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Western Telegraph
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Western Telegraph
Milford Haven's Torch Theatre search for best dinner lady
The Torch Theatre in Milford Haven has launched a county-wide competition to celebrate the unsung heroes of the school canteen as part of its Youth Theatre's upcoming summer production, The Bangers and Chips Explosion. The show, which runs from July 21 to 23, is a comedy based on the children's novel by Brough Girling and centres on a dinner lady who refuses to serve chips at St Gertrude's Primary School, sparking a student strike. Tim Howe, senior manager youth and community at the Torch Theatre, said: "This is a fun competition that we hope all schools in Pembrokeshire will get involved in. "Even Lisa from our amazing Café Torch posed for a picture in between making delicious dishes, she's our favourite – but who's yours?" Although the play features a not-so-popular dinner lady, the Torch Youth Theatre is keen to highlight the real-life dinner ladies and lunchtime supervisors who go above and beyond for pupils every day. Mr Howe said: "I am sure we all remember our dinner ladies at school. "These unsung heroes of lunchtime have always gone that extra mile, looking after us in the school hall or out in the playground. "If we were extra lucky, we might have had extra lashings of chips and seconds when it came to jam roly-poly or chocolate cake and custard. "We want to celebrate all these amazing people who have such a big impact on young people's lives across our county." The winner will be crowned the Best Dinner Lady in Pembrokeshire and will receive a sausage hamper from Gate 2 Plate in Freystrop, two tickets to see The Bangers and Chips Explosion, and the admiration of the entire county. To nominate a dinner lady or lunchtime supervisor, entrants need to email a photo of the nominee in action, along with three reasons why they deserve the title, to education@ The subject line should read "The Best Dinner Lady Competition." Nominations must be submitted by Monday, July 7. The Torch Theatre's panel will review all entries and announce the winner the following week. The Bangers and Chips Explosion will be performed from July 21 to 23 at 6.30pm. Tickets are priced at £10 for adults and £8 for concessions. They can be booked online or by calling the box office on 01646 695267. The Torch Theatre also encouraged audiences to enjoy pre-show meals at Café Torch, which offers special menus before evening performances and a daytime menu for matinees.
4 days ago
- Entertainment
Who will be crowned Pembrokeshire's Best Dinner Lady?
Torch Theatre launches county-wide competition to celebrate school canteen heroes THE TORCH THEATRE'S Youth Theatre is calling on schools across Pembrokeshire to help crown the county's best dinner lady—or lunchtime supervisor—in a fun and heartwarming competition launched ahead of their summer production, The Bangers and Chips Explosion. Based on the children's book by Brough Girling, the show tells the story of a dinner lady so horrid she refuses to serve chips at St Gertrude's Primary School—sparking a student strike with chaotic and comical consequences. But unlike the character in the play, the Torch Youth Theatre knows most dinner ladies are cherished, not dreaded. So, they're asking pupils and staff across Pembrokeshire to nominate their own beloved dinner lady or dinner man—those unsung lunchtime legends who brighten up school days with kind smiles and hearty meals. How to nominate To nominate someone for the title of Best Dinner Lady in Pembrokeshire, simply take a photo of them in action and write three reasons why you think they deserve the crown. Then email your nomination to: education@ with the subject line 'The Best Dinner Lady Competition' by Monday 7 July. Be sure to include your contact details, the nominee's name, and their contact information. A panel from the Torch Theatre will judge all entries and the winner will receive a mouth-watering sausage hamper from Gate 2 Plate in Freystrop, plus two free tickets to see The Bangers and Chips Explosion. Honouring lunchtime heroes 'This is a fun and light-hearted way to celebrate the wonderful people who keep school lunchtimes running smoothly,' said Tim Howe, Senior Manager for Youth and Community at the Torch Theatre. 'We all remember the dinner ladies who looked after us—whether it was a second helping of jam roly-poly or a warm smile on a rainy day. Now's the time to show them some love!' Even Café Torch's own Lisa posed for a snap in the spirit of the contest. 'She's our favourite—but who's yours?' added Tim. See the show The Bangers and Chips Explosion will be performed by the Torch Youth Theatre from Monday 21 July to Wednesday 23 July at 6:30pm. Tickets are £10 for adults and £8 for concessions, available from or by calling the Box Office on 01646 695267. Visitors can also enjoy a pre-show bite at Café Torch, offering a rotating menu of delicious meals before evening shows and matinees. One thing's for sure—there's no chip shortage at the Torch Theatre!
Western Telegraph
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Western Telegraph
Torch Theatre in Milford Haven announces summer schools
The theatre has gained a reputation over the years for its summer holiday activities for children and young people. Now, with its adult school, the Torch caters to everyone aged seven and over. The summer schools are designed to fill August with exciting activities and memories to last a lifetime. Tim Howe, senior manager of youth and community at the Torch, who creates and runs the summer schools, said: "Come and join the fun-packed creative sessions which include performing in our studio theatre for family and friends. "We've got opportunities for adults and children to get inspired and to be artistic. "With danger in the land of make believe, putting on a play in a week, and a whole range of writing, performing and direction skills being explored, we know there's something for everyone." Mr Howe added: "Led by professionals with world-wide reputations and training at the top drama schools, our summer schools are open to everyone. "There's no audition necessary and you don't even have to have any previous experience. "We aim to make reasonable adjustments to our delivery to ensure that each activity provides the best fit for everyone, so that you can make the most of your experiences." The summer schools comprise of Dramatic Detectives for Year 3 to Year 6 (ages 7 – 11), Playmakers for Year 7 to Year 13 (ages 11-18), and Show Off! for ages 18 and above. Dramatic Detectives involves creative play and storytelling to solve a series of strange crimes in the land of make believe. Sessions are run daily from 10am to 3pm, Monday, August 4 to Friday, August 8. Playmakers challenges participants to learn a play in a week, with involvement in all creative decisions. It runs from 10am to 4pm, Monday, August 11 to Friday, August 15. Show Off! is an adult summer school for both novices and those wanting to brush up on their skills. Weekly evening sessions conclude with a showcase performance in the studio theatre. Sessions are from 6.30pm to 9pm, Thursday, August 7, 14, 21, and 28, with the showcase performance on Saturday, August 30. Mr Howe concluded: "Our summer schools are incredibly popular so book early to avoid disappointment. "You can visit our website for further details or phone the Box Office on (01646) 695267 who will be more than happy to help. "We cannot wait to welcome you to the Torch's summer of creativity."
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
Something for everyone at the Torch Summer School
WITH the summer holidays on the horizon, the Torch Theatre in Milford Haven is once again preparing to open its doors for a season of creativity, performance and fun. Whether you're planning an exotic getaway or opting for a staycation closer to home, the Torch's popular Summer Schools promise to fill August with exciting activities and memories to last a lifetime. Over the years, the Torch Theatre has earned a strong reputation for delivering high-quality summer programmes for children and young people. Now, with the addition of an adult summer school, the Torch is proud to offer something for everyone aged seven and over. 'Come and join our fun-packed creative sessions, which include performing in our studio theatre for family and friends,' said Tim Howe, Senior Manager for Youth and Community at the Torch. 'We've got opportunities for adults and children to get inspired and express themselves artistically. With storytelling adventures, plays produced in a week, and workshops on writing, directing and performance, we know there's something for everyone.' Mr Howe added: 'Led by professionals with international experience and top drama school training, our summer schools are open to all. There's no audition, and no previous experience is needed. We're committed to inclusivity and will make reasonable adjustments so that everyone can enjoy a fulfilling experience.' The Torch Summer Schools 2025: Dramatic Detectives For Year 3 to Year 6 (ages 7–11) A series of mysterious crimes has rocked the land of make-believe. But what happened, who's responsible, and can it be stopped in time? Through creative play and storytelling, children will work together to crack the case. Sessions run daily from 10:00am to 3:00pm, Monday 4 to Friday 8 August. Playmakers For Year 7 to Year 13 (ages 11–18) Take on the exciting challenge of learning and performing a contemporary play in just one week. Participants will get involved in every aspect of the production – from casting and costumes to props and music. Sessions run from 10:00am to 4:00pm, Monday 11 to Friday 15 August. Show Off! Ages 18+ Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to brush up on your skills, the adult summer school offers a supportive environment to explore writing, performance and direction. The programme concludes with a showcase performance in the studio theatre. Evening sessions run from 6:30pm to 9:00pm on Thursdays 7, 14, 21 and 28 August, with a final performance on Saturday 30 August. Tim concluded: 'Our Summer Schools are always incredibly popular, so early booking is recommended. You can find more information and book your place at or call our friendly Box Office team on 01646 695267.' What are you waiting for? Try something new this summer – and make the Torch Theatre part of your August adventure.
