SEVERAL long-serving members of Torch Youth Theatre are preparing to take their final bows with the company this summer, as they head off to university, college and new careers.

The Torch Theatre’s summer youth production, Robin Hood: The Legend of the Black Knight, may be the last chance for audiences to see Callie-May, Neo, Dan, Zane and Caitlyn performing together as part of the young company.

The group have become familiar faces to Torch audiences through productions including the NT Connections plays Replica, Ravers and Sycamore Gap, as well as The Bangers and Chips Explosion and The Wind in the Willows.

Tim Howe, Senior Manager Youth and Community at the Torch, said he would be sad to see them go, but proud of what they had achieved.

He said: “We are incredibly proud of what these young people have achieved. They have blossomed into remarkable adults, ready to take on the next stage of their journey beyond our rehearsal room.

“They are confident, ambitious and creative individuals, and we have no doubt that wherever their paths lead, they will succeed.”

Callie-May, 18, who played the Chief Weasel in last year’s The Wind in the Willows, returns this summer as the equally villainous Queen Eleanor in Robin Hood: The Legend of the Black Knight.

She has recently qualified as a Level 3 hairdresser, but hopes to work in theatre and film hair and make-up.

She said: “The friendships and connections I have with the group will be something I will forever look back on. It’s definitely shown me my love for design and creating, and within the past year it has shown me that I want a career within theatre.

“Tim has definitely been a major influence in my career and life path. He’s helped me find my dream path.”

Neo, 17, who will play Robin Hood, is heading to university to study forensic science, but says the stage will remain a huge part of his life.

He said: “Going to Aberystwyth to take part in the NT Connections programme has to be one of the best experiences.

“I want to continue doing drama as Torch Youth Theatre feels like family. It’s inclusive, fun, freeing, happy and interesting.”

Caitlyn hopes to study drama at college before eventually moving on to Cardiff Theatre, with the aim of working in television.

She said: “I get a real sense of joy from performing, so I know I want to continue with it and try to make a career as an actress.

“I really like the social element of it, and meeting new people.”

Zane, who plays Friar Tuck in Robin Hood and previously played Mrs Gunge in The Bangers and Chips Explosion, is heading to the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire to study Applied Theatre.

He said one of his favourite memories was playing Mrs Gunge, “the child-hating, grotesque, head dinner lady”.

He added: “During Milford Haven Carnival, I got to take part on Torch Theatre’s float, dressed as Mrs Gunge and wielding a meat cleaver.

“If I hadn’t gone to Torch Youth Theatre, I probably wouldn’t have even considered a career within the arts. The opportunity to perform in one of the only producing theatres in Pembrokeshire, and one of the few in Wales, has been a great experience.”

Dan, who will play Little John, has also appeared as Toad and Hairy Harry, and is currently auditioning for some of the country’s leading drama schools.

He said: “Being a Torch Youth Theatre member has inspired my career. It has encouraged me to pursue acting because I could see my skills improving.”

Dan said Robin Hood should not be missed, adding: “It’s written by Tim, who wrote The Bangers and Chips Explosion, which was an amazing production. We have a lot of experience in these shows now, so we know it will be the best it can be.”

Tim added: “It’s going to be quite an emotional set of shows, a series of lasts for these members of our cast.

“Some of these young people have been with the Torch for a long time. But what an amazing set of memories we are making for them, and the friendships they forge here will be some that we know they have for life, just like Robin Hood’s gang.”

Robin Hood: The Legend of the Black Knight is supported by the Port of Milford Haven and the Ingles Charitable Trust.

Performances take place at the Torch Theatre on Monday, July 20, Tuesday, July 21, and Wednesday, July 22, at 6:30pm.

Tickets are £10, or £8 concessions. Book via torchtheatre.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01646 695267.

R3 says warmer weather and major events could help ease cashflow pressure for hospitality, retail and leisure businesses

CORPORATE insolvencies fell in May, offering some relief to businesses after months of pressure from rising costs and weaker consumer demand.

Figures from the Insolvency Service show that corporate insolvencies in England and Wales dropped by 10% in May to 1,868, compared with April. The total was also 16% lower than in May 2025.

However, R3, the UK’s restructuring, turnaround and insolvency trade body, said the figures should be viewed against a difficult longer-term picture for Welsh businesses.

A review of Insolvency Service data over the past decade shows that Wales had the fifth highest rate of business insolvency in England and Wales in 2025, with 114 insolvencies per 10,000 businesses. In total, 740 Welsh businesses became insolvent last year.

Only the North East, North West, Yorkshire and the Humber, and the West Midlands recorded higher rates.

Bethan Evans, chair of R3’s Wales committee and a partner at Menzies LLP, said the monthly fall was welcome but warned that many firms remain under strain.

She said: “It’s welcome news that corporate insolvencies in Wales and England saw a 10% monthly decline in May and that levels were down on the same month in 2025. However, this has to be set against a backdrop of longer-term pressures.

“Welsh businesses continue to experience high rates of insolvency, which reflects the region’s large base of small and medium-sized businesses, as well as its exposure to sectors such as hospitality, retail and manufacturing.

“These sectors have faced sustained pressure from rising costs, tighter margins and shifting demand in recent years.”

R3 said warmer weather and increased footfall from summer music and sporting events could provide a modest uplift for pubs, restaurants and shops, helping some firms ease cashflow pressures.

Ms Evans added that business owners would also be hoping for improved confidence following the deal reached between the US and Iran, although she warned it would take time for any benefits to feed through into trading conditions.

She said the wider economic backdrop remained challenging, with political uncertainty continuing to weigh on consumer and business confidence.

R3 said demand for qualified restructuring and insolvency advice remains high, and urged business owners to seek help early if they are worried about cashflow or mounting debts.

FAMILIES planning a summer visit to Carew Castle and Tidal Mill, Castell Henllys and Oriel y Parc will benefit from reduced prices on selected tickets, events and children’s lunch boxes from June 25 to September 1.

The temporary reduction follows the UK Government’s decision to reduce VAT from 20 per cent to 5 per cent on eligible children’s menu meals and family leisure activities during the summer period.

Eligible child and family day tickets at Carew Castle and Tidal Mill and Castell Henllys will be included, along with selected events such as open-air theatre, concerts and Carew’s Grand Medieval Joust. Young Squires lunch boxes from Nest Tearoom at Carew Castle will also be reduced.

Discounts will be applied automatically at the till point, or at the online checkout for eligible event bookings.

James Parkin, Director of Nature and Tourism at Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, said: “The summer holidays are an important time for families to enjoy days out together, but we know that costs can quickly add up.

“This temporary reduction will help make selected visits, events and children’s meals more affordable at the attractions run by the Authority. Our hope is that this will give families more opportunities to enjoy the National Park this summer.

“Carew Castle, Castell Henllys and Oriel y Parc each offer something different, from heritage and hands-on history to family events, exhibitions, food and outdoor space, and we look forward to welcoming visitors over the coming weeks.”

To find out what’s on across the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park this summer, visit www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/events.