Latest news with #TorchTheatre
Western Telegraph
18 hours 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.
Pembrokeshire Herald
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Pembrokeshire Herald
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!
Pembrokeshire Herald
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Pastel passion on display at the Torch
Deborah Thomas to debut first solo exhibition MILFORD HAVEN artist Deborah Thomas is preparing to unveil her first solo exhibition this June at the Joanna Field Gallery in the Torch Theatre. A self-taught pastel painter, Deborah rekindled her love of art later in life after a break of more than twenty years. 'After a long time away from painting, I picked up a pencil and decided to draw again,' she said. 'I experimented with pastel chalks and pencils and quickly fell in love with the level of detail I could achieve.' Deborah, who cares full-time for her elderly mother Diana, describes painting as a form of escapism. 'I don't paint as often as I'd like to, but when I do, I'm transported into my own little world. I need to be in that creative space to truly work.' Her interest in art began at Milford Central School and continued briefly during a stint at art college in Newton Abbot, Devon. She cites the British comic strip Andy Capp, created by Reg Smythe, as an early inspiration. 'I used to love sketching Andy Capp—it really got me into drawing as a child.' After leaving school, Deborah stopped drawing entirely for over two decades. Her return to the craft began with a portrait of Marilyn Monroe, sparking a creative journey that has since produced works such as The Violin, Celtic Barn Owls, White Thunder (a bald eagle), White Iceland Falcon, Beagle, and Mum and Baby Fox. 'Having this exhibition at the Torch Theatre means a lot to me,' she said. 'I'm excited, though a little nervous. I always aim to improve with every piece. I'm my own worst critic, but I do the best I can.' One of her earliest works—a lion's head—is proudly displayed in the home of her son Gregory, who now lives in Australia. Deborah Thomas's pastel exhibition will be on display throughout June at the Joanna Field Gallery, Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. The gallery is open during Box Office hours. For more information, visit or contact the Box Office on 01646 695267.
Western Telegraph
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Western Telegraph
NT Live: A Streetcar Named Desire showing at Torch Theatre
From director Benedict Andrews, the production was filmed live during a sold-out run at the Young Vic Theatre in 2014. The cast features Gillian Anderson, Vanessa Kirby, and Ben Foster in Tennessee Williams' timeless masterpiece, which explores the fragile world of Blanche as she seeks solace from her sister Stella amidst the chaos brought by Stanley Kowalski. This production is the fastest-selling in the Young Vic's history, receiving critical acclaim and 5-star reviews. It has been watched by 1.2 million people worldwide, making it one of NT Live's most popular titles. Anwen Francis, rom the Torch Theatre's marketing team, said: "A Streetcar Named Desire, one of the most critically acclaimed plays of the 20th century, will be released for cinema viewings on Thursday 5 June and the Torch Theatre is delighted to be showing the play the very same night as its international release." NT Live: A Streetcar Named Desire can be seen on the Torch Theatre screen on Thursday 5 June at 7pm. Ticket prices are £15, £13 for concessions, and £8.50 for U26. For tickets, phone the Box Office on 01646 695267 or visit the Torch Theatre website.
Pembrokeshire Herald
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pembrokeshire Herald
‘Allo ‘Allo! comes to the Torch Theatre this June
New Xenon Theatre Company launches with riotous stage adaptation of TV classic FANS of the beloved British sitcom 'Allo 'Allo! are in for a treat this June, as the Torch Theatre hosts a live stage adaptation of the wartime comedy classic. Presented by New Xenon Theatre Company—a newly formed group created by members of the much-loved Xenon Liberal Arts—the show brings all the farcical charm of the original series to life. Expect slapstick humour, larger-than-life characters, and chaotic plot twists as café owner René Artois juggles Nazis, the Resistance, secret British airmen, and an increasingly complicated love life, all within his humble café in occupied France. The plot centres on René and his long-suffering (and tone-deaf) wife Edith, who are hiding a priceless stolen painting in a sausage in their cellar—alongside two downed RAF airmen awaiting rescue. Add to that a malfunctioning wireless disguised as a cockatoo, a series of inept disguises, and a visit from a Führer impersonator, and the stage is set for an evening of classic comedic mayhem. Director Allison Butler, who also plays Michelle of the Resistance, said: 'We're thrilled to bring this hilarious show to the Torch as our maiden production for New Xenon Theatre Company. The cast members really are doing a wonderful job of bringing all the characters to life, and we're looking forward to welcoming you to Café René!' Jordan Dickin, who takes on the role of Officer Crabtree, added: 'Rehearsals have been an absolute blast, and it's a joy to embody such an iconic character. Listen very carefully, I will say this only once… make it a Good Moaning and get your tickets before they vanish like phantoms into the night!' Performances of 'Allo 'Allo! will take place at the Torch Theatre on: Thursday 19 June at 7:30pm Friday 20 June at 7:30pm Saturday 21 June at 2:30pm and 7:30pm Tickets are £18, with £16 concessions available for the Thursday performance only. For bookings, visit or call the Box Office on (01646) 695267.
