Entertainment

Youth theatre members sprout on stage with Sycamore Gap drama

Published

6 months ago

December 23, 2025

A POWERFUL real-world event that shocked the nation is being brought to the stage by Torch Youth Theatre in a new production inspired by the felling of the famous Sycamore Gap tree.

The iconic sycamore, which stood beside Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland and featured in the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, made international headlines in 2023 after it was illegally cut down. Believed to be one of the UK’s most recognisable trees, its destruction caused widespread anger and disbelief.

That moment now forms the starting point for Sycamore Gap, Torch Youth Theatre’s spring production, sponsored by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

Set on the morning after the tree has been felled, the play centres on a group of young people from a secondary school eco-club. As questions swirl around what happened and who is responsible, tensions rise. Friendships are tested, long-held grudges emerge and the group finds itself racing against time — and the police — to uncover the truth.

As the story unfolds, the young characters wrestle with suspicion, blame and moral responsibility, all while navigating the pressures of modern teenage life. The play mixes mystery with sharp humour and wordplay, asking whether the eco-club is really getting to the root of the problem — or barking up the wrong tree.

The production follows a run of successful Torch Youth Theatre shows, including The Bangers and Chips Explosion, Ravers and The Wind in the Willows.

Tim Howe, Torch Theatre’s senior manager for youth and community, said he was excited to begin rehearsals.

“We’re really pleased to be partnering with Pembrokeshire Coast National Park on this production, and we cannot wait to bring this story to life,” he said. “Anyone who has seen Torch Youth Theatre productions will know they celebrate young people and everything they are capable of.”

He added that the new play tackles some of the biggest issues facing young people today.

“This is a fearless piece of theatre,” Tim said. “It links environmental activism with cancel culture and explores how teenagers are grappling with toxic masculinity and power structures. Our young people are already having fierce and essential conversations about these themes, and they’re eager to bring them to the stage.”

Looking ahead, Torch Youth Theatre has also announced a second major production for 2026.

“The Sycamore Gap tree isn’t the only Robin Hood connection we’ll be sharing next year,” Tim said. “In July, all of our youth theatre members will perform a brand-new version of Robin Hood, written especially for them. It promises to be an epic adventure.”

Torch Youth Theatre presents Al Smith’s Sycamore Gap this February as part of the National Theatre’s NT Connections programme.

Sycamore Gap will be performed at the Torch Theatre from Wednesday (Feb 25) to Friday (Feb 27), 2026. Tickets are priced at £10, with concessions at £8.

The Robin Hood production will run from July 20 to July 22, 2026, with tickets going on sale in the spring.

For more information, visit www.torchtheatre.co.uk or contact the box office on (01646) 695267.

Entertainment

Fishguard Soapbox Derby returns for day of speed, creativity and family fun

Published

1 day ago

June 26, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Teams are being urged to get their carts ready as Fishguard Round Table brings back one of the town’s most popular community events

FISGHUARD is gearing up for one of its most colourful community events as the Fishguard Soapbox Derby returns on Saturday, June 27.

The event, organised by Fishguard Round Table, will get underway from midday and promises a day of speed, creativity, family fun and community spirit.

Teams are being encouraged to build their own soapbox carts and take part, with organisers hoping this year’s event will be the biggest and best yet.

The derby brings together racers, families, spectators and local supporters for a fun-filled day in the town, with prizes, food, stalls and entertainment also planned.

Organisers say the event is all about “speed, creativity and community”, giving teams the chance to show off their designs while spectators enjoy the action from the roadside.

The event poster promises “fun family action” and urges people to “race it, build it, watch it, love it”.

Fishguard Round Table, which supports community causes through its fundraising and events, is encouraging people to come along, support the racers and enjoy a full afternoon out.

Entries are currently open, with teams urged to get together and prepare their carts ahead of race day.

Entertainment

Torch cuts children’s cinema tickets to £5.25 for summer

Published

1 day ago

June 26, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FAMILIES heading to the cinema in Milford Haven this summer will be able to take advantage of reduced ticket prices at the Torch Theatre.

From Friday, July 3, to Tuesday, September 1, the Torch will offer cinema tickets for under-16s at £5.25 as part of the UK Government’s Great British Summer Savings scheme.

Family tickets will be available for £21, while 3D tickets for under-16s will cost £5.80. A 3D family ticket will be priced at £23.

The discount will be applied automatically to eligible screenings during the offer period. It cannot be used on tickets already purchased or for screenings outside the stated dates.

Chelsey Gillard, Artistic Director and Interim CEO at the Torch Theatre, said: “The Torch is delighted to be offering these reduced cinema ticket prices for families over the summer months.

“We are not required to pass on the VAT saving, but we are firm believers in providing the best value for audiences and this scheme is allowing us to do just that.

“With a summer full of blockbuster titles ahead, including Toy Story 5 and the latest instalment of the Minions, we are looking forward to welcoming you soon.”

The summer savings scheme is part of a wider government package aimed at helping households with rising costs, including support around energy bills, fuel costs, holiday activities and wages.

Tickets can be booked at torchtheatre.co.uk or through the Box Office on 01646 695267.

Entertainment

Pembrokeshire soprano to perform at International Eisteddfod

Published

5 days ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

HAVERFORDWEST music teacher and soprano soloist Clare Harrison is set to perform at the International Eisteddfod in Llangollen next month.

Clare will sing under the baton of Sir Karl Jenkins on Tuesday, July 7, as part of the World Choir, an auditioned international chorus of singers, for the long-awaited Welsh premiere of his work One World.

She will also perform in a new commission, Greeting the Dawn, by Sam Buttler, and in Peace Child with Wrexham-based chorus NEW Voices.

Clare combines a busy teaching schedule with regular solo performances across Wales and the borders.

Her next Pembrokeshire appearance will be as soloist with Tenby Male Choir at St Mary’s Church, Tenby, on Thursday, July 16.

Caption:

Clare Harrison: The Haverfordwest soprano will perform at the International Eisteddfod in Llangollen.