Entertainment

Making of a Fugitive – brand new true crime podcast launched on BBC Sounds

Published

12 months ago

July 3, 2025

LAUNCHING on BBC Sounds this week, Making of a Fugitive enters us into the hidden world of fugitives; from hunting Britain’s most wanted to the confessions of a convicted conman.

Narrated by Welsh actor Richard Harrington (The One That Got Away, Hinterland), the nine-part podcast follows the stories of international fugitives who go to great lengths to try and stay hidden from the authorities. We’ll hear stories of stolen identities, drastic plastic surgery and hair transplants, and the families who get left behind.

The podcast starts with Martin Evans, a small town conman turned international fraudster and drug dealer who has been in and out of the headlines for nearly 30 years, named by police as one of the UK’s “most wanted” in 2012. Evans – aka the ostrich man – swindled investors out of almost a million pounds in an ostrich farm fraud in south Wales before going on to run an international drugs and money laundering operation. He fled from justice and even prison for five years until finally being captured.

From one most wanted list to another, American conman Matt Cox came face to face with his own most wanted poster in a police station before making one of his many getaways. Cox evaded capture for almost a decade, committing bank fraud, identity theft and passport fraud, topping the FBI’s most wanted list in the early 2000s. Describing his time on the run as “awesome”, self-proclaimed narcissist Matt Cox provides a first-hand account of his story, giving a unique insight into the extraordinary lengths he went to in order to stay one step ahead of the FBI.

Cox said: “I became infamous by committing bank fraud, I stole identities and created synthetic identities in order to borrow money from dozens of US banks. Ultimately the FBI came to arrest me and I went on the run. What I decided to do was start a much larger scam, I convinced the social security administration in the US to start issuing me social security numbers to children who don’t exist. I would then order credit cards and build a false credit profile in those names. I think the amount ended up at $11.5 million.”

And we discover what led to a businessman, Mohammed Ali Ege, becoming an international fugitive following the mistaken identity murder of a teenager in Cardiff 15 years ago. In an exclusive new interview, the podcast speaks to the family of murdered Aamir Siddiqi, who are still waiting for Wales’ most wanted man to be brought to justice.

Across nine episodes, Making of a Fugitive hears from the people involved and asks what happens when a fugitive is finally cornered? Are they sorry for what they’ve done, or just for getting caught?

Series writer and producer for BBC Cymru Wales, Jayne Morgan, said: “We thought we knew these stories having worked on them over the years but this podcast gives new insights and reveals the extraordinary lengths some go to in order to stay hidden.”

Making of a Fugitive is a BBC Cymru Wales production for BBC Sounds. The first two episodes are available now, with the remaining seven episodes launching weekly: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0llhgkj

Entertainment

Fishguard Soapbox Derby returns for day of speed, creativity and family fun

Published

2 days ago

June 26, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Teams are being urged to get their carts ready as Fishguard Round Table brings back one of the town’s most popular community events

FISGHUARD is gearing up for one of its most colourful community events as the Fishguard Soapbox Derby returns on Saturday, June 27.

The event, organised by Fishguard Round Table, will get underway from midday and promises a day of speed, creativity, family fun and community spirit.

Teams are being encouraged to build their own soapbox carts and take part, with organisers hoping this year’s event will be the biggest and best yet.

The derby brings together racers, families, spectators and local supporters for a fun-filled day in the town, with prizes, food, stalls and entertainment also planned.

Organisers say the event is all about “speed, creativity and community”, giving teams the chance to show off their designs while spectators enjoy the action from the roadside.

The event poster promises “fun family action” and urges people to “race it, build it, watch it, love it”.

Fishguard Round Table, which supports community causes through its fundraising and events, is encouraging people to come along, support the racers and enjoy a full afternoon out.

Entries are currently open, with teams urged to get together and prepare their carts ahead of race day.

Entertainment

Torch cuts children’s cinema tickets to £5.25 for summer

Published

2 days ago

June 26, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FAMILIES heading to the cinema in Milford Haven this summer will be able to take advantage of reduced ticket prices at the Torch Theatre.

From Friday, July 3, to Tuesday, September 1, the Torch will offer cinema tickets for under-16s at £5.25 as part of the UK Government’s Great British Summer Savings scheme.

Family tickets will be available for £21, while 3D tickets for under-16s will cost £5.80. A 3D family ticket will be priced at £23.

The discount will be applied automatically to eligible screenings during the offer period. It cannot be used on tickets already purchased or for screenings outside the stated dates.

Chelsey Gillard, Artistic Director and Interim CEO at the Torch Theatre, said: “The Torch is delighted to be offering these reduced cinema ticket prices for families over the summer months.

“We are not required to pass on the VAT saving, but we are firm believers in providing the best value for audiences and this scheme is allowing us to do just that.

“With a summer full of blockbuster titles ahead, including Toy Story 5 and the latest instalment of the Minions, we are looking forward to welcoming you soon.”

The summer savings scheme is part of a wider government package aimed at helping households with rising costs, including support around energy bills, fuel costs, holiday activities and wages.

Tickets can be booked at torchtheatre.co.uk or through the Box Office on 01646 695267.

Entertainment

Pembrokeshire soprano to perform at International Eisteddfod

Published

6 days ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

HAVERFORDWEST music teacher and soprano soloist Clare Harrison is set to perform at the International Eisteddfod in Llangollen next month.

Clare will sing under the baton of Sir Karl Jenkins on Tuesday, July 7, as part of the World Choir, an auditioned international chorus of singers, for the long-awaited Welsh premiere of his work One World.

She will also perform in a new commission, Greeting the Dawn, by Sam Buttler, and in Peace Child with Wrexham-based chorus NEW Voices.

Clare combines a busy teaching schedule with regular solo performances across Wales and the borders.

Her next Pembrokeshire appearance will be as soloist with Tenby Male Choir at St Mary’s Church, Tenby, on Thursday, July 16.

Caption:

Clare Harrison: The Haverfordwest soprano will perform at the International Eisteddfod in Llangollen.