Entertainment

Pembrokeshire’s favourite panto dame returns

Published

11 seconds ago

April 13, 2026

There really is nothing like a dame — and there is certainly nothing quite like Pembrokeshire’s very own Lloyd Grayshon.

THE MUCH-LOVED local actor has been invited back to the Torch Theatre for this year’s festive pantomime, Puss in Boots, which comes with a Wild West twist this December.

Spirited, lively and always with a twinkle in his eye, Lloyd has become a firm favourite with Torch audiences through a string of memorable pantomime performances. Past roles have included Titania Trott in Jack and the Beanstalk and Dame Belinda Beehive in Rapunzel.

Lloyd said: “I’m absolutely delighted and very honoured to be invited back. I’m also very excited, as it’s not every day you get to dress up, wear wacky clothes and get such a great response from our lovely audience.”

Bold, brassy and full of charm, Lloyd’s larger-than-life dame performances have delighted audiences of all ages. With his mischievous grin, boundless energy and gift for comic timing, he has had theatre-goers rolling in the aisles and coming back for more.

“I’ve played many different roles at the Torch and in its pantomimes,” he said. “The first was the Genie in Aladdin, and again in 2019. My next pantomime role came in 2023 as Belle’s Father and understudy for the Dame in Beauty and the Beast. That was when I got my first chance to play the Dame, and I haven’t looked back since.”

Lloyd, who runs his own media company and lives in Hook, said playing Dame Belinda Beehive was one of the most enjoyable experiences of his career.

He added: “Playing Dame Belinda Beehive was one of the most fun experiences I have ever had on stage. Belinda was a big, bright, energetic beauty who had a keen eye for the opposite sex. Once she had you in her sights… look out!”

A father of two, Lloyd says the role of the Dame gives him the freedom to throw himself fully into the performance.

“I love the freedom it gives me to have fun with both the audience and the cast,” he said. “It’s great fun reacting in the moment to ever-changing situations. I really enjoy throwing myself around on stage and giving 100 per cent energy from start to finish.

“I just love making a connection with the audience. Some are up for it straight away and others need a little encouragement, but the more they give me, the more fun I have. It’s not to be feared — it’s a lot of fun.”

As Lloyd gets ready to step into Puss in Boots, audiences can expect original songs, hiss-terical humour and more local references than you can shake your tail at. In Wild West Wales, anything is possible. Can Puss help our heroes find fame and fur-tune? Audiences will have to pull on their dancing shoes and join the meow-sical extravaganza to find out.

Puss in Boots will be at the Torch Theatre from Saturday, December 5 to Saturday, January 2. A Relaxed Environment Performance will take place on December 19 at 2:00pm, while a BSL-interpreted performance will be held on Tuesday, December 22 at 6:00pm.

Tickets are available through the Torch Theatre website or from the Box Office on 01646 695267.

Entertainment

Welcome to Wrexham renewed for three more seasons

Published

2 days ago

April 11, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Hit documentary charting Wrexham AFC’s remarkable rise under Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney will continue as the club closes in on the Premier League

THE HIT football documentary Welcome to Wrexham has been renewed for a further three seasons, extending the story of the Welsh club’s extraordinary revival under Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

The series, which first aired in 2022, has followed Wrexham AFC’s transformation since the two actors bought the club for £2 million in February 2021. Since then, the team has secured three successive promotions, climbing from the National League to the Championship.

From the beginning, Reynolds and McElhenney made no secret of their ambition to take Wrexham all the way to the Premier League. With the club now just one division below the top flight, that goal is looking more realistic than ever.

Reynolds announced the latest renewal news to his huge Instagram following, telling fans that season five will premiere on May 14 and confirming that the programme has been commissioned for three more runs.

The documentary, produced by FX and available in the UK on Disney+, has proved a major success with audiences and critics alike. It has won 10 Emmy Awards as well as two Critics’ Choice Television Awards.

Wrexham’s rise has become one of the most talked-about stories in British football, with the documentary helping to bring global attention to the club and the city itself.

Last year, manager Phil Parkinson said the presence of Reynolds and McElhenney at the club had helped lift the whole atmosphere around the place, underlining the impact they have had both on and off the pitch.

Entertainment

Medieval warriors return to Pembroke Castle this weekend

Published

2 days ago

April 11, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Historia Normannis Wales brings combat displays, Norman justice and living history to the famous fortress

PEMBROKE Castle is stepping back into the 12th century this weekend as Historia Normannis Wales returns for two days of living history.

The event, taking place on Saturday (Apr 11) and Sunday (Apr 12), promises visitors an immersive glimpse into medieval Britain, with reenactors recreating the sights, smells and sounds of the Norman age within the castle grounds.

Among the attractions planned are a medieval fashion show, a Shire Court, combat displays and an arming of the knight demonstration, giving families and history enthusiasts the chance to see how people lived, fought and were judged in Norman times.

The weekend forms part of Pembroke Castle’s wider Easter programme and is included with normal admission.

Pembroke Castle said it was delighted to welcome Historia Normannis Wales back for another weekend of “real life medieval experiences”.

One of the best-known historic attractions in west Wales, Pembroke Castle was founded in 1093 and is famous as the birthplace of Henry VII.

The castle remains a major draw for visitors to Pembrokeshire, and this weekend’s event is expected to be popular with families looking for something different during the Easter break.

The event is included with normal castle admission, with standard ticket prices from £13 for adults and £9 for children, while online bookings receive a 10 per cent discount.

Community

Comedy in the Pavilion: Elis James at Eisteddfod y Garreg Las

Published

2 days ago

April 11, 2026

Richard Lewis

COMEDIAN Elis James will take to the Pavilion stage at the National Eisteddfod for the first time this year, performing on Wednesday, August 5 as part of the festival programme. Entry to the gig is included in the Maes day ticket, and with strong roots in the area, his return promises an evening of laughter and a warm homecoming atmosphere.

Famous for making quick connections with people from across Wales on his podcast ‘Elis & John’ on BBC Sounds, Elis will no doubt receive a warm welcome at the National Eisteddfod, arguably one of the best places in the world to connect with fellow Welsh people. With his observational comedy, often inspired by his upbringing in west Wales, this is expected to be an evening full of humour, marking the halfway point of the Eisteddfod week.

Elis said: “I’m very excited. I’ve never done stand-up in the Pavilion before. Mam will be there, I’m sure other members of the family will be there too, but don’t worry, I’m one of those people who is funny under pressure!”

Betsan Moses, the Eisteddfod’s Chief Executive, added: “It’s a pleasure to welcome Elis back home to the Garreg Las area.

“As a Welsh comedy giant, we’re looking forward to a night of humour in his company, reflecting the true spirit of the Eisteddfod.”

Elis was born in Haverfordwest and raised in Carmarthen. He’s a comedian, podcast presenter, actor and broadcaster. Since 2014, he’s presented a radio show with his friend and fellow comedian, John Robins, originally on Radio X before moving to BBC 5 Live in 2019.

Among the UK’s most popular comedians, Elis toured Wales with his show Derwydd in 2024, recording a performance at Carmarthen’s Lyric Theatre. He has since returned to English‑language stand‑up after a ten‑year break.

Day Maes tickets, which include admission to the gig, are available on the Eisteddfod website.

Eisteddfod Genedlaethol y Garreg Las will be held in Llantwd, north Pembrokeshire between August 1 and August 8.