Six months of success gives new-look Torch a bright start

9:47am Thursday 4th September 2008

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HUGE sell-outs have marked a spectacular start to the multi-million pound re-opening of Milford Haven’s Torch Theatre.

Six months on from the remarkable redevelopment at the site, an extra box office staff member has had to be appointed to keep up with demand.

The success began with a total sell-out of the Torch Theatre Company’s musical The Hired Man and ended on the same note, with the summer movie blockbuster Mamma Mia! seeing nearly 3,500 people come through the doors.

When the new Torch was launched in March after the much-needed makeover, artistic director Peter Doran had just celebrated his tenth anniversary in the role.

Now, six months on, he is celebrating a season which has surpassed all expectations. “I’m thrilled at the response to our re-opening,” Mr Doran told the Mercury.

“There will always be some things which do better at the box office than others, ut it’s about creating that balance, 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.”

And with bookings for the next season already going well, the success shows no sign of slowing up.

Two nights of Max Boyce have already gone and tickets for up-and-coming Welsh comedian Rhod Gilbert are selling out fast.

Within a week of launching its new programme, more than £31,000 worth of tickets have been sold.

General manager Daniel Shaw said the success had followed a lot of hard work.

He added: “It takes guts and a lot of hard work to produce and sustain a busy building like this. 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 that it has a welcome for everyone.”

For details on the Torch Theatre’s new season call 01646 694192 or visit www.torch theatre.co.uk.