Entertainment

Loud cheers for Torch Theatre youth members

Published

1 year ago

March 18, 2025

“I THINK this was one of, if not my favourite theatre performance at the Torch and I fully want to see this crew perform more like this in future.” That was the verdict of Riley, one of the Torch Theatre’s junior reviewers, after watching Ravers.

Presented as part of the National Theatre Connections programme, the production saw Pembrokeshire’s young performers take to the stage for three shows, each met with a standing ovation.

The light-hearted new play, written by Rikki Beadle-Blair, was part of the Torch Youth Theatre’s spring production. It invited audiences to see the world through the eyes of awkward teenagers, as a group of so-called “Neeks” (Nerds and Geeks) organised a rave at the Torch Theatre. Following months of rehearsals and plenty of fun along the way, the near sell-out performances were well supported by parents and the local community.

Tim Howe, director of the production and Senior Manager for Youth and Community at the Torch, said: “We are incredibly proud of our young people. The performances were very well supported, and the young people were just brilliant, totally brilliant. It was all about teamwork, wellbeing, and making friends, and we can’t wait to show off just how incredible they are in Aberystwyth when we tour the show.”

One young actor described Ravers as “loud but good, enjoyable and expressive.” Another added: “The Torch is always introducing us to new skills to help us in the performing arts industry, whilst also being a comfort place where we can laugh and get to know each other.”

The cast has been working hard on Ravers since September and will perform at Aberystwyth Arts Centre on Saturday, April 12.

Meanwhile, the Torch Theatre is now preparing for its Summer Youth Theatre term, which will culminate in a full youth theatre production of The Bangers and Chips Explosion. The programme, open to young people aged seven to 18, offers weekly skill-building sessions aimed at developing confidence, teamwork, and creativity.

Tim added: “During our summer term, every child gets the chance to take part in our flagship main house production. This year, we are incredibly pleased to be presenting a rip-roaring comedy about school pupils who go on strike because the dinner lady won’t cook them chips… with explosive results! Our sessions aren’t just about acting and theatre; we ensure our young people learn social skills, problem-solving, and teamwork. Most importantly, they have fun and make new friends.”

The Torch Theatre is seeking sponsors to support its youth programme. Anyone interested is encouraged to get in touch.

“We’d love to hear from you and see how your support can help develop the next generation,” Tim said.

The Summer Youth Theatre term starts on Tuesday, April 29.

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

9 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.

The performance lasts one hour, with no interval, and there will be a meet-and-greet after the show.

Tickets are available from the Torch Theatre.