Entertainment

A ‘beauty’ of a show at the Torch!

Published

1 year ago

September 25, 2023

IT’S that time of year again … Oh no it isn’t! Oh yes it is! The Torch Theatre, Milford Haven, is delighted to bring you its festive pantomime Beauty and The Beast this Christmas. A tale as old as pantomime with a twist in the tail, the story is inspired by the classic French fairy tale.

This ‘beauty’ of a show, written and directed by Artistic Director Chelsey Gillard, features an extraordinarily talented cast, loads of audience participation and brand-new songs that are sure to have you singing along and splitting your sides with laughter.

And talking of cast members …. Would you like to know who appears in our panto? Shout louder! Was that a yeah?! This week the Torch Theatre shares with you its amazing, glittering, spectacular cast members who will take your family on a wonderful fun adventure.

First up is Amelia Ryan who plays Crystal the Butler. Having trained at the University of Wales Trinity St David’s and the California State University Fullerton, she has, since graduating, worked with the Torch Theatre on an R&D project ‘Nest.’ She has also appeared in the Money Monster student finance Wales commercial, Public Health Wales advertisement and has voiced for Funky Pigeon and Hodge Bank. This will be Amelia’s third Christmas at the Torch and she is “so pleased to be back once again.”

Next up is Ceri Ashe as the Evil Fairy Shadowmist, a Pembrokeshire born actor and writer with her own theatre company Popty Ping Productions. Her on screen credits include Niamh in the Pilot of Class, Ros in Gwaith/Cartref – Series 6 for Fiction Factory / S4C and Claire in Ridley Scott Associates’ Pull Up Pilot. Ceri also plays the Detective in the Feature Film Scam.

Our next introduction is Ceri Mears. Originally from Llanelli, Ceri plays the part of the Good Fairy Gertrude, our Dame. He trained at the Royal Welsh College of Music and drama and has appeared on Stella, CBBC’s The 4 O’Clock Club, Being Human and BBC’s Torchwood opposite John Barrowman to name but a few. He has also featured in various commercials including Vodaphone, Network Rail and Pot Noodle and is a dab hand on the guitar, bass guitar and drums.

Fluent Welsh speaker, actress Leilah Hughes is a mezzo soprano and her skills include ballet and modern dance. Leilah plays Belle. She has appeared on Pobol y Cwm and Gwaith Cartref on S4C as well as appearing in Truth and Dare with Theatr Clwyd and Anthem for the Wales Millennium Centre.

Our next actor needs no introduction – Pembrokeshire’s Samuel Freeman plays the Beast. Samuel was born and raised in Milford Haven and attended the Torch Youth Theatre as a child. The actor, musician and composer recently appeared on stage at the Torch in the Jabberwocky and Other Nonsense (Calf 2 Cow).

Samuel said: “So naturally, I am ecstatic to be working at the Torch again this Christmas in Beauty and the Beast. It promises to be full of all the laughter, music, and fun you expect from panto and more! I heard the beast is quite dashing under all that fur and makeup too…”

Joining the Torch as our Swing – an understudy for the roles of Belle, Evil Fairy, Butler and Belle’s Father (as Mother) is local actor Freya Dare. Freya is a community dance/drama artist in Pembrokeshire and runs her own Theatre Company Forest Fairies and Friends Theatre. Her television and film credits include Baker Boys (BBC), Red Haven (feature film), TUI commercial, BT commercial and OXO commercial. She is looking forward to being a part of the Torch Theatre Pantomime this year.

And last but not least is again another native of Pembrokeshire Lloyd Grayshon who plays Belle’s Father. An actor and film creator he is no stranger to being on the Torch stage. You may have seen him in a few Torch productions; A Midsummer’s Night Dream (Mappa Mundi/Torch Theatre production) Aladdin (Torch Theatre) and Brief Encounter (Torch Theatre). Lloyd was also delighted when asked to be the Musical Director/Band leader in the Torch Theatre production of One Man Two Governors. He said: “I’m extremely pleased to be returning to the Torch again this Christmas and can’t wait to work with Chelsey for the first time.”

Beauty and the Beast will magically make its way to the Torch Theatre stage from Friday 15 December to Sunday 31 December. Relaxed Environment Performance – Saturday 16th December @ 2pm and BSL Interpreted Performance – Tuesday 19th December @ 6pm.

Note: Torch members get 25% off up to four tickets purchased for Beauty and the Beast.

Usual tickets are £22.50 | £19.00 CONS | £70.00 FAMILY. Tickets can be purchased from the Box Office at the Torch Theatre on 01646 695267 or visit torchtheatre.co.uk.

Entertainment

Unearthed Festival 2025: Headliners announced for 10th anniversary celebration

Published

2 days ago

December 20, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE UNEARTHED FESTICAL is set to celebrate its 10th anniversary in style, with headline performances from Macka B, Natty, and Ozric Tentacles.

Adding to the excitement, Marcus Gad is anticipated to join the lineup, though this awaits final confirmation, as stated in a recent newsletter to the festival’s mailing list.

The much-loved festival, renowned for its vibrant blend of music and arts, is gearing up for its milestone year. Organisers are urging festival-goers to secure their spots early, as campervan spaces, dog passes, and parking permits are in limited supply.

Early bird tickets for Unearthed 2025 sold out in record time, a testament to the festival’s enduring popularity among its dedicated fan base.

In a statement to attendees, the festival team said: “These epic artists are Unearthed icons, and as it’s our 10th anniversary festival, we couldn’t imagine celebrating without them.”

To mark the occasion, a redesigned festival website was unveiled last Friday, alongside the opening of applications for performers, volunteers, traders, and other contributors. The team encourages prompt submissions to ensure a chance to participate in this landmark event.

Adding to the festive spirit, organisers have also extended an invitation to their New Year’s Eve party—a warm-up to the main event next summer.

The Unearthed Festival has built a reputation over the past decade for delivering a unique community experience, blending diverse music, art, and culture in a way that resonates deeply with attendees.

As part of the broader summer festival scene, Unearthed continues to stand out as a celebration of creativity and connection, promising another unforgettable year in 2025.

Entertainment

Does Deal or No Deal need to attract more Welsh players?

Published

3 days ago

December 19, 2024

Staff Writer

With ITV’s reboot of Deal or No Deal now in full swing, fans have noticed that some of the most exciting moments have involved Welsh contestants. With viewers highlighting the charm and entertainment value of Welsh players, we’ve discussed why the hit game show could benefit from getting more locals involved.

The popularity of Deal or No Deal

The initial run of the UK’s Deal or No Deal was broadcast on Channel 4 between 2005 and 2016 before quietly being axed. In 2023, a new revival returned to ITV with a slightly altered format. With viewers flocking to the series in droves, the broadcaster was quick to renew the show for another season this year.

As the game is entirely luck-based, it has made it a great source of inspiration for online gambling games. This includes multiple online slots and even live dealer game shows with Deal or No Deal branding. These are featured at several quality sites that offer UK casino bonuses to new players in Wales, including 888Casino. Until the Welsh get more representation on the show, this is one of the best ways for players to experience being a contestant.

Welshman centre of memorable episode

During the early weeks of the series’ revival in 2023, an episode featuring Portsmouth-based Welsh player Simon inspired a passionate response from viewers after he played a comically bad game. Simon was adamant that his case contained £100,000, only to watch his chances at fortune slowly dwindle.

His confidence ultimately saw him make poor decisions after poor decisions, turning down strong offers and even inspiring viewers to back the Banker in frustration. The game culminated with Simon opening his case to win 10p. Despite his poor efforts, the episode generated widespread online conversations, leading us to believe that more Welsh players deserve a go at the jackpot.

The case for more Welsh players

After Simon’s disastrous performance, it seems fair that another Welsh player is invited along to do their country proud. In the final episode of the series’ ITV broadcast in 2023, Welsh player Jamie Foulkes from Cefn Mawr became an audience favourite after displaying the natural charming and quick wit characteristic of our locals.

His gameplay saw him nicknamed “mystic Jamie” for his ability to correctly guess case amounts, and after an extended moment of consideration, accepted a life-changing Banker’s offer of £14,850. This is a considerable amount when considering the top prize in the relaunched edition is £100,000 rather than the previous £250,000 offered.

The revival series is produced in Salford’s Media City complex, making it only a short drive away from residents in Northern Wales. This was one of the reasons that Foulkes applied for the show, so there’s no reason why more Welsh players couldn’t be selected.

Welsh players bring something special

Whether it’s the captivating yet frustrating performance of Simon or the charming run of Jamie Foulkes, Welsh players have already made a splash on the revived series of Deal or No Deal. We hope that the future season will showcase more local players to display our unique charms across the UK.

Entertainment

River-themed lanterns light up Cardigan in spectacular parade

Published

3 days ago

December 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THOUSANDS of people flocked to Cardigan on Monday (Dec 18) for the much-anticipated Giant Lantern Parade, hosted by Small World Theatre. Originally scheduled for Dec 6, the event was postponed due to Storm Darragh but proved to be a dazzling highlight of the festive season in Ceredigion.

The parade, inspired by the River Teifi, received financial support from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund as part of the Cynnal y Cardi Community Fund, administered by Ceredigion County Council. The festivities drew crowds from near and far, with Cardigan’s mayor, Cllr Olwen Davies, among those in attendance.

Leading the procession were the vibrant beats of Pembrokeshire-based Samba Doc and stunning giant feature lanterns. The parade snaked through the town and down to the quayside, where thousands of spectators enjoyed the spectacle. Larger-than-life lantern creatures crafted by pupils of Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi and pyramid lantern displays created by pupils from Ysgol Gynradd Aberteifi, Ysgol Llechryd, Cardigan youth groups, and the public added to the event’s charm.

This year, Cardigan is also hosting a Festival of Light, offering a series of festive attractions. In addition to the Lantern Parade, Small World Theatre has curated a Light Trail that runs from 4:30pm to 9:00pm daily, showcasing illuminated lanterns on buildings, creative light displays, and artworks throughout the town. Local independent cafes, shops, and galleries have joined in the festive spirit, decorating their windows to welcome visitors until Christmas.

Cllr Clive Davies expressed his excitement about the festivities:
“We’re delighted to have so many brilliant events happening in Cardigan, and the Giant Lantern Parade is exceptional. Congratulations to Small World Theatre and the community.”

Ann Shrobree, Director of Small World Theatre, thanked everyone involved:
“Thanks to everyone who helped—Ceredigion County Council, Cardigan Town Council, marshals from Cardigan Show and Barley Saturday Committees, Cardigan Castle, and our brilliant volunteers and first aiders. Samba Doc, fire juggling performers, and so many more came together to create a very special event for all.”

This year’s Lantern Parade has cemented its place as a cherished tradition, lighting up Cardigan and spreading festive joy across the community.