Entertainment

From Saundersfoot to the spotlight: Local star makes West End debut

Published

2 years ago

March 30, 2024

IN a tale of a local talent making it big, Tom Griffiths, a 29-year-old from Tenby, has become the talk of Pembrokeshire after securing a coveted position in the bustling heart of London’s Theatre Land. Griffiths, a devoted member of the Saundersfoot Footlights, an amateur dramatic society revered for its vibrant contributions to local culture, has taken a giant leap into professional theatre.

Starting at the tender age of 11, Griffiths first made his mark in the world of theatre as part of the Lollipop Guild in the beloved production of “Wizard of Oz.” This marked the beginning of an illustrious journey with the Saundersfoot Footlights, where he has featured in almost every Christmas pantomime and summer musical since. His dedication remained unwavering through his university years, often jumping into roles at the last minute to ensure the show went on.

This steadfast commitment and passion for the stage recently led him to a dream opportunity – working backstage for the electrifying “Back to the Future, the Musical” at The Adelphi Theatre in London’s iconic West End. The show, celebrated for its spectacular, high-voltage performances, achieved its 1000th show in January and has been extended due to popular demand.

The community and Griffiths’ mentors at Saundersfoot Footlights, including the late Ceri Morris and Keith Williams, as well as his father, Andrew Griffiths, who recently became Head of Set, have expressed immense pride in his achievements. Griffiths’ story is a testament to the society’s nurturing environment and its pivotal role in shaping future talents for the broader stages.

Griffiths is set to return to his roots soon, visiting the Saundersfoot Footlights during their upcoming production of “Addams Family, the Musical” at the Regency Hall, Saundersfoot, running from May 27th to June 1st. His journey from Saundersfoot to the West End is an inspiring reminder of the impact of local theatre communities in fostering talent that can shine on the world’s biggest stages.

For those interested in supporting local theatre and possibly catching a glimpse of Griffiths during his visit, tickets for “Addams Family, the Musical” can be booked through the society’s website or its Facebook page, where updates on the production are regularly posted.

This story not only highlights Griffiths’ remarkable journey but also serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring actors within and beyond Pembrokeshire, proving that with dedication, even the loftiest dreams can be within reach.

Entertainment

Tenby steams up in spectacular style as crowds flock to festival

Published

1 day ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Colourful parade, towering creations and Victorian flair bring town centre to life

TENBY was transformed into a vibrant Victorian fantasy on Saturday (Mar 21) as hundreds of visitors descended on the town for the annual Steampunk Festival.

The highlight of the day came with the much-anticipated Peacock Parade, which saw elaborately dressed participants wind their way through Tenby’s narrow streets, drawing large crowds of spectators.

Residents and visitors lined the route, many stopping to take photos as performers in eye-catching costumes passed by. From brass goggles and top hats to military-inspired uniforms and elegant gowns, the outfits on display reflected the creativity and theatrical spirit of the steampunk scene.

Among the most striking sights were the towering pink flamingo creations, which rose high above the crowds and became an instant talking point. Musicians in period costume added to the atmosphere, playing lively tunes as they marched through the town.

Families were out in force, with children and adults alike enjoying the spectacle. Many visitors had travelled from across Wales and beyond to attend the event, which has grown in popularity in recent years and is now firmly established as a key date in Tenby’s events calendar.

The Herald understands that local businesses also benefited from the influx of visitors, with cafés, pubs and shops seeing a steady flow of customers throughout the day.

In addition to the parade, a range of activities were taking place across the town, including markets, performances and themed entertainment centred around the De Valence Pavilion.

Organisers have worked to create an inclusive and welcoming event, with many people choosing to dress up while others simply come along to enjoy the unique atmosphere.

The festival continues on Sunday, with further events planned as Tenby remains firmly in the grip of steampunk fever for the weekend.

Photos: Colourful characters take part in the Peacock Parade through Tenby on Saturday (Pic: Gareth Davies).

Entertainment

St Patrick’s night celebration at Giraldus Centre

Published

4 days ago

March 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

GET ready to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in style this Friday at the Giraldus Centre in Manorbier.

The community venue is hosting a lively evening of music, dancing and Irish-themed fun, with entertainment from popular local group The Slipway Ukes.

Doors open at 7:00pm on Friday (Mar 20), with free entry for all. A fully licensed bar will be open throughout the evening, serving drinks and snacks with an Irish twist.

Organisers are encouraging everyone to “unleash their inner leprechaun” and enjoy a night on the dance floor.

There is no need to book—just turn up and join in.

Donations on the night will be gratefully received in support of the Paul Sartori Foundation.

The event takes place at the Giraldus Centre, Manorbier, SA70 7TN.

Entertainment

Met Opera’s Tristan und Isolde comes to the Torch Theatre

Published

1 week ago

March 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Lise Davidsen leads star cast in Wagner’s epic tale of love and death in special cinema broadcast on Sunday (Mar 22)

AFTER years of anticipation, a truly unmissable event arrives in cinemas worldwide as the electrifying Lise Davidsen takes on one of the ultimate roles for dramatic soprano – the Irish princess Isolde – in Wagner’s transcendent meditation on love and death, Tristan und Isolde.

Heroic tenor Michael Spyres stars opposite Davidsen as the love-struck Tristan in what promises to be a powerful and emotionally charged performance.

The production also marks the arrival of a new staging at the Metropolitan Opera by Yuval Sharon, making his Met debut. Sharon has been hailed by The New York Times as “the most visionary opera director of his generation” and was the first American to direct an opera at the famous Wagner festival in Bayreuth.

Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin also leads Tristan und Isolde at the Met for the first time in this landmark production.

The cast includes mezzo-soprano Ekaterina Gubanova reprising her acclaimed portrayal of Brangäne, alongside bass-baritone Tomasz Konieczny as Kurwenal following his celebrated Met appearances in Wagner’s Der Fliegende Holländerand the Ring cycle. Bass-baritone Ryan Speedo Green makes an important role debut as King Marke.

Reviewing the production for The Observer, Fiona Maddocks described it as a “glorious production” and “well worth catching”, adding: “This was one of those rare and blissful nights when dropped jaws silenced noisy opinion in the queue for coats afterwards.”

The recorded broadcast of Tristan und Isolde will be screened at the Torch Theatre on Sunday (Mar 22) at 4:00pm.

For further information visit www.torchtheatre.co.uk or contact the Box Office on (01646) 695267.

ENDS