Torch Theatre’s Summer Youth production Robin Hood- The Legend of the Black Knight could well be your last time to see several Youth Theatre members performing as part of the young company... For several of the creative bunch turning 18 sees them heading for university or college, and having been inspired by their acting roles at the Torch, many will follow a career in theatre and acting.

As members of the Torch Youth Theatre, Callie-May, Neo, Dan, Zane and Caitlyn, audiences will have seen them in the NT Connections plays Replica, Ravers and Sycamore Gap. As well as The Bangers and Chips Explosion and Wind in the Willows under the watchful eye of Tim Howe, Senior Manager Youth and Community at the Torch, who will be sad to see them go.

He said, “We are incredibly proud of what these young people have achieved. They have blossomed into remarkable adults, ready to take on the next stage of their journey beyond our rehearsal room. They are confident, ambitious, and creative individuals, and we have no doubt that wherever their paths lead, they will succeed.”

18 year old Callie-May, who played The Chief Weasel in 2024’s Wind in the Willows, returns as the equally villainous Queen Eleanor in Robin Hood – The Legend of the Black Knight this July. She has recently qualified as a level 3 hairdresser but hopes to work within theatre and film doing hair and make-up.

“The friendships and connections I have with the group will be something I will forever look back on. It’s definitely shown me my love for design and creating and within the past year shown I want a career within theatre. Tim has definitely been a major influence in my career and life path. He’s helped me find my dream path,” said Callie-May.

Neo, 17 is heading to university to study Forensic Science but says that Torch Youth has given him many memories and that stage will remain a huge part of his life.

“Going to Aberystwyth to take part in the NT Connections programme has to be one of the best experiences. I want to continue doing drama as the Torch Youth Theatre feels like family – it’s inclusive, fun, freeing, happy and interesting,” said Neo who will play the main character, Robin Hood.

Caitlyn, is hoping to study drama in college, then eventually go to Cardiff Theatre to hopefully work in television.

“I get a real sense of joy from performing so I know I want to continue with it and try to make a career as an actress. I really like the social element of it, and meeting new people,” explained Caitlyn.

Another Torch Youth Theatre member is heading to the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire to study Applied Theatre. Zane, who playsFriar Tuck and who played Mrs Gunge in The Bangers and Chips Explosion, has had a wonderful time at the Torch.

“A particular show highlight and memory was getting to play Mrs Gunge, the child-hating, grotesque, head dinner lady. During Milford Haven Carnival, I got to take part on Torch Theatre’s float, dressed as Mrs Gunge and wield a meat cleaver,” said Zane.

He added: “If I hadn’t had gone to Torch Youth Theatre, I probably wouldn’t have even considered a career within the arts.The opportunity to perform in one of the only producing theatres in Pembrokeshire and one of the few in Wales. So, the chance to perform in the main house is a great experience. Dan, will play Little John. He also played Toad and Hairy Harry and is currently auditioning for some of the country’s leading drama schools.

“Being a Torch Youth Theatre member has inspired my career; it has encouraged me to pursue acting because I could see my skills improving.” said Dan who says that Robin Hood is a performance that shouldn’t be missed.

Dan added: “It’s written by Tim who wrote The Bangers and Chips Explosion which was an amazing production. We have a lot of experience in these shows now so we know it will be the best it can be.”

“It’s going to be quite an emotional set of shows – a series of lasts for these members of our cast. Some of these young people have been with the Torch for a long time. But what an amazing set of memories we are making for them, and the friendships they forge here will be some that we know they have for life – just like Robin Hood’s gang,” concluded Tim.

This great bunch of enthusiastic young people can be seen in Robin Hood: Legend of the Black Knight (supported by the Port of Milford Haven and the Ingles Charitable Trust) on the Torch Theatre stage on Monday 20 July, Tuesday 21 July and Wednesday 22 July at 6.30pm. Price: £10 / £8 concessions. Book tickets via the website torchtheatre.co.uk / Box Office: 01646 695267.