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.

EMERGENCY SERVICS were called to a major overnight fire in Haverfordwest which led to residents being urged to remain indoors as smoke spread across the area.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said crews from Haverfordwest and Milford Haven stations were dispatched to Snowdrop Lane at 11:19pm on Monday (Apr 27).

The blaze involved a two-storey derelict commercial property, understood to have previously been used as a secondhand electrical shop. Firefighters worked for several hours to bring the incident under control, finally leaving the scene shortly after 2:00am on Tuesday morning.

At the height of the incident, multiple appliances were in attendance, including a turntable ladder used as a water tower and a water bowser to maintain supply. Crews deployed hose reel jets and 45mm jets to tackle the flames.

Smoke from the fire spread across neighbouring streets, prompting Dyfed-Powys Police to advise residents to stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed. Officers also carried out door-to-door enquiries in the surrounding area.

No injuries have been reported.

By Tuesday morning, traffic in and around the town centre was heavily affected, with congestion reported on the A40 near Cartlett, Narberth Road and the Withybush roundabout. Traffic was also slow on the A487, Freemens Way and routes approaching Merlins Bridge as drivers diverted away from the area.

The building has been completely destroyed, and a fire investigation is now due to take place to establish the cause.

Police have confirmed that roads in the area have since reopened, although officers remain at the scene while enquiries continue.

TWO PEOPLE were rescued from rocks near Pendine after Tenby’s lifeboats were called out on Monday evening.

Both the all-weather lifeboat and inshore lifeboat were requested to launch at 6:15pm on Monday (Apr 27), while crews were preparing for their weekly exercise.

The alarm was raised following a report that two people were possibly cut off by the tide at Gilman Point, near Pendine, around six miles north-east of Tenby.

Choppy conditions meant the inshore lifeboat made slower progress, with the all-weather lifeboat arriving first on scene.

As crews reached the area, members of Tenby Coastguard Rescue Team, who were positioned on the cliffs above, alerted them to two people on the rocks.

The all-weather lifeboat’s Y-boat was launched to get in close to the rocks and make contact with the pair. They confirmed they were in difficulty and were taken aboard the Y-boat before being brought safely ashore at Pendine, where Coastguards were waiting.

The inshore lifeboat arrived shortly afterwards and collected the casualties’ bags before also returning to shore.

Once everyone had been accounted for and it was confirmed nobody else was in difficulty, both lifeboats returned to Tenby and continued with their exercises.