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

Tenby steams up in spectacular style as crowds flock to festival

Published

12 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Colourful parade, towering creations and Victorian flair bring town centre to life

TENBY was transformed into a vibrant Victorian fantasy on Saturday (Mar 21) as hundreds of visitors descended on the town for the annual Steampunk Festival.

The highlight of the day came with the much-anticipated Peacock Parade, which saw elaborately dressed participants wind their way through Tenby’s narrow streets, drawing large crowds of spectators.

Residents and visitors lined the route, many stopping to take photos as performers in eye-catching costumes passed by. From brass goggles and top hats to military-inspired uniforms and elegant gowns, the outfits on display reflected the creativity and theatrical spirit of the steampunk scene.

Among the most striking sights were the towering pink flamingo creations, which rose high above the crowds and became an instant talking point. Musicians in period costume added to the atmosphere, playing lively tunes as they marched through the town.

Families were out in force, with children and adults alike enjoying the spectacle. Many visitors had travelled from across Wales and beyond to attend the event, which has grown in popularity in recent years and is now firmly established as a key date in Tenby’s events calendar.

The Herald understands that local businesses also benefited from the influx of visitors, with cafés, pubs and shops seeing a steady flow of customers throughout the day.

In addition to the parade, a range of activities were taking place across the town, including markets, performances and themed entertainment centred around the De Valence Pavilion.

Organisers have worked to create an inclusive and welcoming event, with many people choosing to dress up while others simply come along to enjoy the unique atmosphere.

The festival continues on Sunday, with further events planned as Tenby remains firmly in the grip of steampunk fever for the weekend.

Photos: Colourful characters take part in the Peacock Parade through Tenby on Saturday (Pic: Gareth Davies).

Entertainment

St Patrick’s night celebration at Giraldus Centre

Published

4 days ago

March 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

GET ready to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in style this Friday at the Giraldus Centre in Manorbier.

The community venue is hosting a lively evening of music, dancing and Irish-themed fun, with entertainment from popular local group The Slipway Ukes.

Doors open at 7:00pm on Friday (Mar 20), with free entry for all. A fully licensed bar will be open throughout the evening, serving drinks and snacks with an Irish twist.

Organisers are encouraging everyone to “unleash their inner leprechaun” and enjoy a night on the dance floor.

There is no need to book—just turn up and join in.

Donations on the night will be gratefully received in support of the Paul Sartori Foundation.

The event takes place at the Giraldus Centre, Manorbier, SA70 7TN.

Entertainment

Met Opera’s Tristan und Isolde comes to the Torch Theatre

Published

6 days ago

March 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Lise Davidsen leads star cast in Wagner’s epic tale of love and death in special cinema broadcast on Sunday (Mar 22)

AFTER years of anticipation, a truly unmissable event arrives in cinemas worldwide as the electrifying Lise Davidsen takes on one of the ultimate roles for dramatic soprano – the Irish princess Isolde – in Wagner’s transcendent meditation on love and death, Tristan und Isolde.

Heroic tenor Michael Spyres stars opposite Davidsen as the love-struck Tristan in what promises to be a powerful and emotionally charged performance.

The production also marks the arrival of a new staging at the Metropolitan Opera by Yuval Sharon, making his Met debut. Sharon has been hailed by The New York Times as “the most visionary opera director of his generation” and was the first American to direct an opera at the famous Wagner festival in Bayreuth.

Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin also leads Tristan und Isolde at the Met for the first time in this landmark production.

The cast includes mezzo-soprano Ekaterina Gubanova reprising her acclaimed portrayal of Brangäne, alongside bass-baritone Tomasz Konieczny as Kurwenal following his celebrated Met appearances in Wagner’s Der Fliegende Holländerand the Ring cycle. Bass-baritone Ryan Speedo Green makes an important role debut as King Marke.

Reviewing the production for The Observer, Fiona Maddocks described it as a “glorious production” and “well worth catching”, adding: “This was one of those rare and blissful nights when dropped jaws silenced noisy opinion in the queue for coats afterwards.”

The recorded broadcast of Tristan und Isolde will be screened at the Torch Theatre on Sunday (Mar 22) at 4:00pm.

For further information visit www.torchtheatre.co.uk or contact the Box Office on (01646) 695267.

ENDS