The Torch Theatre’s hunt for the best dinner lady or lunchtime supervisor in Pembrokeshire is well under way – and it’s cooking up a storm!

In celebration of the upcoming Youth Theatre production of ‘The Bangers & Chips Explosion’, the Torch Theatre invited all the schools in Pembrokeshire to nominate their favourite dinner lady – and the response hasbeen nothing short of heart-warming. From bustling school kitchens, their stories of kindness, humour and chip-related heroics have been flooding in. 

The competition, launched earlier this month, takes inspiration from this hilariously rebellious plot: a school dinner lady refuses to serve chips, which leads toa student let strike and many other unfortunate events. Now real-life dinner ladies are taking centre stage as families, pupils and staff, share the reasons why their lunchtime legends deserve recognition. 

Tim Howe, Senior Manager for Youth & Community at the Torch said:

“We’ve received such touching nominations and it’s clear to us that dinner ladies hold a special place in our communities. This competition isn’t just about chips – it’s about celebrating the people who make a difference to every single school day. It’s about time that these unsung heroes got the recognition they deserve.” 

Nominations so far include dinner ladies who know every student’s favourite meal and individual dietary requirements, those who decorate for every occasion, those who go above and beyond for their students and some who are just plain brilliant. The winner of our competition will be presented with a sausage hamper from Gate 2 Plate in Haverfordwest, as well as two tickets to see the show!

Don’t worry! There is still time to nominate your favourite dinner lady. Email your nomination and three reasons why you are nominating them, your contact details and the dinner lady’s contact details to – education@torchtheatre.co.uk. Include the subject line ‘The Best Dinner Lady Competition’ and e-mail your nomination before Monday 7 July. All nominations will be treated fairly and the winner will be declared the following week. 

Torch Youth Theatre members present The Bangers and Chips Explosion from Monday 21 July to Wednesday 23 July at 6:30pm. Tickets £10 full / £8 concessions. To book tickets visit the website torchtheatre.co.uk / call the Box Office on 01646 695267 or click here.