Torch Theatre staff 'home by Christmas'

9:31am Friday 2nd November 2007

STAFF at the Torch are looking forward to moving back to the theatre before Christmas.

Artistic director Peter Doran said the news contractors were weeks away from completing the £4.5million building work was an early Christmas present.

He said: "The reopening of the Torch is a real tonic for not only the staff but for the whole of Milford Haven.

"The support we've received recently has proved to us we're a well-loved institution in the town.

"With this backing and a brand new state-of-the-art building the future of the Torch will be burning brighter than ever."

Work started on the project last November and involves the complete refurbishment of the existing theatre building and the integration of a former education centre next door which in total costs £5.4million.

Midas divisional manager Gareth Reynolds, said: "It has been an extremely interesting project to work on, particularly as we started demolishing the building next door while the theatre was still in operation.

"We're delighted to be involved in a scheme which will provide a major boost for the arts in this area and we look forward to working on similar theatre projects in the future."

Midas began work on the theatre when it closed in January, providing a new front entrance and carrying out extensive works to provide improved disabled access.

The former education centre is being converted into a second smaller theatre with a new café and bar area.

The chief executive of the Arts Council of Wales said: "The Torch theatre has a crucial role in the provision of a high quality arts facility for the people of Pembrokeshire and beyond.

"The theatre company based at the Torch also has an excellent track record and will be key to the ongoing development of touring theatre throughout Wales."

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