Rapunzel, the pantomime is in full swing at the Torch Theatre, and Anwen met with the charming Prince Nathaniel of Neyland (Harry Lynn) to find out more about his adventures around the coast of Pembrokeshire.

Tell us a bit about your character, the hero Prince – Prince Nathaniel of Neyland. What’s he like?

Prince Nathaniel is a wonderfully silly, enthusiastic, big-hearted comedic hero. He believes he’s the epitome of royal bravery, striking his dramatic “Prince Pose” at every opportunity - but in reality he’s often nervous, dramatic, and hilariously out of his depth. He’s pampered, easily flustered, and very vain about his hair… to the point that a haircut at Belinda’s salon becomes a full-on event. But beneath all the bravado and humour, he’s loyal, caring, and absolutely determined to do the right thing, especially when Rapunzel needs him.

Will audience members fall in love with him and will he save the day? (But don’t give too much away!)

Absolutely - well, I hope so! He’s charming in that perfectly imperfect pantomime way: confident but clueless, brave but squeamish, and always trying his best. And when it really counts, he genuinely steps up. Whether he can fully save the day… well, this is a pantomime, so every hero needs a little help along the way. Let’s just say he plays an integral part in Rapunzel’s fairytale ending.

What do you enjoy the most about the festive pantomime season?

Panto season is pure joy - loud audiences, lots of laughter, a healthy dose of improvisation, and that special festive atmosphere where anything can happen. It’s a theatre experience like no other, and the perfect way to celebrate Christmas.

You’ve just finished performing in The Wizard of Oz as Hunk/Scarecrow – do you enjoy playing characters everyone adores?

Definitely! Characters like the Scarecrow - and now Prince Nathaniel - are loveable, funny, and full of heart. They give you licence to be outrageously playful, physical, and (of course) incredibly silly onstage, which usually creates a wonderfully warm and generous audience response.

What are the main challenges for you as Prince Nathaniel of Neyland?

Nathaniel is incredibly physical - he gets chased, sprayed, gunged, bashed in the face, electrocuted, caught in a complicated ladder sequence… he faints, falls, poses, panics, and hides behind Belinda whenever he’s scared. So yes, it’s a lot! The challenge is keeping the comedy big and bold while still maintaining his charm - it’s definitely a balancing act.

Describe Nathaniel of Neyland in five words. Vain, enthusiastic, dramatic, loyal, loveable.

What’s your favourite scene in the pantomime and why?

The salon scene is a highlight. Having the Prince arrive in full regal mode, only to be sprayed in the face and gunged by Belinda, is peak panto chaos - it’s huge fun to perform and (hopefully) even more fun to watch.

What’s your favourite song in the pantomime and why?

It’s got to be the song we sing on the tug boat in the second half (“This Is The Life”). It’s a proper comedy adventure number with a catchy chorus and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments.

Image: Chris Lloyd