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.

Bellini’s final masterpiece receives its first new Metropolitan Opera production in nearly 50 years, featuring a world-class cast and a dramatic English Civil War setting

FOR soaring melodies, spellbinding coloratura and virtuosic vocal fireworks, I Puritani has few equals. Opera lovers in Pembrokeshire are in for a treat this January when the Metropolitan Opera’s spectacular new production is broadcast live to the Torch Theatre.

This highly anticipated performance marks the first new Met staging of Vincenzo Bellini’s final masterpiece in nearly 50 years. The production is directed by Charles Edwards, who makes his company directorial debut after many acclaimed successes as a set designer, and has already generated excitement ahead of its worldwide cinema broadcast.

Presented in three acts, I Puritani is set in England around 1650, during the turmoil of the English Civil War. The drama unfolds in Plymouth, a Puritan stronghold under threat of siege from Royalist forces. As distant voices announce the wedding day of Elvira, daughter of the fortress commander Gualtiero, political and personal tensions begin to collide.

Riccardo, Elvira’s rejected suitor, laments that the woman promised to him loves another man – Arturo, a supporter of the Stuart cause. Refusing to force his daughter into an unwanted marriage, Gualtiero leaves Riccardo heartbroken. Elvira, meanwhile, confides in her uncle Giorgio that she would rather die than marry Riccardo. Giorgio reassures her that he has persuaded her father to allow her to marry Arturo, despite his Royalist loyalties.

As wedding celebrations begin, Arturo arrives at the castle and is reunited with Elvira. He soon discovers that Queen Enrichetta, widow of King Charles, is imprisoned there and awaiting trial in London. Alone with the queen, Arturo makes a fateful decision to help her escape – even at the risk of his own life – setting in motion a dramatic chain of events driven by love, loyalty and betrayal.

The Metropolitan Opera has assembled a world-class cast for the opera’s demanding principal roles, conducted by Marco Armiliato. Soprano Lisette Oropesa stars as Elvira, alongside tenor Lawrence Brownlee as Arturo. Baritone Artur Ruciński appears as Riccardo, while bass-baritone Christian Van Horn plays Elvira’s compassionate uncle, Giorgio.

Sung in Italian with English subtitles, I Puritani, composed by Vincenzo Bellini with a libretto by Carlo Pepoli, is a thrilling blend of romance, political intrigue and bel canto brilliance.

I Puritani will be broadcast live from the Met Opera to the Torch Theatre on Saturday 10 January at 6:00pm.

Tickets: Full £20 / Concessions £18 / Under 26s £9
Booking: www.torchtheatre.co.uk
Box Office: 01646 695267

VAIN, enthusiastic, dramatic and utterly loveable, Prince Nathaniel of Neyland is set to steal hearts on the Torch Theatre stage this festive season in Rapunzel.

Played by the charismatic Harry Lynn, the flamboyant prince is the sort of pantomime hero audiences can’t help but cheer on, even when he is wildly out of his depth. From the moment he steps on stage, Prince Nathaniel is determined to help Rapunzel at every possible turn – even if bravery doesn’t always come naturally.

Describing the role as “wonderfully silly, enthusiastic, and a big-hearted comedic hero,” Harry says Prince Nathaniel is “the epitome of royal bravery,” striking his dramatic “Prince Pose” whenever the moment allows.

“But in reality, he’s often nervous, dramatic, and hilariously out of his depth,” Harry explained. “He’s pampered, easily flustered, and very vain about his hair – to the point where a haircut at Belinda’s salon becomes a full-on event. Beneath all the bravado, though, he’s loyal, caring, and absolutely determined to do the right thing, especially when Rapunzel needs him.”

Harry, who trained at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, believes audiences will quickly fall for the prince’s perfectly imperfect charm.

“He’s confident but clueless, brave but squeamish, and always trying his best,” he said. “And when it really counts, he genuinely steps up. Whether he fully saves the day… well, this is a pantomime, so every hero needs a little help. Let’s just say he plays an integral part in Rapunzel’s fairytale ending.”

A familiar face to panto fans, Harry has just completed a run as Hunk/Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz at Aberystwyth Arts Centre and says the festive season is his favourite time of year to perform.

“Panto season is pure joy – loud audiences, lots of laughter, plenty of improvisation, and that special festive atmosphere where anything can happen,” he said. “It’s a theatre experience like no other and the perfect way to celebrate Christmas.”

Prince Nathaniel, however, rarely has a quiet moment on stage. He is chased, sprayed, gunged, electrocuted, bashed in the face, tangled in a complicated ladder sequence – and faints, falls, panics, poses and hides behind Belinda whenever fear takes over.

“It’s a lot,” Harry laughed. “The challenge is keeping the comedy big and bold while still maintaining his charm. Having the Prince arrive in full regal mode, only to be sprayed in the face and gunged by Belinda, is peak panto chaos – huge fun to perform and, hopefully, even more fun to watch.”

Rapunzel – the hair-raising adventure runs at the Torch Theatre from Saturday, December 6 to Sunday, December 28. A Relaxed Environment performance takes place on Saturday, December 13 at 2:00pm, with a BSL-interpreted performance on Tuesday, December 16 at 6:00pm.

Tickets are priced at £24.50, £20.00 concessions, or £78.00 for a family ticket. For more information or to book, visit www.torchtheatre.co.uk or call the Box Office on (01646) 695267.