Three years ago, the Torch Theatre welcomed Val Ruloff as one of its community reviewers. From the Torch Theatre’s Youth production of The Bangers and Chips Explosion to last year’s festive pantomime Rapunzel, Val has enjoyed every moment. Read her blog below. Diolch, Val!

"'s wonderful,

 's marvellous"

To reference the beautiful music and lyrics of George and Ira Gershwin - might just be the best way for me to review community reviewing for the Torch Theatre!

What a whale of a time it has been for these past three years and three months now! I love the theatre- the live shows and plays, pantomime, musicals, films and screen releases, youth theatre productions and all the drama, comedy and variety that comes together with the whole package. 

To say that I am privileged to have the opportunities that reviewing offers is huge understatement- not even the half of it! What an eye opener- to catch a glimpse here and there behind the scenes is fascinating, just a peek through a small chink in the curtain - through an arrow-slit or porthole - to behold shows, plays, pantos and all the production ideas, staging, props and performances as they're being created. It's very exciting and I never tire of it.

My introduction to reviewing came after avidly following The Thirty-nine Steps production by Artistic Licence- and then asked if I'd be interested in 

putting pen to paper to feedback my viewing experience.

Contact with Annie Taylor, Marketing Consultant at the Torch (up until the end of April this year) then followed. Forty-one years nursing in the NHS was my background prior to reviewing for the Torch theatre. Basic, human experience certainly comes into play- in both areas.

I've now attended the Torch theatre along the years since the doors first opened, going to watch Shakespeare play whilst studying at school. During the ensuing years I've brought along my own children too, including seeing Basil Brush! From thence, there's been Restoration comedy such as, "She Stoops to Conquer" to "The Turn of the Screw" by Henry James (revived once more at the Torch last year).  

Now, to come full circle and be able to contribute as reviewer is amazing. I join in the chorus of approval and applause to say my lines and quote that the Torch is a jewel in Pembrokeshire's crown, like the shimmering gleam of a deep-sea pearl.

Being a reviewer for the Torch.....

"'s awful nice

 's paradise".