Entertainment

British South Seas adventure comedy romance hits the Torch stage

Published

2 years ago

May 8, 2024

STUDENTS from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Carmarthen will be performing The Admirable Crichton by J.M.Barrie at two venues across Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire this week. On Wednesday 15 May, you can see the play, written in 1902, on the Torch Theatre stage, directed by William Kingshott and Torch Theatre’s very own award-winning Artistic Director, Chelsey Gillard.

This joyful comedy is presented by third year students from the Acting and Design and Production courses at the University. The classic satire, pokes fun at British manners and asks what will happen if the “natural” order is upended. Members of an aristocratic family find themselves shipwrecked on a desert island with just one pair of shoes between them and someone must take the lead – will it be the blustering Lord Loam or their loyal butler Crichton?

Torch Theatre’s Artistic Director Chesley Gillard said: “I love the work of J.M. Barrie and it’s a real joy to be rehearsing this play with the third year acting and production students at UWTSD. The show is wonderfully witty and fun. It really pokes fun at the ideas of British manner and I’m sure you’ll all be laughing along with these fantastically talented students.”

Taylor Dyderski and Alyanna Arzente, both students at UWTSD, say that the experiences that they are gaining on this production will help them prepare for their future careers in the industry.

“As set design and production students, we learn a lot about how to adapt sets, lighting, and costumes so that we can tour them around different venues. Working within different environments and making sure that we are working sustainably. We are working alongside Chelsey and William, to achieve their creative visions and from this opportunity we are learning to a high standard how to be practitioners in the industry.”

Playing the role of Crichton, Celeste Turnbull has enjoyed diving into the role.

“As it is a period piece, us acting students have had to learn the specific rules of etiquette that were expected at the time. Wearing the amazing period-accurate costumes has allowed us to develop the physicalisation of our characters and delve into their mindsets. It’s nice to look back at period plays and learn a different form of our language that we wouldn’t necessarily consider including in our repertoire,” explained Celeste.

The Admirable Crichton will be performed on the Torch Theatre stage on Wednesday 15 May at 7pm. Ticket prices: £8 / £5 concessions. For tickets phone the Box Office on 01646 695267 or visit torchtheatre.co.uk. You can also see the production at y Stiwdio Fach, Yr Egin, Carmarthen on Friday 17 May at 7pm and Saturday 18 May at 2pm and 7pm. To book tickets for the Carmarthen shows, please contact ([email protected])

Entertainment

Filming for new season of S4C crime drama Cleddau returns to Pembrokeshire

Published

1 day ago

December 3, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Production crew spotted in Pembroke Dock, Neyland and Burton as series set for 2026 release

FILMING has returned to Pembrokeshire this week for the next season of Cleddau — the hit S4C crime drama released in English as The One That Got Away.

The production crew has been seen in Pembroke Dock, Neyland and Burton capturing new scenes for the upcoming 2026 series. Local photographer Gareth Davies shared images of the team working along the estuary, describing “a real buzz” in the area as cast and crew returned after the success of the first season.

Crime thriller rooted in the Cleddau estuary

Cleddau follows a murder investigation that reopens buried secrets in a quiet west Wales community. The show has been praised for its atmospheric storytelling, strong performances and striking use of local Pembrokeshire scenery — with the Cleddau estuary itself forming a central part of the series’ identity.

Residents have reported seeing cameras and production vehicles around familiar walking routes, waterfront areas and estuary-side villages as the crew makes full use of the landscape that inspired the show’s name.

Local interest and economic boost

The return of filming has been welcomed locally, bringing attention, visitors and activity into communities along the waterway. For many residents, the excitement lies in spotting familiar places on screen when the new season airs next year.

The new series of Cleddau is expected to be broadcast in 2026.

Entertainment

Cardigan Theatre brings Beauty and the Beast to Mwldan this Christmas

Published

3 days ago

December 1, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Festive panto promises magic, music and family fun

CARDIGAN Theatre is set to bring festive magic to Theatre Mwldan this Christmas with a fun-filled production of Beauty and the Beast, running from 21–29 December. The pantomime is written and directed by Jonathon Preece and promises all the traditional panto sparkle audiences love.

The story follows once-proud Prince Louis (Emily Davies), who angers Agatha the Evil Enchantress (Kelly Lewis). As punishment for his selfishness, she transforms him into the fearsome Beast (Steve Green). His only hope of breaking the spell is to find true love – or remain a beast forever.

Meanwhile, brave and kind-hearted Belle (Ruby Lemoine) sets out to rescue her eccentric father Marcel (Tom Loveday) who on his way to the “Big Invention Competition”, gets lost and stumbles into the enchanted castle and is taken prisoner by the Beast. Determined to save him, Belle is joined by her loyal friend Jaques, the village silly billy (Sarah Harris), flamboyant Dame Madam Fromage (Rhys Davies), and Gavin (Paul Robinson), the vain village heart-throb who is convinced Belle should marry him!

Inside the castle, Belle encounters a host of enchanted objects, including Tick Tock (Lilwen), Flambe (Bryce), and Mrs Kettle (Manon), who provide humour, magic and plenty of encouragement as they try to help the Beast win Belle’s heart and break Agatha’s curse.

With songs, jokes, colourful characters and plenty of audience participation, the production promises festive fun for all ages.

Beauty and the Beast runs at Theatre Mwldan from 21–29 December. Early booking is advised to avoid disappointment.

Cardigan Theatre can be followed on Facebook and Instagram for updates on future shows.

Entertainment

Glow returns to Carew Castle with magical illuminations and Santa’s grotto

Published

4 days ago

November 30, 2025

Tom Sinclair

CAREW CASTLE and Tidal Mill has launched its annual Christmas spectacular, with the first night of Glow transforming the historic fortress into a shimmering winter wonderland.

The medieval walls are now bathed in colour, with vivid light displays bringing new life to one of Pembrokeshire’s most iconic landmarks. Visitors on opening night were greeted by glowing ramparts, candlelit walkways and festive scenes created inside the castle rooms, including a decorated Christmas tree, a stained-glass style installation and a traditional medieval feast display.

Glow runs every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 4:30pm to 7:30pm until 14 December, offering families the chance to explore the castle after dark in a way that is rarely possible. The illuminated trail has become one of the county’s most popular seasonal attractions, drawing visitors from across West Wales.

A major highlight for younger visitors arrives this weekend, as Santa sets up his magical grotto inside the castle walls. Children can meet Father Christmas every Saturday and Sunday from 10:00am to 4:00pm until 14 December, with each child receiving a gift. Organisers say booking is essential, with limited spaces available.

Carew Castle’s team said they have worked for weeks to prepare the site for the festive season, aiming to create a magical experience for families and returning visitors. Early reactions from guests at the launch night suggest the event could be one of the strongest yet.

Tickets for both Glow and Santa’s Grotto can be booked via events.pembrokeshirecoast.wales.