Entertainment

‘The Pembrokeshire Murders’ hailed as one of the best true crime dramas

Published

1 year ago

December 5, 2024

NETFLIX viewers are buzzing with excitement over the addition of The Pembrokeshire Murders, a gripping three-part ITV drama now available on the streaming platform. Described as “one of the best true crime series ever,” the show boasts an impressive Rotten Tomatoes score of 82% and has reignited interest in one of Wales’ most chilling criminal cases.

Based on real events

Adapted from the 2012 book by Detective Superintendent Steve Wilkins, the series chronicles his determined efforts to solve two cold cases—the double murders of siblings Richard and Helen Thomas in 1985 and Peter and Gwenda Dixon in 1989. Luke Evans leads the cast as Wilkins, who re-opened the investigations in 2006, utilizing advancements in forensic science and DNA testing to build an unshakable case.

How a game show helped crack the case

One of the series’ most talked-about moments involves footage from a 1989 episode of Bullseye, a popular game show, where suspect John Cooper’s appearance uncannily matched a police sketch. This discovery became a crucial piece of evidence in connecting Cooper to the crimes.

Crucial evidence and a life sentence

Detectives uncovered a wealth of damning evidence against Cooper, leading to his 2011 conviction for the murders. Key findings included:

Victim’s blood concealed in the hem of Cooper’s shorts.
Personal items belonging to the victims in Cooper’s possession.
Ballistic evidence linking Cooper’s firearm from prior robberies to the murders.

Cooper was also convicted of rape, sexual assault, and attempted robbery during the trial. Diagnosed as a psychopath, he is now serving a life sentence.

Critical acclaim for a chilling drama

Directed by Marc Evans, The Pembrokeshire Murders has been lauded for its gripping storytelling and attention to detail. Alongside Luke Evans, the stellar cast includes Charles Dale (Coronation Street), Owen Teale (Line of Duty), and Steven Meo (Gavin and Stacey).

A dark chapter in Welsh history

The murders sent shockwaves through the quiet Pembrokeshire community. The Thomases were killed execution-style at their Scoveston Manor home, which was then set ablaze in a bid to destroy evidence. Four years later, the Dixons were gunned down during their summer holiday, with their bodies hidden along a coastal path.

Netflix’s re-release of The Pembrokeshire Murders has brought this harrowing true crime story to a global audience, offering a stark reminder of the tireless work of detectives who fought for justice and the devastating toll these murders took on the community.

Entertainment

Dinosaurs set to take over Milford Waterfront

Published

5 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PREHISTORIC FUN COMES TO MILFORD HAVEN

DINOSAURS will be roaming Milford Waterfront later this month as Dinomania brings a day of prehistoric entertainment to the town.

The popular dinosaur attraction will take over the waterfront on Wednesday, May 27, with three interactive shows taking place throughout the afternoon.

Each show will last around 50 minutes and promises plenty of audience participation, prehistoric facts, and family-friendly fun.

Before the ticketed shows begin, visitors are being encouraged to keep an eye out around Milford Waterfront, where Dinomania’s dinosaurs will be out and about during a free walkabout performance between 10:30am and 11:30am.

The walkabout will give families the chance to see the dinosaurs up close and enjoy some entertainment around the waterfront before the main shows get underway.

Milford Waterfront said: “Dinomania will be taking over Milford Waterfront on Wednesday, May 27, with three exciting shows taking place throughout the afternoon.

“Each show lasts approximately 50 minutes and is packed with interactive moments and prehistoric fun.”

Tickets can be booked through the Milford Waterfront website.

Entertainment

Hubberston Girls exhibition launches new space at Waterfront Gallery

Published

8 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A NEW exhibition exploring memories of growing up on a council estate has opened at the Waterfront Gallery in Milford Haven.

Artist Lynn Stuart is launching the gallery’s new exhibition space with her solo show, Hubberston Girls, which runs until Saturday, May 30.

The exhibition features a deeply personal series of works drawn and painted on brown paper. The material was chosen for its connection to everyday memories, including lunch bags and magazines wrapped in paper.

Once oiled, the paper becomes semi-transparent, allowing paint to be applied to the reverse and creating layered, intimate images.

The Waterfront Gallery is extending its opening hours for the exhibition and will be open Monday to Saturday, from 10:30am to 4:00pm.

A private view will be held on Thursday, May 14, from 3:00pm to 6:00pm, and all are welcome.

The gallery is based in the Old Sail Loft on Discovery Quay, Milford Waterfront, Milford Haven. It is one of south west Wales’s leading art galleries, a registered charity, and home to the Wales Contemporary annual competition.

The gallery is run by artist volunteers who exhibit there regularly.

Entertainment

Dinosaur adventure stomps into Milford Haven

Published

10 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A FAMILY dinosaur show 65 million years in the making is heading to Milford Haven this summer.

Dinosaur Adventure Live: Danger on T-Rex Mountain will headline the Torch Theatre on Thursday, July 30.

The interactive stage show promises storytelling, puppetry, humour and science as young audiences join a team of rangers on a mission to recover a data crystal, restore power to the island and save the dinosaurs.

Children will be encouraged to stomp, roar and swish their tails as they meet baby dinosaurs, learn “Dino-Facts” and come face-to-face with a roaring T-Rex.

Created by Mike Newman, the producer behind Exciting Science, the show is now in its fifth year and is aimed at families with children aged four and over.