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Entertainment

Pembrokeshire jockey takes centre stage in ITV’s Champions: Full Gallop

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A Pembrokeshire jockey is set to feature prominently in an upcoming ITV sports documentary, which delves into the high-pressure world of jump racing.

Amroth’s Lorcan Williams has earned a reputation as one of the most talented riders of his generation, boasting three Cheltenham Festival victories. Originally a promising rugby player on the verge of a professional career with the Scarlets, Lorcan switched paths to follow his passion for horse racing. Since then, he has become known for his tactical acumen, composure under pressure, and ability to deliver on the sport’s grandest stages.

Among his early Festival triumphs were wins aboard Porlock Bay in the 2021 Hunters’ Chase and in the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle. However, it was this year’s Champion Hurdle that cemented his place in racing history.

Riding Golden Ace, a 25–1 outsider from a small Somerset yard, Williams faced off against unbeaten superstar Constitution Hill and reigning champion State Man. In a dramatic twist, both favourites fell during the race, allowing Lorcan to deliver a composed, masterful ride to seize victory—a performance widely hailed as one of the most memorable in recent Cheltenham history.

His remarkable triumph on Golden Ace features prominently in the Champion Hurdle episode of the second series of Champions: Full Gallop, which premieres on Friday 17 October at 10.45pm on ITV1. The episode frames Lorcan’s story as that of a seasoned jockey rising to the occasion on racing’s biggest stage, producing a career-defining moment under immense pressure. It also offers viewers a rare insight into the meticulous preparation, strategy, and precision required to win at Cheltenham.

The second season of Champions: Full Gallop provides unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to the 2024/25 jumps season. It follows some of the sport’s biggest names, including Harry Cobden, Nico de Boinville, Sean Bowen, Harry Skelton, and Irish star Paul Townend, as they compete for the inaugural David Power Jockey Cup and a £500,000 prize fund.

Top trainers, including Dan Skelton, Paul Nicholls, and Willie Mullins, are also caught up in a fierce title race. The series captures the relentless pressure of life in the weighing room and the drama of the top yards, highlighting the highs and lows of professional jump racing. Key events featured include The King George at Kempton, The Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, and The Grand National at Aintree.

 

Entertainment

Shakespeare’s ‘mistaken identities’ to appear on outdoor Pembrokeshire stage

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Following the success of last year’s spellbinding production of The Tempest, SPAN Arts is thrilled to welcome back The Festival Players for another evening of open-air Shakespeare in the stunning grounds of Lampeter House, near Narberth. 

Featuring one of Shakespeare’s earliest plays, ‘The Comedy of Errors’ follows two sets of twins, twin brothers and their twin servants, separated by a shipwreck. When they unknowingly arrive in the same town on the same day, a whirlwind of confusion unfolds.

Mistaken identities lead to comic chaos: husbands appear to fall in love with the wrong people, debts go unpaid, and servants lock their masters out of their own homes. As the confusion builds, the play explores themes of identity, family and belonging.

The Festival Players bring this lively farce to life with original live music, fast-paced storytelling, traditional costume and plenty of humour, as part of their 2026 (and 41st) open-air summer theatre tour.

Lampeter House provides the perfect stage for this unforgettable evening. Nestled amongst towering trees and gardens full of character, the intimate amphitheatre setting promises a truly atmospheric experience.

So whether you’re a lifelong Shakespeare fan or a newcomer to his work, this performance offers the chance to enjoy world-class theatre under the open skies.

Make your evening complete with a delicious pre-show supper. A hot summer cawl with bread and cheese will be available to pre-order for just £6 while vegetarian and other dietary options are available by simply selecting your preference when booking online or over the phone. A fully stocked bar and refreshments will also be available throughout the evening.

A limited number of mats and ground seating will be provided, but audiences are encouraged to bring their own picnic blankets or low-backed chairs for maximum comfort. As the performance will proceed come rain or shine, please dress appropriately for the weather.

This year’s production takes place on Friday June 12, with the doors opening at 6pm and the performance commencing at 7pm.

Tickets can be reserved on 01834 869323.

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Entertainment

Torch Youth Theatre takes aim with Robin Hood adventure

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OVER 50 young actors will take to the Torch Theatre stage this summer for a new version of the classic Robin Hood tale.

Robin Hood: The Legend of the Black Knight will be performed by members of Torch Youth Theatre across three nights in July, promising adventure, excitement and a few unexpected twists.

The production will feature the familiar ingredients of the much-loved story, with Robin Hood robbing from the rich to give to the poor, the Sheriff of Nottingham causing trouble, and Maid Marian presented as a spirited heroine.

Director Tim Howe said: “All the elements of the story we know and love will be there. Robin Hood robs from the rich and gives to the poor, the Sheriff of Nottingham is up to no good, and Maid Marian is exactly the feisty heroine we all need.

“But it wouldn’t be a Torch Youth Theatre production without some things you won’t be expecting, and we can’t wait to share those surprises with you.”

Youth theatre success

The show follows the record-breaking success of Sycamore Gap and forms part of a busy year of activity for young people at the Torch.

Torch Youth Theatre provides weekly sessions during school term time for young people aged seven to 18. All members are able to take part in the summer production, with no auditions required.

Tim added: “We provide weekly sessions during school term time for young people aged seven to 18, all of whom are able to take part in the summer production – there are no auditions – and booking is now open.

“We also offer activity in the summer when young people can join us for a full week of workshops and rehearsals to create a production which is shared in our studio for their families and friends. So there’s loads of ways to join in with us.”

The Torch Youth Theatre’s sessions and productions aim to develop young people’s theatrical skills while also giving them a space to find their voice, build confidence and learn more about themselves and each other.

Robin Hood: The Legend of the Black Knight will be performed at the Torch Theatre on Monday, July 20, Tuesday, July 21 and Wednesday, July 22 at 6:30pm.

Tickets cost £10, or £8 for concessions, and are available from torchtheatre.co.uk or the Box Office on 01646 695267.

 

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Entertainment

Music at the Manor to strike a chord with return to Scolton

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YOUNG musicians from across Pembrokeshire will take centre stage next month as Music at the Manor returns to Scolton Manor.

Pembrokeshire Music Service is inviting music lovers to enjoy an evening of live performances in the grounds of the manor on Friday (May 8).

The event will showcase the talents of scores of young musicians from across the county, with performances from Pembrokeshire Music Service’s county ensembles.

These will include the County Orchestra, Wind Band, Brass Band, Training Orchestra with Second Steps, Rock and Pop Band, and Big Band.

There will also be performances from the Community Choir and this year’s Secondary Valero festival winner, drummer Ryan Block from Ysgol Bro Preseli.

Gates open at 4:30pm, with the music starting at 6:00pm.

Tickets are available from ticketsource.co.uk/pembrokeshire-county-council

 

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