IT’S been nearly a decade since all age groups attending the Torch Youth Theatre have appeared on stage together. This July’s production of The Wind and the Willows will bring over 40 young people to the stage in this wonderful, endearing show with a modern Torch Theatre twist and including the Torch Voices Choir.

The British classic is inspired by the well-known children’s novelist Kenneth Grahame, who first published Wind and the Willows in 1908. Since then, the much-loved family favourite has been adapted to film and theatre and everyone has fallen in love with the heroic Badger, Ratty, Mole and of course the utterly splendid Toad of Toad Hall.

Celebrating friendship, loyalty and adventure, the actors aged eight to 18 will delight every member of the family this July, with a classic tale filled with picnics, ‘poop poops’ and a few unexpected twists.

Tim Howe, Torch Theatre’s Senior Manager for Youth and Community is eagerly looking forward to this adaptation of The Wind and the Willows by Glyn Maxwell:

“It has been quite a while since our main house stage has been filled with a Torch Youth Theatre production, and what better way to do it than with this story of enduring friendship set beside the riverbank. In this version Mole, Ratty, Badger, and of course the world-famous Toad take on the villainous Wild Wooders, the dastardly Weasel and a mysterious yellow monster called ‘The Slurpex’. Come and see if our heroes can defeat them all,” said Tim.

He added: “We are incredibly excited to be providing this opportunity to our young people, we know that alongside a spectacular production our rehearsal room and theatre will be filled with memories being made and friendships being formed. Not only does this production provide irreplaceable lifelong memories, but also supports our young people with long term benefits for mental health and wellbeing. We are always on the lookout for individuals and businesses to support this vital work so if this is something you are interested in please do get in touch.”

Torch Youth Theatre cannot wait to welcome you all along for a Toadaly-tastic time! POOP POOP!
 
Book your tickets online or call 01646 695267.

The Wind and The Willows will be performed on the Torch Theatre stage from Monday 22 to Wednesday 24 July at 6.30pm. Ticket prices: £10. £8 concessions. To book your tickets or for further information, contact the Box Office on 01646 695267 or visit torchtheatre.co.uk.

London is a city that never sleeps, offering endless possibilities for fun and relaxation. While tourists flock to famous landmarks, there’s a whole world of exciting activities waiting to be discovered. In this article, we will take you on a journey through London’s lesser-known leisure spots and experiences. We’ll explore the city’s vibrant nightlife, artistic soul, literary treasures, green spaces, and unique cultural offerings.

Nighttime Adventures in the Big Smoke

When the sun goes down, London comes alive with energy and excitement. The city’s nightlife offers something for everyone, from cozy pubs to high-end casinos. Many visitors are surprised by the variety of evening activities available in London.

One popular nighttime activity is visiting a casino. London’s casinos offer an unmatched gambling experience. Additionally, you get to enjoy live music, themed events, and fancy dinning. Some casinos even have special game nights where you can play board games while enjoying a drink.

Better yet, to cater to mobile players, some casinos in the UK have mobile-customized websites for those nights when you can’t make it to physical venues. With these casino apps, you can still enjoy numerous casino games like slots, table games, and live dealer games. Additionally, funding your account is seamless, and you have access to 24/7 customer service.

Uncovering London’s Artistic Treasures

London is a paradise for art lovers, with countless galleries and museums to explore. But there’s more to the city’s art scene than just famous museums. London has many hidden artistic gems waiting to be discovered.

One great way to experience London’s art is through free exhibitions. Many galleries have special evening events where you can see art and meet other art fans. The National Gallery, for example, has ‘Friday Lates’ which allows visitors to explore the museum after closing hours.

If you prefer something more active, try a street art tour. Areas like Shoreditch are famous for their colorful murals and graffiti. These tours let you see amazing art while learning about the city’s history and culture.

For a hands-on art experience, try a painting class. Many places offer fun sessions where you can create your own artwork. Some even let you enjoy a drink while you paint. It’s a great way to make a unique souvenir of your trip.

A Journey Through Literary London

London has a rich literary history that book lovers will adore. The city has been home to many famous writers over the years. There are lots of ways to explore London’s bookish side.

One must-visit spot is the London Library. This huge library has books dating back to 1841 and is an ideal place where you can spend your afternoon browsing rare and interesting books. You can also visit the homes of famous authors like Charles Dickens to see where they lived and worked.

For a more modern literary experience, check out London’s independent bookshops. These shops often host author readings and book signings. You might get to meet your favorite writer or discover a new one.

London also offers unique literary experiences. You can watch Shakespeare plays performed outdoors in the park. Some hotels even serve afternoon tea with treats inspired by famous books. These fun activities bring literature to life in unexpected ways.

Green Escapes in the Heart of the City

Despite being a big city, London has many beautiful parks and green spaces. Spending time in these areas can be good for your health and happiness. Being out in nature can help reduce stress and improve your mood.

One of London’s most famous parks is Hyde Park. Here, you can rent a boat and paddle on the lake. It’s a peaceful way to escape the busy city for a while. If you want a challenge, try hiking to the top of Hampstead Heath for amazing views of London.

London also has some lesser-known green spaces. The Kyoto Garden in Holland Park is a beautiful Japanese-style garden. It’s a quiet place to relax and enjoy nature. Another hidden gem is the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, an old park that’s becoming popular again.

Experiencing London’s Pub Culture

No trip to London is complete without visiting a pub. Pubs are a big part of London’s culture and social life. There are thousands of pubs in the city, each with its own personality.

Pubs in London offer more than just drinks. Many serve delicious food, from traditional British dishes to modern cuisine. Some pubs have special nights for games like darts or pool. Others host pub quizzes where you can test your knowledge and win prizes.

Visiting a pub is a great way to meet local people and experience London culture. You can enjoy a cozy evening by the fireplace or join a lively crowd watching a sports game. Pubs are welcoming places where you can relax and feel like a true Londoner.

Unusual and Quirky London Experiences

London is full of unusual and interesting places to visit. These quirky spots show off the city’s unique personality and offer unique experiences. 

One strange but fascinating place is the Dennis Severs’ House. This museum is set up like a home from the 1700s. It feels like stepping back in time when you visit. Another odd but fun museum is the Horniman Museum. Here, you can see all sorts of weird things, from old musical instruments to stuffed animals.

For a spooky experience, try a Jack the Ripper walking tour. These tours take you through the streets where a famous criminal once walked. It’s a creepy but exciting way to learn about London’s history.

ARTISTS showcasing their work at the Torch Theatre’s Joanna Field Gallery this July will exhibit artwork created from the 2023/24 Life Drawing and Oil Painting classes organised by Learning Pembrokeshire. These classes were held at two different locations in Pembrokeshire with Life Drawings at Dinas and the Introduction to Oil Painting held at Haverfordwest.
When the group of artists, now great friends, were invited to exhibit their works, they couldn’t possibly turn down such an opportunity, and this July people visiting the Joanna Field Gallery will be in for an artistic treat.

“The oil paintings are either still-life, portrait or landscape following the three terms of study. We are all amateur artists, and we all live in Pembrokeshire,” said Paul King one of the exhibitors.

The group of artists all have different levels of experience and different motivations and aspirations. For many, this will be their first time exhibiting their work at the Torch and they are all very enthusiastic.

Paul added: “The general feeling is one of great excitement but we’re also nervous and keen to put on a good show. The Joanna Field Gallery is a well-attended and high-quality gallery space which we wouldn’t usually have the opportunity to exhibit in, so we are delighted that we are taking part.”

He concluded: “As a group, we’d like to thank the Torch Theatre and Learning Pembrokeshire as well as Mark Deane, our tutor, and each other for group support.”

Mark Deane, tutor of the artists at Learning Pembrokeshire says that the ability to come together as a cohesive and supportive group has been truly remarkable.

“I am immensely proud to extend my heartfelt accolades to this exceptional group of learners who have participated in our life drawing and oil painting courses. Over the past year, each has brought their unique background and authentic motivation to our shared artistic journey, enriching our classes with diverse perspectives and experiences.

“The camaraderie and encouragement they have shown one another has created a nurturing environment where creativity and learning can flourish. It has been a privilege and a pleasure to guide them through the curriculum, and their enthusiasm and dedication has been a constant source of inspiration for me.

“This experience has resulted in astounding achievements, the success is a testament to the group’s hard work, collaboration, and mutual support. I literally could not have done it without them. Thank you for making this journey so rewarding and memorable.”
Artists taking part in the exhibition include Paul, King, Victoria Elliott, James Miall, Sheila Davies, Graham Howard, Kila Millidine, Terry Smith, Maggie Norwell, Anna Hatton, Tina Trowell, Aline Whitaker, Andy St. Pierre, Melissa Pettitt and Philipa Kohly.

The July Exhibition at the Joanna Field Gallery, Torch Theatre opens on Tuesday 2 July until the end of the month during Box office opening times. For further information, contact the Box Office on 01646 695267 or visit torchtheatre.co.uk.