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Entertainment

Local premiere for S4C documentary on Pembrokeshire’s ‘Cannabis Cove’

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Exclusive screening revisits one of Wales’ most remarkable police operations

A TWO-PART documentary exploring a major drugs bust that stunned a quiet Pembrokeshire seaside town will have its exclusive English-language premiere in Newport next week.

Cannabis Cove: Operation Seal Bay, produced for S4C, takes viewers back to 1983, when the peace of Newport was shattered by one of the most extraordinary police investigations in Welsh criminal history.

That summer, the town became the unlikely centre of an international smuggling ring after a local fisherman, Andy Burgess, spotted something unusual at a remote beach called Pwll Coch—known locally as Seal Bay.

Soon after, authorities discovered a concealed hatch on nearby Traeth Cell Hywel. Beneath it lay a man-made underground chamber stocked with food, radio equipment and fibreglass resin — “like something straight out of James Bond.”

The mystery unfolds

As detectives began to investigate, residents reported strange activity around Newport — unfamiliar luxury cars on rural lanes, and strangers flashing £50 notes in local pubs.

What followed was a sprawling investigation that reached from Pembrokeshire to Scandinavia and the Middle East. Within days, three men — Robin Boswell, Ken Dewar, and escaped drug trafficker Sam Spanggaard — were arrested.

However, the case soon hit a snag: the drugs had disappeared. Without the contraband, the entire prosecution risked collapse. Detectives began to suspect there was a local connection — someone who knew the coastline well.

Forty years on

More than four decades later, S4C’s new documentary returns to the mystery with rare interviews, archive footage, and dramatic re-enactments.

For the first time, it includes testimony from a local man — known only as “Jim” — whose words are voiced by an actor to protect his identity. “Jim,” who once modified cars for Boswell, became unwittingly entangled in a smuggling network stretching from Pembrokeshire to Morocco and beyond.

The two episodes retrace both the discovery of the secret underground chamber and the international scope of the operation that followed.

Local resident Wendy Phillips recalled: “Everyone knew everyone. Everyone knew each other’s business — that’s just how you were brought up.”

Screening in Newport

The pre-broadcast English-language screening of Cannabis Cove: Operation Seal Bay will take place at 6:30pm on Thursday, November 20, at Canolfan Bethlehem, Upper West Street, Newport.

Following the screening, there will be a Q&A session with retired detectives Don Evans and John Daniels, who worked on the original case, alongside the film’s director James Hale.

Entry is free, but donations will be taken on the door to support Canolfan Bethlehem.

Cannabis Cove: Operation Seal Bay airs on S4C later this month.

 

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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