It began in March with a total sell out 2 week production of the Torch Theatre Company’s musical The Hired Man – and ended on the same note with one of the most popular film blockbusters of the season – Mamma Mia! – with nearly 3,500 people pouring through its doors in just one week.When Milford Haven’s new Torch Theatre was launched in March after a multi-million pound makeover [with funding from the Arts Council of Wales] – Peter Doran had just celebrated his tenth anniversary as Artistic Director. Now, barely six months later, he is celebrating a season which has surpassed all expectations, with barely time to pause for breath as the next six months of sparking live entertainment is launched. Now with two performance spaces, the Torch Theatre has effectively doubled its output of live entertainment and film. Box Office staff were so busy that an extra member of staff had to be appointed – and the pattern seems set for more sell outs through the autumn with two nights of Max Boyce already gone, Rhod Gilbert (fresh from Edinburgh with an array of awards for his new show) in hot pursuit, and over £31,000 of tickets sold within one weeks of launching its new programme. “I’m thrilled at the response to our re-opening” said Peter Doran. “… There will always be some things which do better at the Box Office than others…” he explained, “… but it’s about creating that balance of providing a mix which will both please and challenge our audiences and hopefully move towards creating a lifelong interest in entertainment and the arts as a whole.” One welcome return to the County is the return of the Torch Theatre Company’s own Christmas productions which have entertained many thousands of families and school children for thirty years. Tickets for this year’s production, Cinderella, went on sale in April and already many of the schools performances have sold out, with healthy public bookings indicating the best Christmas season ever. And as if the wet weather wasn’t enough, the Torch Theatre Company will be flooding its stage with water when it mounts its autumn production next month. The award winning comedy Neville’s Island is the perfect tonic to end our dreary summer months. This new season has been heralded as the best ever. Prestigious, award winning dramas, opera, comedy, a generous helping of star names from magician Paul Daniels to John Sergeant, and some bold choices of musical entertainment such as cult folk hip hop band Nizlopi (of The JCB Song fame) and the rousing, award winning and sharp suited Bellowhead causing great excitement. “It takes guts and a lot of hard work to produce and sustain a busy building like this …” commented General Manager Daniel Shaw. “ …. And it’s a case of knowing your audience, what they want – and to a certain extent, challenging their interests. We are very fortunate to have this outstanding facility in Wales’ far west – the alternatives mean a lot of travel and forward planning – and ultimately expense. The new Torch has shown it has a welcome for everyone.” Completing the trio of the ‘three wise men’ responsible for the management of the Theatre is Roland Williams whose fine business acumen has held a steady rein on the project management for its refurbishment, and who retires this year. “Roland has become a part of the Theatre – his contribution has been fundamental in making the Torch the success it is today. He will be greatly missed, but our guess is, he will never be far away!” said Peter – who first met Roland when he was a budding young actor in the original Torch Theatre Company. For full details of the Torch Theatre’s new season of entertainment, call Karen or Lesley on 01646 694192 or visit their website at www.torchtheatre.co.uk where you can join their mailing list. |
| Torch Theatre web site: www.torchtheatre.co.uk |
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Thursday, September 4, 2008 |
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