Entertainment

Meet the terrific creative team behind Rapunzel at the Torch Theatre

Published

7 months ago

November 23, 2025

THE COUNTDOWN is officially on for the Torch Theatre’s hair-larious Christmas pantomime, Rapunzel. And while some may say it is too early to talk about Christmas (oh no, it isn’t), the creative team behind this year’s production have already been hard at work preparing a fantastically funny festive show (oh yes, they have).

This year’s pantomime brings together a breadth of professional and local talent, both on stage and behind the red curtain. Leading the magic backstage, the team combines decades of experience to bring Rapunzel’s world to life in Milford Haven.

Experienced hands behind the scenes

Award-winning director and current artistic director of the Torch Theatre, Chelsey Gillard, returns to write and direct her third pantomime at the venue. Her first panto at the Torch, Beauty and the Beast, was a record-breaker. Before joining the Torch, Chelsey worked as Carne Trust Associate Director at the Stephen Joseph Theatre. “It’s a pantomime not to be missed,” she said. “We are eagerly looking forward to a lot of belly laughs this Christmas.”

Pembrokeshire-based composer, writer and director James Williams once again provides the music and lyrics. His long association with the Torch began in 1998 with Christmas Cat and the Pudding Pirates, and he has composed every Torch pantomime since. His wider credits include work with NTW, WNO and Hijinx.

This year’s Musical Director is Sarah Benbow, a familiar name in Pembrokeshire’s music community. With more than 27 years working for the county’s Music Service, Sarah has collaborated with the BBC Chorus of Wales, The Aloud Charity and numerous musical and dramatic groups across Wales.

Design, costumes and technical craft

Rapunzel marks Kevin Jenkins’ fourth design for the Torch Theatre, having previously created the sets for Private Lives, Beauty and the Beast and Jack and the Beanstalk. He has also designed numerous productions for Sir Alan Ayckbourn at the Stephen Joseph Theatre. He returns this year to craft Rapunzel’s world and costumes, adding to a portfolio that includes Show & Tell, Constant Companions, Family Album and The Girl Next Door.

Costume supervisor Louise Sturley brings international experience, from working in screen wardrobe at the BBC to creating costumes for Madonna’s world tour. Louise first worked with the Torch in 2006 and has since built a career spanning theatre, film, television and live music. She now adds Dame Belinda Beehive to her list of stars she has dressed.

Lighting Designer and Production Manager Ceri James continues his long relationship with the Torch. Over the past decade he has designed lighting and video for productions including Private Lives, Sleeping Beauty, Of Mice and Men and Carwyn.

Local actor and choreographer Freya Dare, who runs her own children’s theatre company in West Wales, returns after performing in last year’s Jack and the Beanstalk. This year she plays Zephyr the Puffin and also serves as the show’s choreographer.

Completing the creative team is Milford Haven-born Bethan Eleri, who takes on the role of Fight Director. Over the past ten years she has choreographed fight and intimacy scenes for both stage and screen, including contributing to the martial arts choreography for Enola Holmes 2. Bethan said she is delighted to be returning to the Torch.

Show dates

Rapunzel runs at the Torch Theatre from Saturday 6 December to Sunday 28 December.
Price: £24.50, £20.00 concessions, £78.00 family ticket.
Relaxed Environment performance: Saturday 13 December at 2:00pm.
BSL-interpreted performance (Liz May): Tuesday 16 December at 6:00pm.

Entertainment

Waverley marks 79th anniversary with Pembrokeshire sailings

Published

3 hours ago

June 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE WORLD’S last seagoing paddle steamer will return to Pembrokeshire this week as Waverley marks the 79th anniversary of her maiden voyage.

The historic vessel will sail from Milford Haven and Tenby on Tuesday (Jun 16), with trips including a daytime cruise around Skokholm, Skomer, St Brides Bay and Ramsey Island from 11:30am to 4:30pm.

There will also be an evening sailing from Milford Haven at 5:00pm, travelling to St Govan’s Head, Caldey Island and along the Pembrokeshire coast, returning at 9:50pm.

Passengers can also join Waverley at Tenby, with sailings to Milford Haven and an evening cruise around Caldey Island and the coast.

On Wednesday (Jun 17), Waverley will make her only Fishguard visit of 2026, with an evening cruise to St David’s Head, passing Strumble Head Lighthouse, from 6:15pm to 9:15pm.

Tickets are available through Waverley Excursions.

Entertainment

The Big Retreat confirms first details for 2027 Pembrokeshire festival

Published

5 hours ago

June 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Soul Space sessions, new relaxation areas and Abba Revival among early announcements

THE BIG RETREAT FESTIVAL has revealed the first details of its 2027 event in Pembrokeshire, with organisers promising new spaces, more inclusive activities and the return of a popular Main Stage act.

The festival will take place from May 28 to May 31, 2027, at Newton Farm, Lawrenny.

Organisers said they had been reflecting on feedback from this year’s event, with visitors most often describing the festival as “fun, relaxing and friendly.”

Among the changes already planned for 2027 is the inclusion of all sessions within The Soul Space as part of the standard festival ticket.

New areas dedicated to rest, relaxation and connection are also being introduced, giving visitors more opportunities to step away from busier parts of the site during the weekend.

The Talk Tent will move to the Village Green, while a new Gathering Place will also be created there. Hosted by the festival’s Solo Traveller Manager and Accessibility Manager, the space will be open to everyone as somewhere to meet others, ask questions, relax or take a moment out.

Other changes include new glamping accommodation with electric hook-ups and the return of the football pitch in Family Camping.

Organisers have also confirmed that Abba Revival will return to The Big Retreat Pembrokeshire in 2027 as the first announced Main Stage act.

The tribute act proved popular at this year’s event, with organisers saying the request to bring them back came up repeatedly in visitor feedback.

The festival team said: “One of the things we love most about The Big Retreat is that no two people experience it in the same way.

“Some come for the music. Some for the yoga. Some for the wild swimming. Some for the talks. Some for the food. Some for the adventure.

“However you choose to spend your weekend, our goal remains the same: Feel Good Your Way.”

First wave tickets are now on sale, with organisers also offering a ten-month payment plan.

Glamping accommodation for 2027, including the new electric hook-up options, is due to go on sale on Wednesday, June 17.

Entertainment

Bring your dancing shoes as Lipstick on Your Collar comes to Torch Theatre

Published

8 hours ago

June 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Hit-packed celebration of the 1950s and 60s promises a night of nostalgia, live music and dancing

MUSIC lovers are being invited to step back in time for an evening of nostalgia as Lipstick on Your Collar arrives at the Torch Theatre later this month.

Packed with more than forty classic hits from the 1950s and 60s, the show celebrates the golden age of music, from the birth of rock ’n’ roll to the beat group sounds of the British Invasion and beyond.

Audiences can expect favourites made famous by stars including Connie Francis, Brenda Lee, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, The Beatles, The Ronettes, Cliff Richard and Cilla Black.

Performed by a full live band featuring some of the country’s top musicians, the production promises excellent vocals, tight harmonies and an infectious sense of fun.

Organisers say dancing in the aisles is “strictly compulsory”, with audiences encouraged to dust off their dancing shoes and enjoy an evening of feel-good entertainment.

Lipstick on Your Collar comes to the Torch Theatre in Milford Haven on Sunday (June 28) at 7:30pm.

Tickets cost £27 and are available from the Torch Theatre box office on 01646 695267 or online at torchtheatre.co.uk.