Major New Co-Production at the Torch Theatre - Full of twists and turns

Following a record-breaking festive pantomime Beauty and the Beast, Torch Theatre’s award-winning Artistic Director, Chelsey Gillard is back in the rehearsal room for a new production inspired by the issues facing small seaside villages in Pembrokeshire, such as Cwm-yr-Eglwys in the north of the county. Kill Thy Neighbour is a co-production between  the Torch Theatre and Theatr Clwyd and will cause a few raised eyebrows and guessing games this April and May.

Examining hot topics that affect many of us in rural villages, towns and coastal areas across Wales today, the comedy thriller Kill Thy Neighbour’s main theme revolves around the slow erosion of residential areas, becoming sites for holiday homes and tourism. These themes are portrayed in this drama about love, murder and feeling trapped in your own life.

“Firstly, Kill Thy Neighbour is a really entertaining play that will hopefully have the audience laughing and guessing what’s going to happen next. Sometimes we undervalue entertainment, but it’s so important,” said Chelsey Gillard as she discussed the play at the Torch Theatre this week.

Written by Wrexham-born Lucie Lovatt, the limited run of Kill Thy Neighbour is Lucie’s first full-length play. Both hilarious and spooky, the major new co-production is beautifully crafted as Chelsey explains:

“New Writing of course has its own challenges. With classic plays, often it’s about creating your own spin on the well-known tale, with new writing it’s about introducing the play to the world, ensuring audiences see all the brilliance the writer has put into the script. I love working with writers on new plays, it feels like you can speak directly to the world as it is now and that so exciting. I feel honoured to be directing it, especially for our audiences in Pembrokeshire who will have direct experience with second home ownership.”

Kill Thy Neighbour, performed by an all-star cast at the Torch Theatre, Milford Haven from 24 April to 4 May, will provoke people and make them think about how important living in a supportive, rural community actually is.

Chelsey, who was hooked with the drama from the word go, added: “The themes reflect so much of what is happening across the country right now, with villages and towns empty for much of the year. It’s like a love letter to communities who look out for each other, celebrate together and share the hard times. We could all do with a reminder of how good it is to know (and not kill!) your neighbours.”

In concluding, Chelsey said: “I hope that audience members will still be talking about it the next day at work, in the shop, around the dinner table. The moments that surprised them, what they found funny, which character they side with! Mostly I hope they have a brilliant night out and remember to tell the people they love how much they mean to them. A bit soppy but true.”

Kill Thy Neighbour will be performed at the Torch Theatre, Milford Haven, from 24 April – 4 May 2024. Tickets are £23. Concessions: £20. Under 26: £10. Recommended age 14+ as the show contains strong language and references to murder.

BSL Interpreted Performance - 2nd May (Interpreted by Liz May). Booking is available at the Torch Theatre’s website www.torchtheatre.co.uk or by calling 01646 695267. The production can also be seen at Theatr Clwyd from 2 – 20 April.