Entertainment

A conversation with the Musical Director behind this year’s Torch Theatre pantomime

Published

7 months ago

November 25, 2025

THROUGHOUT the year, the dedicated creative teams at The Torch Theatre bring professional live productions to life. For the 2025 Christmas pantomime, Rapunzel, the team is shining a well-deserved spotlight on their Musical Director, Sarah Benbow, whose long career has been shaped by a passion for nurturing performers.

With 27 years of experience at Pembrokeshire Music Service and a background in vocal coaching, Sarah describes her journey into musical direction as a natural progression.
“I’ve always loved working with individuals dreaming of becoming professional performers, but I was keen to work with those who have already made that journey,” she explains. “Working as an MD allows me to help actors further develop their voices and explore characters through song… I love it.”

For Rapunzel, Sarah steps in once composer James Williams has created the show’s vibrant score. From that point, she works closely with the cast to learn, interpret, and enrich each musical moment.
“After James has written the amazing songs, I work with the actors, helping them learn and interpret them, ready for the performance.”

Describing the music as “fun, loud, and catchy”, Sarah says the score is central to the show’s storytelling. “It shows a different side of the character and how they connect with the audience, telling their story through music.”

Collaboration, she says, is key. She has worked closely with director Chelsey Gillard and choreographer Freya Dare to shape the production’s musical identity.
“We discuss the lyrics, interpretation and characterisation of the song, making sure we’re all on the same page and coming from the same creative direction.”

For Sarah, the best part of the job is the process itself.
“Rehearsals,” she says without hesitation. “Seeing the show develop and grow is really exciting.”

She adds that working with this year’s cast has been “an amazing privilege – they are such a great group of talented actors.” The production features a company of professionally trained performers, including well-known local faces such as Lloyd Grayshon (Dame) and Holly Mayhew (Rapunzel).

Audiences can expect a music-filled Rapunzel bursting with energy, character and heart, thanks in no small part to Sarah’s vision and enthusiasm.

Rapunzel runs at The Torch Theatre from Saturday 06 December to Sunday 28 December.
Prices: £24.50 | £20.00 Concessions | £78.00 Family
Relaxed Environment Performance: Saturday 13 December at 2pm
BSL Interpreted Performance (Liz May): Tuesday 16 December at 6pm.

Entertainment

Waverley marks 79th anniversary with Pembrokeshire sailings

Published

4 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

6 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

10 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.