From cyclops to colourful double-headed stingrays and terrifying dolphins with fangs and tentacles, the Torch Theatre ‘Design an Evil Sea Creature’ competition received over 300 entries! The designs were all terrific, but it was ‘Aquantis’ designed by Freyja from St Francis RC School that caught the judge’s eye and will be featured in the festive Torch pantomime, Rapunzel this December.

Ten year old Freyja was ecstatic to be named the winner of the competition and that her design will come to life on the Torch Theatre stage this Christmas in Rapunzel.

“It was really good news to have. Drawing and creative writing is something that I enjoy and have a passion for so to be given this opportunity and to win was incredible. I would like to say well done to everyone else who entered, it was a fun competition to be a part of.”

But what is the Aquantis and how is she portrayed by Freyja?

“She was once a tiny kraken with a big heart. She has special powers and shoots slime balls that can paralyse its victims and during the paralysis phase they are completely under Aquantis' control. She swims joyfully through the enchanting depths of the sea with a love of exploring every corner of the ocean.” 

Freyja has a great imagination and spends hours being creative. She also enjoyed having the Torch Theatre visit her school offering creative workshops in collaboration with Arts Society West Wales.

“My idea for the Aquantis came through my imagination, one which came to life visually after considering what back story I wanted to create for her first. I can’t say I’ve seen any sea monsters up close but I’ve recently been snorkelling in the Red Sea so that helped give the Aquantis an edge.

“I’m really honoured to have been chosen and can’t wait to see it all come together and come to life. Thank you again for this opportunity.”

For their 2025 project, to encourage young creative talent,  representatives of the Arts Society of West Wales supported the professionals of the Torch Theatre at day-long workshops in three primary schools in Milford Haven, the aim being for the children to imagine, design and finally create a model scary sea monster for the pantomime  During these workshops it was a joy to see the children’s engagement, enthusiasm and the sci-fi-worthy scary features that emerged.  You can see their colourful designs amongst all the competition entries in the Gallery at the Torch, where they are currently on display.

Torch Theatre’s Artistic Director, Chelsey Gillard, was so impressed with many of the designs that she chose some more friendly looking ones which will also appear in the Rapunzel. These creatures will be voiced by members of the Torch Theatre’s Youth 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. For tickets, click here.