Throughout the year, incredible teams bring your favourite professional live shows to life at The Torch Theatre. This year, the creative team behind the 2025 Christmas pantomime Rapunzel, is thrilled to spotlight their Musical Director, Sarah Benbow, whose journey into musical direction has been driven by a lifelong commitment to helping performers grow.

With 27 years working for Pembrokeshire Music Service and a background rooted in vocal coaching, Sarah describes her path into the role as a natural evolution. “I’ve always loved working with individuals dreaming of becoming professional performers, but I was keen to work with those who have already made that journey,” she explains. “Working as an MD allows me to help actors further develop their voices and explore characters through song… I love it.”

In Rapunzel, her role begins once the show’s composer, James Williams, has created the vibrant score. From there, Sarah works closely with the cast to learn, interpret, and bring each song to life. “After James has written the amazing songs, I work with the actors, helping them learn and interpret them, ready for the performance.”

Describing the music as “fun, loud, and catchy”, Sarah emphasises how central it is to the storytelling. “It shows you a different side of the character and how they connect with the audience, telling their story through music.”

Sarah highlights how collaboration is key to shaping the show, and how she has worked closely with director Chelsey Gillard, and choreographer, Freya Dare. “We discuss the lyrics, interpretation and characterisation of the song, making sure we’re all on the same page and coming from the same creative direction.”

As for Sarah’s favourite part of the job- it’s all about the process. “Rehearsals,” she says without hesitation. “Seeing the show develop and grow is really exciting.”

Sarah says that working with this year’s cast has been “an amazing privilege- they are such a great group of talented actors.” Rapunzel’s cast is made up entirely of professionally trained actors including local and familiar faces such as Lloyd Grayshon (Dame), and Holly Mayhew (Rapunzel).

Audiences can look forward to a music-filled Rapunzel that bursts with energy, character, and heart,thanks in large part to the vision and enthusiasm of its Musical Director.

Rapunzel will feature on the Torch Theatre stage from Saturday 06 December to Sunday 28 December. Price: £24.50 | £20.00 Cons | £78.00 Family. Relaxed Environment Performance - Saturday 13 December at 2pm. BSL Interpreted Performance (Liz May) - Tuesday 16th December 6pm.