comment after production had already been completed, and even then retained editorial control over any response.
He also questioned whether contributors to the programme had been paid, suggesting the drama may not accurately reflect events.
Edwards said he had already expressed “deep regret and remorse” for his crimes during court proceedings, having pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.
He added that he found the offences deeply disturbing and offered a further apology, acknowledging that each image involved a real victim.
The former presenter said he is now working on his own account of the events, although progress has been slow due to ongoing health issues. He has previously spoken about long-term mental illness, which he said had worsened in the period leading up to his offences.
However, he stressed that mental health difficulties should not be used to excuse criminal behaviour.
Edwards rose to prominence as one of the UK’s most recognisable news anchors before his career collapsed following allegations of misconduct and subsequent criminal charges.
In September 2024, he was handed a six-month suspended sentence and placed on the sex offenders register for seven years. He was also ordered to complete a rehabilitation programme.
Responding to his criticism, a spokesperson for Channel 5 said the drama was based on interviews with those involved, including the complainant and journalists who broke the story, as well as court reporting and message evidence.
They added that the programme was produced in line with broadcasting regulations and that allegations featured in the film had been put to Edwards through his legal representatives in advance.
Entertainment
Easter egg trails return to Pembrokeshire as National Trust launches spring events
FAMILIES across Pembrokeshire are being invited to “hop into spring” as Easter egg trails return to National Trust sites across Wales.
The popular seasonal events will take place at thirteen locations nationwide, including Colby Woodland Garden near Amroth, offering a mix of outdoor adventure, nature exploration, and family-friendly challenges.
The National Trust Cymru says the trails are designed to keep children entertained during the Easter holidays while encouraging them to connect with nature, heritage, and the outdoors.
At Colby Woodland Garden, visitors can explore a wooded valley filled with winding paths, streams, and hidden corners while taking part in ten activity stations along the Easter trail.
Organisers say the site’s mix of natural play areas and historic features makes it an ideal location for families looking to enjoy the spring weather.
The Easter egg trail at Colby will run from Thursday (Apr 3) to Sunday (Apr 6), between 10:00am and 3:30pm.

Family-friendly activities
Across Wales, the trails include a wide range of themed activities, from wildlife spotting and creative challenges to physical games and imaginative play.
Each location features around ten activity points, with participants receiving a trail sheet, bunny ears, and a chocolate egg on completion. Vegan and allergy-friendly options are also available.
Normal admission charges apply, although National Trust members can enter for free. The Easter trail costs £3.50 per child.

Spring boost for tourism
The National Trust says the events are part of a wider effort to encourage families to make the most of outdoor spaces as the weather improves.
With gardens in bloom and longer daylight hours, organisers hope the trails will attract visitors from across west Wales and beyond.
A spokesperson said the programme offers “hours of fun, discovery and seasonal adventure for the whole family.”
More information and booking details are available via the National Trust website.
Entertainment
Action-packed Easter fun set for Carew Castle
A HOST of family-friendly adventures will bring Carew Castle to life this Easter, with a packed programme of events running from Saturday (Mar 28) to Sunday (Apr 19).
Set against the dramatic tidal reach and managed by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, the historic castle will once again become a hub of activity, offering everything from treasure hunts and medieval weapon displays to science workshops and live storytelling.
Egg hunts and medieval action
A brand-new Great Golden Egg Hunt will challenge children to explore the castle’s winding passageways and hidden corners in search of clues. Running daily from 10:00am to 4:00pm throughout the school holidays, the activity costs £2.50 per child in addition to normal admission.
Young visitors can also step back in time with Hands-On: Weapons and Armour sessions, held daily between 10:30am and 11:30am from Monday (Mar 30) to Sunday (Apr 12). Children will have the chance to handle replica weapons, try on armour, and experience medieval combat demonstrations at no extra cost.
The popular Find the Key! treasure hunt also returns, beginning at 3:00pm from the gatehouse. Running on selected days between Monday (Mar 30) and Sunday (Apr 12), the challenge invites children to track down the correct key to unlock a treasure chest.
Magic, stories and science
Creative youngsters can enjoy Magical Makes with Whimsical Wildlings on Tuesday (Apr 14), Wednesday (Apr 15) and Thursday (Apr 16), with drop-in craft sessions held in the castle’s undercroft from 10:30am to 2:00pm.
Meanwhile, Storymaster’s Quests: Tower of Doooooom! will take place on selected dates in early April, offering an interactive multimedia adventure created by author and games designer Oliver McNeil. The audience will shape the fate of their own hero in a tale filled with dragons, traps and treasure.
Hands-on learning continues with Wild Science sessions, featuring activities such as marine exploration, fossil hunting, owl pellet investigations and beginner bird walks.
Trebuchet returns
One of the highlights of the programme will be the launch of the castle’s giant trebuchet on Tuesday (Mar 31) and Tuesday (Apr 7) at 2:30pm, as the medieval siege engine is brought roaring back into action.
Daisy Hughes, Manager at Carew Castle, said: “Carew is an extraordinary place at any time of year, but Easter gives us the opportunity to really showcase everything it has to offer. The Weapons and Armour sessions in particular are always a favourite – there’s nothing quite like seeing a child’s face when they first lift a medieval sword.”
For full event details, visit the castle’s website.
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