Torch artistic director Chelsey Gillard shares her love of the power of panto

Published

1 month ago

December 4, 2024

SOMEWHERE in the depths of rural Pembrokeshire lurks a lady in yellow with turquoise hair, lips like cochineal slugs on steroids and a penchant for rolling in the grass with pigs.

Enter the world of panto.

“Lloyd Grayshon is in his absolute element,” laughs Chelsey Gillard who is the artistic director of the Torch Theatre at Milford Haven.

“Last year he was a huge favourite with the audiences when he played the dad in ‘Beauty and the Beast’ so this year we decided that he should play the dame in ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’. And he’s loving every minute – he’s even shaved his legs and painted his toenails to help him get into the role!”

No one can deny that staging a pantomime is one of the greatest challenges in the theatrical calendar, but when your task is to write it, cast it and direct your critical eye over every single aspect of its production, the job is mighty. Once again this year, the task is being carried out by Chelsey.

“Yes, it involves a tremendous amount of work and a lot of pressure, as the pantomime is the main focal point of the entire year,” she said.

“And you can rehearse a panto as many times as you want, but when the curtain opens, you just never know what to expect from your audience. This is why I often behave like an angry child when I’m directing, and the number of times I’ve heard our cast say, “And that child in Row C sounded exactly like you do in rehearsals” speaks for itself.”

This will be the second Torch pantomime written and directed by Chelsey, following last year’s hugely successful ‘Beauty and the Beast’.

“The wonderful thing about our audiences here in Pembrokeshire is that they really let us know what they think about a production,” she continues.

“Our box office staff have built up a strong relationship with our audiences, with the result that they hear first-hand what people think. And obviously the audience’s participation is extremely important because it helps us to understand what people are enjoying as well as the things they don’t like. You can just sense it.”

One of the requests from last year’s audience was for more ‘cheeky humour’.

“So needless to say, we’ve made sure that this year they’ll be getting plenty of it,” chuckled Chelsey. “It’s almost as if the Torch is putting on a bespoke production, tailor-made for the Pembrokeshire audience.”

But it’s that instinctive understanding of an audience’s reaction that makes the panto challenge so invigorating for the entire production team.

“Obviously there are certain sections which rely on audience participation, and if the audience is a bit quiet, then the characters will have to work very hard to get them on board.

“Similarly, our dame occasionally homes in on an individual in the audience, but her job is then to try and gauge how far that individual can be pushed. Can they go just that little bit further or should they hold back?”

In charge of the set and costume design is Kevin Jenkins and every costume has been handmade by Louise Sturley and maintained throughout the production by wardrobe mistress Wendy Haslam.

***Elena Carys-Thomas, Cari Munn, Gareth Elis and Lloyd Grayshon***

Even though the opening night isn’t until December 13, productions are already well underway for local primary schools throughout Pembrokeshire as well as a few schools in south Ceredigion and west Carmarthenshire.

“Approximately 4,000 children will have attended this year’s pantomime by opening night which is fantastic, when you consider that this could possibly be the very first live performance that many of them will have seen,” continues Chelsey.

“I can remember one of my very first visits to the pantomime when I was a child and even though I can’t remember which pantomime it was, I vividly remember the baddie – who I’m convinced was Jeremy Irons – and he made me cry my eyes out. But I absolutely loved it and it opened up for me the absolute magic of the pantomime and the theatre.”

‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ is being played by a professional company, although many of its actors have strong links with Pembrokeshire including Milford Haven’s Sam Freeman, Lloyd Grayshon who lives in Haverfordwest and professional dancer, performer and choreographer, Freya Dare. Also taking part will be members of the Torch’s Youth Theatre (Years 5 and 6), who will be providing the voices of the Spirit of the Beans via recorded media.

“When you consider how hard the team has worked and how much they’ve achieved in such a relatively short space of time, you realise just how incredible they are,” Chelsey concluded.

“We had two and a half weeks in the rehearsal room, four days on the stage when we started putting everything together such as how to make the beanstalk work, how to set up the lights and the sound, ensure that the mics were all at the right level and throughout all this the cast are learning the songs, the dances, the words as well as getting to know each other as a company.

“They truly are a magnificent team to work with, and what they have created will hopefully show our audiences, both children and adults alike, the real magic of pantomime.”

News

County Council by-election called for Haverfordwest Prendergast ward

Published

4 hours ago

January 7, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A BY ELECTION will be held to fill a vacancy in the Haverfordwest Prendergast ward.

A Notice of Election was published on 6th January. Anyone wishing to stand for election must submit their nomination papers to the Returning Officer between the 7th and 15th January, between 10am and 4pm.

For further information and to obtain nomination papers please email [email protected] or call the Elections Helpline number 01437 775844.

The Statement of Persons Nominated will be published following the close of nominations. If contested the by-election vote will take place on Tuesday, 11th February.

If you are interested in becoming a Councillor there is more information available on the Democratic Services page of the Council website.

Details on registering to vote are available on the Pembrokeshire County Council website. Anyone in the Prendergast ward who is not registered to vote will need to do so by 24th January to vote at this election.

Poll cards will be sent to electors before the election that will indicate which polling station to vote at.

Photographic ID will not be required to vote at this election.

Health

Local nurse awarded by The Queen’s Nursing Institute

Published

4 hours ago

January 7, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MEGAN WARE, a Learning Disability Children’s Community Nurse in Hywel Dda University Health Board, was recently awarded the ‘Dame Elizabeth Fradd Memorial Prize for Outstanding Achievement’ by the Queen’s Nursing Institute.

This prestigious award was presented to Megan in recognition of her hard work and achievements across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, and Pembrokeshire.

Megan was nominated by one of her lecturers in the University of South Wales. There were many reasons that helped influence her nomination for this award. She has enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to gain experience, develop and achieve. She helped with teaching year one community children’s nursing students in the Specialist Practitioner Qualification (SPQ), sharing her own learning from her clinical practice.

Her innovation and encouragement have inspired others to feel confident within their future specialist practice and she has excelled clinically, achieving all the elements of the course to a high standard.

Megan said: “I have always been passionate about making a positive difference to people’s lives and I feel so privileged to be in the position I am as a nurse working with children with learning disabilities and complex needs. I was completely shocked to have won this award but feel proud at the fact that I have been recognised for my work and efforts in completing the course.”

Megan is also the first learning disability nurse in Wales working within a community children’s nursing team to complete her SPQ in children’s community nursing. The course prepares nurses to become a specialist practitioner following the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s standards of proficiency for community nursing specialist practice qualifications. The skills taught involve health education and health promotion, how to improve quality in healthcare settings, leadership, and management and more.

Sharon Daniel, Interim Executive Director of Nursing, Quality and Patient Experience at the health board praised Megan’s achievement, saying: “I am proud of Megan for obtaining this award and for being the first learning disability nurse to study for the Specialist Practitioner Qualification in Wales. It is testament to all her hard work and commitment to extending her knowledge as a nurse working with and benefiting children in our community.”

Megan plans on finishing her dissertation and completing her Masters degree, which will help further her career.

This annual award is for the most outstanding student in the Specialist Practice Qualification in community children’s nursing across universities in Wales, England, and Northern Ireland. The Dame Elizabeth Fradd Memorial Prize was established in 2024 to honour the legacy of Dame Elizabeth Fradd, a Fellow of the Queen’s Nursing Institute and a distinguished children’s nurse.

Business

Industrial event venue ‘Hangar’ up for sale in Milford Haven

Published

4 hours ago

January 7, 2025

Tom Sinclair

AN exciting business opportunity has emerged in Milford Haven with the announcement that Hangar, an industrial event venue located on Thornton Industrial Estate, is now on the market. Known for its versatility and modern facilities, the space has become a standout feature in Pembrokeshire’s growing events scene.

Venue with potential

Hangar is fully licensed for alcohol sales and approved to host both live and recorded music events, as well as sporting showcases. Featuring a state-of-the-art 6m x 3m video wall, the venue offers an immersive experience for guests, whether for corporate gatherings, live music nights, or private functions.

The premises include a fully fitted bar, designed for efficiency and customer satisfaction, and a flexible layout that can accommodate private celebrations, conferences, and entertainment events.

Strategic location

Situated in the heart of Thornton Industrial Estate, Hangar combines industrial charm with an accessible location, making it an attractive option for event planners and visitors alike.

Ready for growth

Owner Steve Bartram highlighted the venue’s growth potential, pointing out its appeal to entrepreneurs ready to invest time and expertise. With Pembrokeshire’s entertainment industry on the rise, Hangar is well-positioned to become a central hub for events in the region.

“This is a ready-to-operate business with immense potential for someone with vision and passion for the events industry,” said Mr Bartram.

Serious inquiries invited

Interested parties are encouraged to get in touch directly to arrange viewings and discuss further details.

For those with a passion for creating unforgettable experiences and a vision for growth, Hangar represents a rare and exciting investment in Pembrokeshire’s vibrant events sector.