The Torch Theatre, centre for the arts in Pembrokeshire and one of Wales’ pre-eminent producing theatres this week announces the departure of Executive Director Benjamin Lloyd after five years at the helm.

Ben’s tenure at the Torch Theatre in Milford Haven has taken in the lows of the pandemic and the subsequent determination to survive and flourish, continuing to serve our communities throughout, and the highs of a record breaking 45th year. Ben has overseen an exhilarating renewal of artistic leadership, major national partnerships and co-productions and the redoubling of the Torch’s commitment to the young, vulnerable and underrepresented in our community with the establishment of a dedicated Youth & Community department.

Enduring highlights include The Pembrokeshire Story engagement project that brought together artists and communities during the pandemic in the building of a living archive of stories; a bumper anniversary year in 2022 that saw five Torch productions, tours of Wales and the UK and runs in London and Edinburgh with a mix of new writing and Torch classics; the establishment of the groundbreaking Craidd partnership, and securing of long-term funding aimed at removing barriers to mainstream theatre for Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists and freelancers; and the achievement of a vital uplift in funding as part of the Arts Council Wales Investment Review, securing the Torch’s strategic position at the vanguard of Welsh theatre and bucking the trend of funding cuts across the board.

Benjamin Lloyd, Executive Director said: “It has been the honour of my professional career to lead the theatre that has given so many of us in west Wales our first, and so often only exposure to high quality performing arts in all its forms. The Torch is a minor miracle in today’s funding climate and a precious resource for the community. It represents a window to the world beyond and a lifeline for so many – young, old, isolated and vulnerable – in this beautiful, far-flung part of the world. I am beyond proud of the commitment, skill, humanity and passion of the team under my leadership and what we have achieved together in extremis has been spectacular, delivering for our community and supporting the arts ecology in Wales in ways both seen and unseen.

“However, the commitment required to sustain the Torch throughout this period has been absolute and has come at no small cost to me and to my young family. Now is the time for me to pass on the baton and regain some equilibrium. I have absolute confidence in the artistic leadership of the Torch under Chelsey Gillard, and faith in the team to continue on this exciting trajectory. As I step away, I will be taking some time with my family before pursuing fresh opportunities as we look forward to our next adventure. I will enjoy again celebrating and supporting the Torch as a patron and will look forward to contributing with fresh energy and perspective to the arts and the cultural conversation in Wales and beyond.

“There is never a perfect moment to step aside but having been in dialogue for some time over how and when I would make this change, and with long-term funding and support for artistic innovation and organisational development secured, I have decided with the Board that now is the time to make the break. As such I am stepping down from today with interim arrangements in place as the Board reviews the strategic plan and objectives for my successor.

“I want to thank the staff and volunteer teams (past and present) who go above and beyond to provide a warm welcome and life-enriching experiences to our patrons. Sincere thanks also to our partners, funders – especially colleagues at Arts Council Wales – sponsors, supporters and above all our audience members. Each have delivered a huge vote of confidence in my leadership and the quality in artistic and community provision delivered by our team, with their support throughout my years in post – both financial and otherwise – and it has been so very much appreciated.

“I would like to use my parting words on behalf of the Torch to entreat government at every level to recognise not only the economic and wellbeing benefits that the arts generate and deliver, but also the essential contributions that the arts and in particular, a venue such as the Torch makes to the cultural fabric of their community and society at large. Our theatres, at their best, are citadels of expression and inclusion that play a vital role in forging social cohesion, place-making and sustaining communities, particularly in times of social decline and unrest. However, such venues within the funded arts sector cannot continue to exist on the good will and the commitment of their overextended workforce and require adequate funding and support if they are to continue to prosper. Protect the arts, Caru the Torch.”

Katrina Marsh, Chair of the Torch Theatre Board of Management said: “On behalf of the Board and staff team we extend our thanks to Ben for his dedication and leadership through the most challenging period in our history. His commitment to the Torch, its artists and the people of Pembrokeshire has left a legacy that we will seek to protect and build on. We wish Ben and his family well in their future endeavours and will be working with the senior management team to continue the delivery of our operational and strategic plans.”