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Entertainment

Torch Theatre’s Beauty and the Beast ‘smashes box office records’

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OH, what a panto! Oh, what a result! Torch Theatre’s 2023 pantomime Beauty and the Beast has broken Box Office records with over 6450 people coming to see it! With a new Artistic Director at the helm, its thrills and spills, giggles and gaffs are in safe hands.

Even with the cost-of-living crisis and people tightening their purse strings, the pantomime saw over 35 schools and community groups, local families as well as visitors to the county attend the family show – a pantomime that saw plenty of audience interaction and introduced more Welsh language content.

“We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who came to see Beauty and the Beast. We were overwhelmed with the number of people who came along to boo and cheer,” explained Chelsey Gillard, Torch Theatre’s Artistic Director.

Chelsey is delighted with the support from all those who attended: “It’s been such a privilege to share some festive magic at the end of a difficult year for so many. It was my first time writing and directing a panto and I can’t thank the incredible creative team and cast enough for their amazing work.

“It’s been a challenge at times, but ‘the show must go on’ meaning some of you were lucky enough to see Swing (understudy) Freya Dare step in as the Evil Fairy, Belle or even Belle’s Father! And for one very special day Lloyd Grayshon, who usually played Belle’s Father, slipped into a fabulous frock and entertained us all as the Fairy Godmother.”

This year’s pantomime included several local actors including Lloyd Grayshon from Haverfordwest and Samuel Freeman from Milford Haven.

Chelsey concluded: “It has been a pleasure to work with so many talented people from Pembrokeshire and south west Wales and to celebrate creativity across the county with our design a dress competition. I’m already looking forward to more silliness, songs and smiles in next year’s panto, Jack and the Beanstalk!”

Early bird ticket offers for the 2024 pantomime of Jack and the Beanstalk are already on sale at the Torch Theatre’s Box Office until the end of January this year. Grab your tickets while you can!

 

Entertainment

Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir to perform at Royal Welsh Show

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THE HAWKSTONE FARMERS’ CHOIR, winners of ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent, will perform at the 2026 Royal Welsh Show.

The choir will sing in the main ring on the afternoon of Monday, July 20, the opening day of the show at Llanelwedd, Builth Wells.

Formed by Jeremy Clarkson as part of an advertising campaign for his Cotswolds-based brewing business, the choir has since grown into a national success story, using its platform to raise awareness of mental health within the farming community.

Aled Rhys Jones, chief executive of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society, said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome the Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir to the Royal Welsh Show.

“Their performance on the Monday in the main ring, in front of thousands of visitors, will be a truly special occasion.”

He added that it would be the choir’s first official performance in Wales since winning Britain’s Got Talent, and said many choir members had strong links with the Royal Welsh.

Lead soloist Rosie Jones, a beef and sheep farmer from Mid Wales, said: “What an honour to be invited to sing at the Royal Welsh Show 2026.

“This fairytale journey just keeps growing, but the greatest thing to come from it is the community we’ve built within the choir and beyond.”

The Royal Welsh Show is one of Europe’s leading agricultural events, celebrating Welsh farming, food and rural life.

Picture caption:

The Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir (Pic: Britain’s Got Talent / ITV).

 

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Entertainment

Safe Online Gambling: Tips for Staying in Control

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In many cases, online gambling is a harmless hobby. However, for others, gambling can become problematic without the right considerations. Thankfully, there are many ways to keep gambling habits restrained to prevent addiction. With that in mind, here are some safe online gambling tips to help you stay in control and keep gambling fun. 

Set Financial Limits

Licensed operators must offer tools that allow people to set personal budgets. And from 30 June, they must also provide customers with an opportunity to set deposit limits, which refers to the amount a customer pays into their account over a set duration. These kinds of tools can be invaluable for people who struggle knowing when to stop or have a habit of chasing losses. 

Similarly, most reputable casinos also have time limits, to ensure you aren’t spending too much time gambling. Additionally, if you feel you’ve lost control entirely, you can also self-exclude yourself from all sites by registering for an account with Gamstop Online. 

Avoid Gambling Under the Influence 

Gambling under the influence, after consuming alcohol for instance, can impair your judgement and lead to impulsive decisions. It’s essential that you only gamble while sober and when you’re not experiencing any particularly strong emotions, so you can make more informed, level-headed decisions. 

This is especially true when using the fastest payout casinos or high intensity games, as it can be easy to get caught up in the fun, lose money fast, or make more impulsive decisions. 

Know the Signs of Problem Gambling 

When you gamble, you are taking a risk. Not just financially, but emotionally too. It’s important that you recognise the signs of problem gambling, so you can address any problems early to prevent further harm. 

Some of the common signs of problem gambling include:

  • Frequently chasing losses 
  • Using money intended for savings or essential expenses for gambling 
  • Borrowing money from friends or relatives to gamble 
  • Feeling agitated, angry, or anxious when not gambling 
  • Having a preoccupation with gambling
  • Feeling out of control or impulsive when gambling 
  • Not engaging in other hobbies or withdrawing from social activities 
  • Concealing or lying to loved ones about gambling habits 

Maintain Gambling Best Practices 

To prevent your gambling habits from becoming a problem. Be sure to set yourself financial and time limits, avoid gambling when under the influence or when experiencing strong emotions, and get to know the early warning signs of problematic behaviour so you can address any issues quickly. 

 

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Entertainment

Waverley marks 79th anniversary with Pembrokeshire sailings

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THE WORLD’S last seagoing paddle steamer will return to Pembrokeshire this week as Waverley marks the 79th anniversary of her maiden voyage.

The historic vessel will sail from Milford Haven and Tenby on Tuesday (Jun 16), with trips including a daytime cruise around Skokholm, Skomer, St Brides Bay and Ramsey Island from 11:30am to 4:30pm.

There will also be an evening sailing from Milford Haven at 5:00pm, travelling to St Govan’s Head, Caldey Island and along the Pembrokeshire coast, returning at 9:50pm.

Passengers can also join Waverley at Tenby, with sailings to Milford Haven and an evening cruise around Caldey Island and the coast.

On Wednesday (Jun 17), Waverley will make her only Fishguard visit of 2026, with an evening cruise to St David’s Head, passing Strumble Head Lighthouse, from 6:15pm to 9:15pm.

Tickets are available through Waverley Excursions.

 

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