The set is being built, the music is being composed, the script for Rapunzel is ready… and now the cast has been announced for Torch Theatre’s festive pantomime this December.

Rapunzel, Mother Gothel, the Dame – Belinda Beehive, Prince Nathaniel of Neyland, Zephyr the Puffin and Periwinkle 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 will feature at the Torch Theatre in Milford Haven from Saturday, December 6 to Sunday, December 28. There will be a Relaxed Environment Performance on Saturday, December 13 at 2pm, and a BSL Interpreted Performance with Liz May on Tuesday, December 16, 6pm. Visit the website, www.torchtheatre.co.uk, for further details or call the Box Office on 01646 695267.