There's buzz of excitement- and not just the honeyed tones of Dame Belinda Beehive!

There must be something in the water...

Ship ahoy and anchors aweigh! Let's set sail for a beautiful sea cruise around the Pembrokeshire coast, with all the glowing colours of the rainbow reflected in the ocean- and the sets and costumes Kevin Jenkins has ready to re-gale us all with! The watery themes are fabulously represented here, including a boat reminiscent of the Anthill Mob in Wacky Races, with feet visible underneath!

Colours pop, enriched with reflections of golds and greens and pinks and party celebration birthdays, too!

Chelsey Gillard, Torch Artistic Director, has some hair-raising thrills and spills, madcap antics and very cheeky fun all entangled and entwined in this very well-loved Rapunzel story, with its very own French-twists and turns! Mayhem, boisterous fun and frolics in the ocean abound! My fellow reviewer, Liam Dearden, and I gaped at each other, giggling and grinning our way through a greatly enjoyable, jolly script which buzzed and bustled along at pace! Plenty of local and topical references are weaved into the braids threading through this story, too!

The story is tried and true, as the battle between the forces of right and wrong, good and bad unfold- before the ultimate triumph of goodness and a happy ending. There is plenty to recommend girl-power in the strength enshrined within Rapunzel's powerful locks. Layers of past misdeeds and wrongdoing are detangled and gradually revealed, after being hidden from all for two decades. What is the amazing source of power lying beneath those long and strong, tumbling braids.? Will Prince Nathaniel of Neyland un-lock the mystery of Rapunzel's lustrous locks?

The cast of characters are ship shape and Bristol fashion, set fair to entrance and enthral the audience in best pantomime tradition.

We get to meet the loveliest Rapunzel, played by Holly Mayhew, her gorgeous tresses coiled and curled and flowing out in powerful waves, like the sea surrounding her gilded lighthouse cage.

Prince Nathaniel of Neyland is portrayed by Harry Lynn, perfectly accomplished, polished and more than ready, willing and able to give any Prince of Wales throughout the course of history a real run for their money. He is Pembrokeshire's very own hero Prince.

Zephyr the Puffin, played by Freya Dare, is the most delightful feathered friend any damsel in distress could possibly wish for. What better than a huffin puffin character in the wings?

Next up we have a- sometimes hapless- but ultimately magic and infallible Sea Sprite called Periwinkie- oops, Periwinkle! Eifion Ap Cadno captures his character in most sprightly fashion.

We cannot go further without mentioning the "wicked 

Step"-Mother Gothel, played very scarily and with "malificent" dramatic relish by Jess Dyas- sure to receive maximum boos and hisses for her troubles.

Drum roll to announce the red-carpet entrance by Dame Belinda Beehive, portrayed by Lloyd Grayshon. Star-studded in every way, magnificent and jaw- droppingly glamorous, beautifully coiffed as hairdresser and stylist to the highest echelons of society, charming and magnetically attractive to every member of the opposite sex- no one is immune and the superlatives are endless!

The Sea Monster has been identified, suitable and fitting all true monster credentials- from among 300 entries submitted by pupils in Pembrokeshire schools. There might even be some surprise Monster friends arriving to accompany him! I've also learned that a specially trained and qualified member of the box office team has even styled some hair accessories for our beloved Torch Teddy bear to wear! 

Samson's strength and power was in his hair. What might be the connection between Rapunzel's flowing hair and her dear family, loved ones and future happiness?

Fins and flippers together! Let's applaud and cheer ourselves hoarse for a very special outcome and "happily ever after"!

Now, where did I put my prescription for that miracle cure-all seaweed medicine?

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 / phone the Box Office on (01646) 695267 or click here.