Young performers wow audiences as Sycamore Gap sells out

THREE nights of outstanding performances from the Torch Youth Theatre culminated in a sell-out final night, with young performers from across Pembrokeshire dazzling audiences in their production of Sycamore Gap.

The show proved hugely popular, with 96% of tickets sold across the run at the Torch Theatre in Milford Haven. The production also received glowing praise from the theatre’s community and junior reviewers.

Director Tim Howe said the success of the show reflected the dedication and hard work of the young cast.

“We are so incredibly proud of our young people and everything they have achieved with this production,” he said.

“While breaking box office records with 96% of tickets sold is an incredible milestone, the greater triumph is seeing these performers gain the essential life skills that will define their future success.

“Sycamore Gap demonstrates what we at the Torch believe makes youth theatre so special. It provides a safe and creative space where young people can build friendships, grow in confidence and explore the issues that matter most to them.”

Freya, one of the Torch Theatre’s junior reviewers, said she was impressed by the standard of the performance.

“I was impressed with the singing at the beginning of the show. What a voice!” she said.

“Every actor delivered their lines as if it were a normal conversation. I didn’t even hear a single stutter or notice if anyone made an error. The skill it must take! I’d be shaking in my boots.”

The success of Sycamore Gap will be followed by one final performance at Aberystwyth Arts Centre as part of the National Theatre Connections tour.

However, the young performers will have little time to rest as preparations are already under way for their next major production.

Mr Howe explained that the Torch Youth Theatre will soon begin work on a brand-new summer show.

“Following our Aberystwyth Arts Centre performance, we move straight into our spectacular summer production, Robin Hood and the Legend of the Black Knight,” he said.

“Written specifically for our Youth Theatre, the production will see more than fifty young people take to the main house stage for a fresh retelling of the classic tale. It’s an incredibly exciting time for our performers, and we invite everyone to come along and support them.”

The story picks up ten years after Robin Hood fled into the forest. Now he has returned in search of adventure, leading audiences deep into Sherwood Forest alongside Maid Marian and a host of familiar characters.

With daring escapes, a legendary archery contest and the appearance of the mysterious Black Knight, the production promises a thrilling new take on the well-known legend as Robin and his allies stand against the tyranny of Queen Eleanor and the ruthless Sheriff of Nottingham.

Robin Hood and the Legend of the Black Knight will be performed at the Torch Theatre from Monday (July 20) to Wednesday (July 22).

Tickets are available from the Torch Theatre Box Office on 01646 695267 or online at torchtheatre.co.uk. Prices are £10, with concessions available for £8.

Image: Jasper Photography

MILFORD Haven Amateur Operatic Society received another standing ovation on Wednesday evening for its 2026 production of Evita at the Torch Theatre in Milford Haven.

The popular musical, featuring the iconic score by Andrew Lloyd Webber, has been drawing enthusiastic audiences as the society brings to life the powerful and emotional story of Eva Perón’s rise to prominence as Argentina’s First Lady.

Special guests attended the performance, including Matt Hampson, representative for NODA Wales and Ireland, and the society’s newly elected President Mrs Marion Harris BEM.

They were welcomed at the theatre by Tanya Rendell, one of the performers taking on the role of Eva, alongside Lisa Jenkins, wardrobe mistress and committee member for the society.

The production has been warmly received by audiences, with the cast and crew rewarded with another standing ovation following Wednesday night’s performance.

Members of Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society thanked everyone who has supported the show so far and encouraged theatre-goers to come along for the remaining performances.

The production continues at the Torch Theatre this week, promising audiences a memorable evening of music, drama and storytelling as the remarkable life of Eva Perón unfolds on stage.

Cover image: Guests and society members gather at the Torch Theatre ahead of the latest performance of Evita (Pic: Supplied).

The Cheltenham Festival is one of the biggest events in the horse racing industry, attracting thousands of attendees every year. But when and why did it become so popular? In this article, we’ll take a brief look at the Cheltenham Festival, including its history and rise to fame. 

What is the Cheltenham Festival? 

The Cheltenham Festival is a popular annual horse racing event that spans four days in March. It’s held at Cheltenham Racecourse in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire and, over the course of the event, hundreds of millions of pounds are bet, making it one of the largest betting events in the jumping calendar. 

History of the Cheltenham Festival 

The festival loosely dates back to 1860, but it was known then as the Grand National Hunt Meeting and took place in several locations over the years. However, it was primarily held at Warwick Racecourse during this period. It wasn’t until 1911, after several upgrades to the racecourse, that the festival settled at Cheltenham, where it has remained ever since.

Growth in Popularity 

Once the festival had found its permanent home at Cheltenham, traction rapidly increased, with several key milestones in particular contributing to its increasing popularity: 

• The introduction of the Gold Cup in 1924
• Golden Miller success – between 1932 and 1936 the horse ‘Golden Miller’ won five consecutive Golden Cups, drawing considerable attention to the festival 
• Television coverage – in 1964, the BBC began covering the festival, opening it up to a much wider audience 

But for the most part, its popularity comes down to the quality and competitiveness of the racing, and the atmosphere it generates. The ‘Cheltenham Roar’ simply can’t be replicated anywhere else, and allows for a truly unforgettable week of entertainment. 

Races 

The four day festival was originally just three days, but in 2005, a fourth day was added. The festival now consists of 28 races, which include both grade 1 hurdles and chase races. 

Each day has its own theme:

• Day 1: Champion Day
• Day 2: Style Wednesday (Ladies Day)
• Day 3: St Patrick’s Thursday 
• Day 4: Gold Cup Day 

Betting at Cheltenham 

Horse racing and betting go hand in hand and the Cheltenham Festival is certainly no exception, marking the largest betting window in the racing calendar. The event is a significant time for bookies and punters alike, with most bettors turning to sites like oddschecker to make more informed decisions in an attempt to boost their chances of securing the record-breaking prize money. 

Will You Be Watching?

The festival kicks off today with The Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle – will you be joining the thousands of other spectators watching?