The countdown is officially on for the Torch Theatre’s hair-larious Christmas Pantomime Rapunzel. And whilst some may say it is too early to talk about Christmas (oh no, it isn’t), the creative team behind this year’s production have already begun preparations for the fantastically funny Christmas pantomime (oh yes, they have!).

This year’s pantomime showcases a breadth of professional and local talent, both on stage and behind the red curtain. Leading the panto magic behind the scenes, the creative team bring together a wealth of experience and creativity to bring this story to life on our stage.

Award winning director and current artistic director of the Torch Theatre, Chelsey Gillard, is back writing and directing her third Pantomime at the Torch Theatre, after her first pantomime Beauty and the Beast was a record breaker. Before her time at the Torch, Chelsey worked as Carne Trust Associate Director at the Stephen Joseph Theatre. Chelsey states “It’s a pantomime not to be missed! We are eagerly looking forward to a lot of belly laughs this Christmas!”

Providing the music and lyrics for the sing-along fun this Christmas is James Williams, a composer, writer and director based in Pembrokeshire. His first show at the Torch was Christmas Cat and the Pudding Pirates in 1998, and since then has become a vital part of the Torch Theatre’s pantomimes, having composed all the Christmas shows since then. James has worked for several companies including NTW, WNO, and Hijinx.

Sarah Benbow is this year’s Musical Director. Having worked for Pembrokeshire’s Music Service for over 27 years, Sarah is a well-known musical presence in Pembrokeshire, Wales, and beyond. She has worked with BBC chorus of Wales, The ‘Aloud’ Charity, and multiple operatic, musical and dramatic groups throughout Wales. 

Rapunzel is Kevin Jenkins’ fourth design for the Torch Theatre having previously designed Private Lives, Beauty and the Beast and Jack and the Beanstalk. He has designed numerous productions for Sir Alan Ayckbourn at the Stephen Joseph Theatre and returns to the Torch Theatre this year to design the wonderful world and costumes of Rapunzel. Some of his productions include Show & Tell, Constant Companions, Family Album, and The Girl Next Door.

From working in screen wardrobe at the BBC to making costumes for Madonna’s world tour, Louise Sturley is the costume supervisor for this year’s panto and can now add Dame Belinda Beehive to her list of A-list celebs that she has dressed. Louise first worked at the Torch Theatre in 2006 and has since developed a varied career across theatre, film, television, and live music events.

Ceri James is the Lighting Designer and Production Manager for Rapunzel. Ceri has designed lighting and video for many Torch Theatre productions over the past ten years including Private Lives, Sleeping Beauty, Of Mice and Men and Carwyn. 

Freya Dare is a local actor, choreographer, community dance/drama artist in West Wales and runs her own children’s theatre company. She returns to the Torch Theatre, having previously performed in last year’s panto Jack and the Beanstalk. Aswell as playing the character of Zephyr the Puffin this year, she is also the choreographer for the show. 

Rounding off the brilliant creative team behind Rapunzel, is Bethan Eleri, this year’s Fight Director. Over the past 10 years, she has choreographed fight and intimacy scenes for both stage and screen including contributing to the martial arts choreography for Enola Holmes 2. Having grown up in Milford Haven, Bethan is delighted to be returning to the Torch Theatre.

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.