Entertainment

Torch Youth Theatre prepares for its Autumn series

Published

3 years ago

August 14, 2023

THE TORCH THEATRE is known for priding itself on nurturing new talent and its Youth Theatre. For many, is where the magic of theatre all begins. The Youth Theatre (YT) is a programme for young people aged seven to 18 that helps them to understand what it is to be a theatre maker and the opportunities are endless.

Each week, the young people are encouraged to build their confidence through creative and engaging skill-building sessions, led by the Torch Theatre’s dedicated team. These sessions are not just about acting and theatre; the young people also learn about social skills, problem-solving, and teamwork. Most importantly they have fun and make new friends.

This year its youth theatre participants will be involved in two national programmes. The seven to 11-year-olds will be working on two fantastic new plays commissioned as part of Positive Stories for Difficult Times in association with Wonder Fools, Traverse and Youth Theatre Arts Scotland. Whilst young people aged 15-18 will be taking part in the UK wide National Theatre Connections programme.

The Torch Youth Theatre operates on seven key principles as Tim Howe, Senior Manager: Youth and Community told The Herald: “Here at the Torch, we provide regular connection for young people with their peers, we encourage the development of young people’s imagination, we promote creative, physical, and educational activity as well as offering the opportunity for young people to learn new skills. In addition to these we also support the development of methods for critical thinking, we provide space for young people to understand the world around us and finally, and most importantly, we enable young people to understand themselves.”

The Torch Youth Theatre is a welcoming space for everyone, regardless of development and ability and its Youth and Community Autumn Programme is supported by the Milford Haven Port Authority and Ingles trust.

Tim added: “We are aware that every young person develops at their own rate and ability is not always linked to age. We aim to make reasonable adjustments to our delivery to ensure that each group provides the best fit for everyone, so our young people can make the most of their experiences.

“We seek to engage young people in creative safe spaces which allow them to express themselves; to work out what matters to them, what they are passionate about, and how to tell everyone about that. We believe that the young people we work with have the power to make their own stories, and change how we all see our world,” concluded Tim.

The Torch Youth Theatre Autumn term starts on the week commencing 18 September with sessions held on the following days during term time:

Group 1: School years 3 and 4 meet on TUESDAYS 4:00pm to 5:30pm
Group 2: School years 5 and 6 meet on WEDNESDAYS 4:30pm to 6:00pm
Group 3: School years 7, 8, and 9 meet on TUESDAYS 6.30pm to 8:00pm
Group 4: School years 10, 11, 12 and 13 meet on WEDNESDAYS 7:30pm to 9:30pm

There is also a Youth Theatre session held every week during term time, but there is no pressure to attend each one of these.

If this sounds like something that appeals to you, then please contact the Torch Theatre’s box office team on 01646 694192 and they will be happy to book you in for your taster session.

For more information, and to begin your creative journey, contact the Torch Theatre’s Senior Manager: Youth and Community, Tim Howe –[email protected] or 01646 695267.

Entertainment

Cardigan musician to perform climate fundraiser concert

Published

5 hours ago

May 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

CLASSICALLY trained Cardigan musician Rosalind Powell will perform a concert of original alternative pop songs next month in aid of Cardigan Extinction Rebellion.

The concert, Singing for the Future, takes place at St Mary’s Old School Hall, Cardigan, on Saturday, June 6, at 7:00pm.

Rosalind, who has a music degree from Cambridge University, is a composer, pianist and teacher of piano, singing and music theory.

The concert will show another side of her musicianship, with a programme of original songs drawn from her three albums, Sound Eagle, Circumference and Dragonfly.

It follows a successful recent launch event for Sound Eagle at the Cellar Bar.

Rosalind said: “Climate change and biodiversity loss are issues that I care deeply about, and I’m so pleased to be able to give my support through music.

“Our future is threatened by the climate and nature crises, but so many people are doing positive things to improve the situation and bring us hope. I’m glad this fundraiser will help towards that.”

Tickets will be available on the door, with a suggested price of £8, although those who cannot afford the full amount can pay less. Teas, coffees and cakes will also be available.

Rosalind’s Sound Eagle album recently received a warm review from The Pit London music site, which described it as “a dreamy and reflective world” and praised its blend of alternative pop, soft jazz influences and classical piano.

Rosalind said she has already been featured on 15 radio stations, will perform at Llangollen Fringe’s Music Around Town event in September, and is planning a West Wales tour later this year.

The concert falls on the first day of Great Big Green Week. Weather permitting, Cardigan Extinction Rebellion will also hold a street stall on Wednesday, June 10, giving away plants, seeds and information about gardening for wildlife.

Entertainment

Tony Christie brings farewell show to Torch Theatre

Published

12 hours ago

May 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

LEGENDARY singer Tony Christie is coming to Milford Haven as part of his Great Farewell tour.

The veteran performer, best known for hits including Is This the Way to Amarillo and I Did What I Did for Maria, will appear at the Torch Theatre on Thursday, June 25, at 7:30pm.

Christie, born Anthony Fitzgerald in Yorkshire in 1943, began performing as a teenager and went on to enjoy a career spanning more than six decades.

His breakthrough came after signing with MCA Records in 1969, with the 1970s bringing huge success and more than 10 million record sales.

He later enjoyed renewed fame when Peter Kay helped introduce Amarillo to a new generation, making the song one of the best-known British pop hits of the modern era.

The Great Farewell show will celebrate Christie’s long career, taking in his classic hits and the songs that made him one of Britain’s most enduring entertainers.

A limited number of VIP packages are available, including the best seats, access to Tony’s sound check from 4:15pm to 5:00pm, a meet-and-greet with Tony and his wife Sue, and a goody bag containing a personally dedicated signed CD and 10×8 photograph.

Tickets cost £30, with VIP tickets priced at £80.

Bookings can be made at torchtheatre.co.uk or through the Box Office on 01646 695267.

Entertainment

Saundersfoot Seafest to bring free family fun to the harbour this July

Published

5 days ago

May 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A FREE community festival celebrating the sea, local food, seaweed and Pembrokeshire’s coastal environment will take place at Saundersfoot Harbour this summer.

Saundersfoot Seafest will be held on Saturday, July 11, offering a full day of activities, entertainment and hands-on experiences for residents and visitors.

The event will celebrate the area’s connection with the sea, coastal heritage and locally sourced food, with live cooking demonstrations, food sampling and interactive activities exploring Pembrokeshire’s shoreline.

There will be plenty for all ages, including guided seashore safaris, sandcastle building competitions, crabbing contests, and “seaweed and chips” sessions.

The festival will also feature pirate and dog fancy dress competitions, along with interactive exhibits, retail stalls, local produce, crafts and coastal-themed displays.

Boat trips and kayaking experiences will also be available, although a small charge will apply for these activities.

Sue Latham, Coordinator of Pembrokeshire Local Food Partnership, said: “Saundersfoot Seafest is a celebration of our coastline, our communities, and the incredible food and culture that comes from living so closely connected to the sea.

“We are delighted to welcome people of all ages to join us for a free, fun-filled day by the harbour.”

The event is supported by the Welsh Government, Pembrokeshire Local Food Partnership, Pobl Tir Môr, Saundersfoot Harbour, Saundersfoot Rotary Club, WWF Cymru and Wales Festival of Seaweed.

The Wales Festival of Seaweed will also take place in St Davids from September 10 to 13.