Periwinkle the sea sprite is mischievous, big-hearted and the guardian of the Cleddau who loves exploring the Pembrokeshire coast and the loveable character can’t wait to meet you all this December as Rapunzel comes alive on the Torch Theatre stage. From Broad Haven and Little Haven, to Druidstone, Newgale and St David’s, Periwinkle has magical powers and abilities, can harness the armour and strength of a crab, or the speed and agility of a fish!  

Eifion ap Cadno, who plays Periwinkle, hails from Bangor in north Wales. He trained in Acting and Contemporary Theatre at East 15 Acting School before heading out to perform with theatre companies across the UK, Germany and Austria. This will be his first ever pantomime appearance, and he can’t wait to entertain Pembrokeshire audiences.

“I’m very much looking forward to taking part as everything about it is so positive. The original script is mad, the cast members are so generous and supportive, everyone involved is just so talented and a joy to work with. Moving from rehearsals in the studio to the main stage and seeing all the design and technical elements come together has been so magical. I feel very privileged to be a part of such a brilliant team and production,” said Eifion.

Audiences will love Periwinkle’s fabulous look, all clad in netting, seaweed, shells and coral, with enormous hair that is very blue. Periwinkle can move like a jellyfish, sometimes a crab, sometimes a fish, or anything sea-dwelling and can be very silly at times.

“Periwinkle has a rather fantastic and elaborate appearance, to put it mildly. Getting into costume, applying all my make-up and putting on the wig (it’s not my real hair, sorry to disappoint), is definitely a big part of getting into character. The designer and wardrobe team have done such an amazing job of bringing Periwinkle to life - I find that once I’m all dolled up, most of the work has already been done!”

The magical and mischievous Periwinkle has been a favourite with school children during the school pantomime sessions and the audience support has put Eifion at ease.

“The truth is, nothing can quite prepare you for the stage – it's such a different experience finally having all those children sat watching you! And they’ve not sat quietly so far, they’ve really got involved. Periwinkle, wants to be best friends with the audience and get them to help fight the mean witch Mother Gothel and this has meant a lot of audience interaction!”

Rapunzel, the hair-raising adventure can be seen on the Torch Theatre stage now until Sunday 28 December. Relaxed Environment Performance Saturday 13 December at 2pm and BSL Interpreted Performance on Tuesday 16 December at 6pm. Ticket price: £24.50 | £20.00 Cons | £78.00 Family. For further information visit the Torch Theatre website www.torchtheatre.co.uk/phone the Box Office on (01646) 695267 or click here.

Image: Chris Lloyd