Entertainment
Charming, cheeky and cunning: Award-winning Hamlet comes to the Torch screen
Olivier Award winner Hiran Abeysekera stars in National Theatre Live’s bold, contemporary take on Shakespeare’s most famous tragedy.
OLIVIERO Award-winner Hiran Abeysekera, best known for his acclaimed performance in Life of Pi, takes on the title role in Hamlet as National Theatre Live brings its fearless and contemporary reimagining of Shakespeare’s classic to the Torch Theatre screen this January.
Directed by National Theatre Deputy Artistic Director Robert Hastie (Standing at the Sky’s Edge, Operation Mincemeat), the production has been awarded five stars by Broadway World and praised for breathing fresh life into a play written more than 400 years ago, yet still strikingly relevant today.
Trapped between duty and doubt, and surrounded by power and privilege, Prince Hamlet grapples with grief, revenge and the ultimate question that has echoed through centuries of theatre. Hastie’s sharp, stylish and darkly funny interpretation places the troubled young prince firmly in the modern world, without losing the depth and complexity that has made the play endure.
Reviewers have been quick to praise the production, with Broadway World describing it as “exactly the kind of Hamlet you would hope to see,” while Upcoming hailed Abeysekera’s performance as “charming, cheeky and cunning.”
With its intricate plot, richly drawn characters and a lead performance that balances wit with emotional intensity, NT Live: Hamlet is a must-see for Shakespeare fans and newcomers alike.
NT Live: Hamlet will be screened at the Torch Theatre on Thursday 29 January at 7:00pm.
Tickets are priced at £15, £13 concessions, £10 under 26, and £8.50 concessions under 26.
For more information or to book tickets, visit www.torchtheatre.co.uk or contact the Box Office on (01646) 695267.

Entertainment
Shakespeare’s ‘mistaken identities’ to appear on outdoor Pembrokeshire stage
Following the success of last year’s spellbinding production of The Tempest, SPAN Arts is thrilled to welcome back The Festival Players for another evening of open-air Shakespeare in the stunning grounds of Lampeter House, near Narberth.
Featuring one of Shakespeare’s earliest plays, ‘The Comedy of Errors’ follows two sets of twins, twin brothers and their twin servants, separated by a shipwreck. When they unknowingly arrive in the same town on the same day, a whirlwind of confusion unfolds.
Mistaken identities lead to comic chaos: husbands appear to fall in love with the wrong people, debts go unpaid, and servants lock their masters out of their own homes. As the confusion builds, the play explores themes of identity, family and belonging.
The Festival Players bring this lively farce to life with original live music, fast-paced storytelling, traditional costume and plenty of humour, as part of their 2026 (and 41st) open-air summer theatre tour.
Lampeter House provides the perfect stage for this unforgettable evening. Nestled amongst towering trees and gardens full of character, the intimate amphitheatre setting promises a truly atmospheric experience.
So whether you’re a lifelong Shakespeare fan or a newcomer to his work, this performance offers the chance to enjoy world-class theatre under the open skies.
Make your evening complete with a delicious pre-show supper. A hot summer cawl with bread and cheese will be available to pre-order for just £6 while vegetarian and other dietary options are available by simply selecting your preference when booking online or over the phone. A fully stocked bar and refreshments will also be available throughout the evening.
A limited number of mats and ground seating will be provided, but audiences are encouraged to bring their own picnic blankets or low-backed chairs for maximum comfort. As the performance will proceed come rain or shine, please dress appropriately for the weather.
This year’s production takes place on Friday June 12, with the doors opening at 6pm and the performance commencing at 7pm.
Tickets can be reserved on 01834 869323.
.
Entertainment
Torch Youth Theatre takes aim with Robin Hood adventure
OVER 50 young actors will take to the Torch Theatre stage this summer for a new version of the classic Robin Hood tale.
Robin Hood: The Legend of the Black Knight will be performed by members of Torch Youth Theatre across three nights in July, promising adventure, excitement and a few unexpected twists.
The production will feature the familiar ingredients of the much-loved story, with Robin Hood robbing from the rich to give to the poor, the Sheriff of Nottingham causing trouble, and Maid Marian presented as a spirited heroine.
Director Tim Howe said: “All the elements of the story we know and love will be there. Robin Hood robs from the rich and gives to the poor, the Sheriff of Nottingham is up to no good, and Maid Marian is exactly the feisty heroine we all need.
“But it wouldn’t be a Torch Youth Theatre production without some things you won’t be expecting, and we can’t wait to share those surprises with you.”
Youth theatre success
The show follows the record-breaking success of Sycamore Gap and forms part of a busy year of activity for young people at the Torch.
Torch Youth Theatre provides weekly sessions during school term time for young people aged seven to 18. All members are able to take part in the summer production, with no auditions required.
Tim added: “We provide weekly sessions during school term time for young people aged seven to 18, all of whom are able to take part in the summer production – there are no auditions – and booking is now open.
“We also offer activity in the summer when young people can join us for a full week of workshops and rehearsals to create a production which is shared in our studio for their families and friends. So there’s loads of ways to join in with us.”
The Torch Youth Theatre’s sessions and productions aim to develop young people’s theatrical skills while also giving them a space to find their voice, build confidence and learn more about themselves and each other.
Robin Hood: The Legend of the Black Knight will be performed at the Torch Theatre on Monday, July 20, Tuesday, July 21 and Wednesday, July 22 at 6:30pm.
Tickets cost £10, or £8 for concessions, and are available from torchtheatre.co.uk or the Box Office on 01646 695267.
Entertainment
Music at the Manor to strike a chord with return to Scolton
YOUNG musicians from across Pembrokeshire will take centre stage next month as Music at the Manor returns to Scolton Manor.
Pembrokeshire Music Service is inviting music lovers to enjoy an evening of live performances in the grounds of the manor on Friday (May 8).
The event will showcase the talents of scores of young musicians from across the county, with performances from Pembrokeshire Music Service’s county ensembles.
These will include the County Orchestra, Wind Band, Brass Band, Training Orchestra with Second Steps, Rock and Pop Band, and Big Band.
There will also be performances from the Community Choir and this year’s Secondary Valero festival winner, drummer Ryan Block from Ysgol Bro Preseli.
Gates open at 4:30pm, with the music starting at 6:00pm.
Tickets are available from ticketsource.co.uk/pembrokeshire-county-council
-
Local Government6 days agoUnresolved building control record leaves buyer’s cottage unregistered
-
Crime6 days agoMan on trial over historic sex offence allegations
-
News6 days agoWaiting lists fall for ninth month — but cancer, A&E and ambulance pressures grow
-
News6 days agoKemi Badenoch warns over loss of industry during Valero visit
-
Crime7 days agoKeeston driver to face trial over A40 driving allegation
-
News4 days agoBarley Saturday brings bumper crowds to Cardigan
-
Climate6 days agoBid to turn Maidenwells field into garden is approved
-
Crime5 days agoHakin resident fined £1,330 over repeated noise and intimidation breaches








