Torch Theatre's Artistic Director, Chelsey Gillard, tells us about the importance of local community groups here at the Torch and what shows are upcoming this year for a guaranteed belly laugh. 

At the Torch we love to kick of the first half of the new year with the help of our friends. Over the next few months an astonishing range of people who give up their free time to make shows happen will be starring on our stages.

Community groups like Artistic Licence, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, Haverfordwest Operatic Society, New Xenon and Touch & Go Theatre are at the heart of what the Torch stands for. Since the very beginning the Torch has believed community groups have as much right to perform on our stages as professional productions. In fact, members of Milford Haven Amateur Operatic were some of the very first people to perform on our main stage almost 50 years ago.

I always look forward to seeing what these companies have created each year, I know I’m always guaranteed a good night out. In my first few months at the Torch, I was sure I was going to be kicked out of the theatre for laughing too loudly at Artistic Licence’s production of The 39 Steps!

This year there’s a bumper crop of productions that will have you laughing, crying and even wolf whistling! First up classic laugh out loud comedy Noises Off will be performed by Artistic License, then we move on to high drama and passionate music in Evita from MHAOS. Lifejackets at the ready for Haverfordwest Operatic Society’s Divas All at Sea for one night only in April, then June brings some naughty bits in The Full Monty presented by New Xenon. We round out the first half of the year will hit musical comedy Nunsense performed by Touch & Go Theatre.

People from all walks of life will be stepping into the limelight, from teachers to refinery workers, former doctors to undertakers. Everyone has a spark of creativity in them. If I didn’t already have the immense privilege of working in theatre as my job I would be begging any one of these groups to let me take to stage with them.

Multiple studies have recently shown that taking part in arts activity reduces visits to GPs and hospital admissions. With a recent landmark report commissioned by the Arts Council of Wales finding that the financial value of health and productivity benefits generated through all arts engagement in Wales, is at least £588m a year. Meaning that participating in arts and culture activity can improve your physical and mental health and save our wonderful NHS huge sums of money.

So come on out, book your tickets, support your local talent and you might even be inspired to get involved yourself.