The set is being built, the music is being composed, the script is ready. But who will bring the script to life in the roles of Rapunzel, Mother Gothel, the Dame – Belinda Beehive, Prince Nathaniel of Neyland, Zephyr the Puffin and Periwinkle at Torch Theatre’s festive pantomime, Rapunzel this December?

These characters will take audiences on an exciting journey along the coast of Pembrokeshire as this twisty, tangled tale about the girl with the magical hair, locked away in a lighthouse waiting to be rescued is brought to you by a great line-up of brilliant local, professional actors.

UK and international actor, Eifion ap Cadno will appear in his very first pantomime as Periwinkle, a magical sea sprite on the side of the goodies. His theatre credits include Sherlock Holmes (and several other roles!) in The Hound of the Baskervilles at English Theatre Hamburg, Lord Henry Wotton in The Picture of Dorian Gray, The Other in The Shadow Over Innsmouth and the Creature in Frankenstein with Lost In Time Theatre.

Haverfordwest actor and returning dame, Lloyd Grayshon will play– Belinda Beehive, a glamorous hairdresser and friend to the stars. Lloyd is delighted to be returning to the Torch stage this Christmas following his previous Torch pantomime roles including the loveable Titiana Trott. 

Pembrokeshire girl Holly Mayhew, who has recently graduated from Drama Studio London’s BA professional acting course started her journey right here at the Torch Youth Theatre before training with Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama’s ‘Young Actors Studio.’ Holly plays Rapunzel and can’t wait to get in the festive spirit with you all. 

Another local actress from Haverfordwest is joining the festive fun, Jess Dyas. She plays the evil Mother Gothel. She said: “I’m delighted to be performing here at the Torch. I was a member of Haverfordwest Amateur Dramatics Society when I was younger so the Torch Theatre was the first theatre I performed in and the reason why I wanted to become an actor.” 

Freya Dare is another panto regular. A local actor, choreographer, community dance and drama artist who even runs her own children’s theatre company, Forest Friends Theatre. In 2024, Freya played naughty girl Agz in Jack and the Beanstalk and was the understudy  for Beauty and the Beast. This year, she gets to play one of the good guys,  Zephyr the Puffin.

Rounding out the cast for Rapunzel is Harry Lynn as Prince Nathaniel. Harry has just finished a run of The Wizard of Oz at Aberystwyth Arts Centre and is a graduate of The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.

Artistic Director, Chelsey Gillard can’t wait to welcome Torch pantomime fans – faithful and new.

“Rapunzel is a festive treat that will keep the whole family entertained with hair-larious jokes, audience participation, original songs and plenty of silly shenanigans based in here in Pembrokeshire. It’s a pantomime not to be missed and we are eagerly looking forward to a lot of belly laughs this Christmas,” said Chelsey.

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.

Visit the website for further details www.torchtheatre.co.uk or phone the Box Office on (01646) 695267.