SLAPSTICK STAGE FUN

THE THOUGHT of invisibility, and the advantages it might bring, has captured imaginations for generations since H. G. Wells’ classic story was first published.

Now The Invisible Man, adapted for the stage by Derek Webb, is coming to the Torch Theatre in Milford Haven this May, offering audiences an evening of fast-paced slapstick silliness.

Although the story has been adapted many times for film, it is far less often seen on stage. This original and riotous version features 15 characters played by just three energetic actors, with quick costume changes, clever prop work, wacky imagination and plenty of tongue-in-cheek fun.

The production is presented by Our Star Theatre Company, following its successful 2023 UK tour and critically acclaimed sell-out run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

The British Theatre Guide praised the show as “high paced throughout”, adding: “An exuberant cast, Daniel Davis, Eleanor Catherine Smart and Sophie Watkins, deserve credit for confidence and maintaining a high pace throughout. Watkins is a talented performer, coaxing the best out of the piece.”

The Invisible Man will be performed at the Torch Theatre on Wednesday, May 13, at 7:30pm.

Tickets are priced at £18 and can be booked online at torchtheatre.co.uk or through the Box Office on 01646 695267.

AUTHORS, poets, playwrights, storytellers, artists and musicians will head to Carmarthenshire this weekend as Llandeilo Literature Festival returns for its 10th year.

The festival, which began as a small book fair in 2016, has grown into one of south Wales’ leading literary events.

This year’s event runs from Friday, April 24, to Sunday, April 26, with a wide-ranging programme of talks, poetry readings, live performances, workshops and family activities across the town.

The festival celebrates Welsh and English language literature, culture and the arts, with organisers saying the programme offers something for devoted readers, families, writers and anyone interested in stories, creativity and performance.

BILINGUAL FESTIVAL

Llandeilo Lit Fest is one of the few festivals in Wales to fully embrace bilingual programming.

More than half of the events are held in Welsh, with translation available at adult sessions to make the programme accessible to wider audiences.

Subjects across the weekend include sport, politics, poetry, the environment, Welsh history, protest, walking, wild running, children’s literature, LGBTQ+ stories and creative writing.

Featured writers appearing this year include Fflur Dafydd, Gillian Clarke, Carwyn Graves, Menna Elfyn, Iola Ynyr and Jay Griffiths.

Sessions will be chaired by leading cultural figures including Owen Sheers, National Poet of Wales Hanan Issa, Manon Steffan Ros, Rhodri Gomer, Hanna Hopwood and Adam Price.

Herald editor Tom Sinclair will also chair Nigel Graddo’s talk at Hengwrt, Carmarthen Street, on Sunday, April 26, at 2:00pm.

POLITICS, PROTEST AND CULTURE

Former First Minister Mark Drakeford will be in conversation with Edwina Hart about the centenary of the General Strike and the literature it inspired in Wales.

Wyn Thomas will discuss the history of protest in Wales and the current debate around pylons in the Welsh countryside.

Andrew Green will present a talk on the history of walking in Wales, while Natalie Holborow will be in conversation about wild running with ultra-marathon runner and television presenter Lowri Morgan.

The closing event on Sunday, April 26, will be a talk by rugby player Ifan Phillips, chaired by Rhodri Gomer Davies.

Venues include Hengwrt, also known as The Shire Hall, which will host many of the talks as well as the festival bookshop.

Other venues include Horeb Chapel, Cegin Diod, The Hen Vic, St Teilo’s Church and Llandeilo’s new independent bookshop, Noisy Newt Books.

FAMILY EVENTS

Running alongside the main programme is KidsFest@the LitFest, a children’s festival offering storytelling, workshops and creative activities for families.

Many of the family activities will be free and held at Yr Hen Farchnad.

Aardman Animations will return for the third year with model-making workshops for all ages.

Television presenter and adventurer Will Millard will introduce audiences to real-life fascinating creatures, while Bardd Plant Cymru Siôn Tomos Owen and Children’s Laureate Nicola Davies will host workshops inspired by their latest books.

Adult creative workshops include lino printing, horror writing and textile workshops with the Calico Dress Project at Newton House.

PRIDE AND REPRESENTATION

Organisers say inclusivity is at the heart of the festival, with the programme championing representation and diverse voices.

Pride@LitFest, delivered in partnership with Pride Llandeilo, will celebrate LGBTQ+ stories and perspectives.

Ian H Watkins, of Steps fame, will discuss his new children’s book, while Bafta and Emmy award-winning writer Daf James will be in conversation with author Mike Parker about his life, career and television series Lost Boys and Fairies.

Alongside the literary programme, there will be free music across the weekend at the White Horse, with further performances at Civic Corner and in the courtyard of Pitchfork & Provision.

On Friday, April 24, Llandeilo storyteller Ceri John Phillips will perform an evening of tales with Will Anselm at Cegin Diod, accompanied by Neil Rosser and his Tywi Jazz Quartet.

On Saturday, April 25, the Civic Hall will host an evening of Welsh folk music featuring Elidyr Glyn, Mari Mathias and Lowri Evans.

Tickets and more information are available at llandeilolitfest.org.

REBECCA FERGUSON, Craig Charles, DJ Fat Tony and Catrin Finch are among the names confirmed for this year’s Big Retreat Festival in Pembrokeshire.

The four-day event will return to Lawrenny, in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, from Friday, May 22 to Monday, May 25, bringing together live music, wellbeing, food, talks and outdoor experiences.

Organisers say the 2026 festival will feature more than 300 experiences designed to help visitors relax, recharge and reconnect, combining the atmosphere of a boutique music festival with the restorative feel of a wellness retreat.

Leading the announced line-up is chart-topping singer-songwriter Rebecca Ferguson, alongside BBC 6 Music favourite Craig Charles, blues guitarist Jack Broadbent, and DJ Fat Tony.

Festival-goers can also expect performances from harpist Catrin Finch, Rick Parfitt Jnr’s Big Rock Show, and Women In Rock, an all-female collective celebrating some of the biggest rock anthems.

Emerging artists including Chloëbeth and DJ Ladyshift are also set to appear across the weekend.

Wellbeing and culture

Beyond the music stages, The Big Retreat will once again host a broad programme of speakers, instructors and experts.

Highlights include wellness expert and author Jules Von Hep, dance psychologist Dr Peter Lovatt, chef and broadcaster Tonia Buxton, and fertility expert Professor Joyce Harper.

The festival, set against the riverside landscape of Lawrenny, has become known for its mix of live music, yoga, wild swimming, creative workshops, talks, food experiences and family-friendly activities.

Organisers describe the event as one of the UK’s most uplifting and immersive festivals, offering visitors the chance to enjoy a long weekend of music, movement and wellbeing in one of Wales’ most scenic locations.

The full line-up, including acts, instructors and speakers, is available on The Big Retreat Festival website.

Tickets are on sale now.