The magic of ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ hits new heights

Published

1 year ago

December 16, 2024

I’ve seen a fair few pantos in my day and my goodness, when it comes to sheer quality from the bar bell to the final curtain, the Torch’s 2024 offering is right up there in the illuminated rankings.

Without putting too fine a point upon it, ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ is one mightily crafted production which bears the unmistakable hallmark of artistic director Chelsey Gillard.

This woman has created a production where the characters are vying for the crown of glory alongside Gillard’s exceptionally energised script, her highly original ideas (such as the fabulous milking sketch and Pat the Cow’s psychic powers with the wind turbines), which are all moulded together with a highly comedic and some outrageously innuendo humour.

At the risk of offending, it has to be said that so many pantomimes (particularly those which invest in those ‘big’ A listers who occasionally can’t act, sing or dance for toffee), invariably have characters which fall into three performance categories – the exceptionally good, the miserably bad and the downright depressingly ugly. But the Torch’s ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ is blindingly consistent in its cast quality.

Enter Lloyd Grayshon, who from the moment he flounced into the theatre as Mrs Trott, he engaged instantaneously with his audience (especially the fantastic Liam in Row G!)

My goodness, does Grayshon absorb his character, yet not once did he over-stage nor overshadow the others. Special mention has to go to his vocal duets with Jack (Gareth Elis) with both singers displaying some gorgeous harmonies, some crystal clear vocal ranges and some strong musical energy. The pantomime’s music and lyrics were written by Pembrokeshire-based composer James Williams, who must be applauded for some fabulously catchy songs and arrangements, all assisted by musical director Sarah Benbow.

Fairy Gabby Greenfingers was played by eminent actor and choreographer Elena Carys-Thomas, who has performed extensively with S4C, the National Theatre Wales, the Sherman Theatre and the Welsh National Opera. Wearing that delicious skirt made of sprout leaves (I love it!) Elena spun her beautiful charm into the production with her sing-sing north Walian accent, a smattering of Welsh words and a huge charisma.

Meanwhile Carri Munn (Pat the Cow), gave us a beautifully measured performance and some impeccable timings which resulted in everyone falling in love with her. Munn’s ability as a stand-up comedian was obvious throughout her solo stint prior to the final scene where she played the audience with true skill.

But perhaps the couple that deserve the biggest round of applause are those delicious Kevin and Perry wannabes, namely Agz and Tez Fleshcreep (Freya Dare and Samuel Freeman).

What a duo! Their facial expressions batted off one another while their command of the stage was exceptional, thanks once again, to Chelsey Gillard’s exceptional directions and Freya’s beautiful agility.

So if anyone hasn’t yet booked their tickets, trot along to The Torch and make sure that your Christmas will be even more special because at the end of the day, that Jack and the Beanstalk team really are magical!

Crime

Police stop car in Pennar as three arrested in drugs investigation

Published

2 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Suspected drug driver report leads to major police response and multiple arrests

DRAMATIC scenes were reported in Pennar on Monday afternoon (Mar 23) after multiple police vehicles were deployed to stop a car.

The incident happened at around 5:00pm near Pennar Court, Pembroke Dock, where officers located a stationary vehicle following reports of a suspected drug driver in the area.

Police attended and pre-emptively stopped the vehicle, also blocking a second car nearby.

Officers carried out searches of both vehicles and discovered suspected controlled substances.

A 32-year-old woman and a 47-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of possessing class A and class B drugs with intent to supply. A 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of drug driving and possession of class A and class B drugs with intent to supply.

The 32-year-old woman has been released under investigation, while the 31-year-old man and 47-year-old woman have been released on unconditional bail.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed the incident followed reports of a man believed to be driving under the influence in the area earlier that afternoon.

Crime

Sex offender jailed for sending explicit messages to ’14-year-old’ girls

Published

2 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

A MAN has been jailed after sending sexual messages on Snapchat to three girls he believed were aged 14.

Ciaran Carmody, aged 21, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court via video link from HM Wrexham prison, where he admitted three offences of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child under 16.

The court heard the messages were sent on three separate occasions to accounts posing as 14-year-old girls, which were in fact part of an undercover police operation.

Prosecutor Nia James said each of the girls made their age clear, but the messages sent by Carmody were sexual in nature.

The offences took place between April 25 and May 5, 2025.

Finance

Haverfordwest savers encouraged to seek clarity ahead of ISA tax year end

Published

2 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

TWO in three savers say a fixed interest rate would give them greater peace of mind when planning their finances, according to new research from Principality Building Society*, as people in Haverfordwest are encouraged to review their savings ahead of the ISA tax year deadline.

The research, conducted with more than 1,500 people, also found that while many savers feel comfortable managing their money independently, a significant number still value the reassurance of speaking to someone when making important financial decisions.

Meanwhile, around one in six people mistakenly believe they must open a new ISA every tax year, highlighting ongoing confusion around how ISAs work. In many cases, particularly for variable savings products, savers may be able to continue paying into an existing ISA.

With the tax year end approaching, Principality Building Society is inviting Members and local savers to speak with colleagues at its High Street branch in Haverfordwest to better understand their options and make informed choices about how to use their ISA allowance.

The research also highlights the appeal of certainty when it comes to savings. Two in three savers say a fixed rate would give them peace of mind, reflecting the reassurance that comes from knowing exactly what return they will receive over a set period. Fixed rate Cash ISAs can provide that certainty, making it easier for some savers to plan ahead.

Vicky Wales, Chief Savings and Lending Officer at Principality Building Society, said: “ISA season can often feel busy and confusing, particularly against the backdrop of changes in the wider financial environment. Many people value the opportunity to talk through their options and feel confident they’re making the right decision.

Every saver’s situation is unique, so having a conversation can help people better understand their choices and how these align with their longer-term plans. Understanding the differences between savings products – including fixed and variable rates – can help savers make the most of their ISA allowance, and ensure their money is working in a way that suits their individual goals.”

Principality Building Society is encouraging anyone in Haverfordwest who would like to review their savings ahead of the tax year end to visit their local branch for a supportive conversation about their options, and how they can make the most of their savings.

Source: Principality Building Society’s own online community, Member Pulse, survey on Cash ISAs, March 2026 (total respondents: 1,544)