More and more emphasis is being placed on the Welsh language in the workplace and this year, the Torch Theatre’s festive pantomime Beauty and the Beast will include some Welsh language phrases. It is hoped that the easy to understand short sentences will add to the ‘hwyl’ of the performance and get people chatting in Welsh. 

The words and phrases used are fun and quite memorable with sentences such as ‘Mae pen tost gyda fi’ (I have a headache); ‘Mae clust dost gyda fi’ (I have an earache) and ‘Mae bola tost gyda fi’ (I have a bellyache) as Beauty and the Beast’s Artistic Director, Chelsey Gillard explains ….  

“I’m really pleased to be including some conversational Welsh in this year’s panto. Welsh language is an important part of our culture and it’s been amazing to see such growth in the number of Welsh learners in recent years. Our version of Beauty and the Beast is firmly set in Pembrokeshire, so it’s only right that the script reflects the people who live in Pembrokeshire, especially our younger audiences who will recognise the phrases used from their own learning.” 

Menter Iaith Sir Benfro is an initiative that promotes the Welsh language in the county, and its Chief Officer, Rhidian Evans thinks that introducing easy to understand Welsh phrases and words in the performance is a great way to introduce the language. 

He said: “The fact that this year's Torch Theatre pantomime includes Welsh sentences is something to be welcomed. It shows that the Welsh language is a language for everyone and a language that is used by Pembrokeshire audiences.” 

There’s an increase in the number of those learning Welsh through Learn Welsh Pembrokeshire and for Rhidian and the Menter Iaith, this is a very positive move. 

He added: “Using Welsh in the workplace is also important with Pembrokeshire businesses seeing the benefit of including Welsh on signs, menus and when talking to customers. We now have the results of the 2021 Census and those can give a clearer picture of the Welsh language within different communities within the county and help as the Menter and other partners plan towards the coming years."  

Every second Tuesday of the month, bar September, the Torch Theatre hosts Coffi Cymraeg, an hour-long Welsh get together over a coffee and cake in a relaxing atmosphere open to all. The December session will be using and discussing some of the Welsh language pantomime phrases. 

“I am thoroughly enjoying my Welsh learning journey. It’s really quite rewarding when you can hold a simple conversation and at Coffi Cymraeg, everyone helps along in such a supportive and encouraging way,” said Torch Theatre’s Artistic Programme Co-ordinator, Janine Grayshon who is looking forward to seeing new and old contributors at the Coffi Cymraeg session this December. 

Beauty and the Beast will magically make its way to the Torch Theatre stage from Friday 15 December to Sunday 31 December. Relaxed Environment Performance - Saturday 16th December @ 2pm and BSL Interpreted Performance - Tuesday 19th December @ 6pm. 

Note: Torch Members get 25% off up to four tickets purchased for Beauty and the Beast. 

Usual ticket prices are £22.50 | £19.00 CONS | £70.00 FAMILY. Tickets can be purchased from the Box Office at the Torch Theatre on 01646 695267 or by clicking here.