A plan to bring the Ardrishaig panto back - oh yes it is!
THE ARDRISHAIG pantomime used to be a highlight of the village calendar and there are plans to bring an annual panto back, thanks to Acting Up Argyll drama group.
Acting up Argyll’s aim is to encourage an interest in all aspects of drama and provide an opportunity to take part in a public performance of an annual pantomime, like the one previously at Ardrishaig Public Hall for 19 years until 2012.
This was considered an integral part of Mid Argyll culture and appreciated by all ages in the local community and surrounding areas.
Now the group wants to bring people together to put the show back on, allowing each member of the group to foster and create for themselves a niche where they can learn new skills from each other and become skilled at aspects of performing including acting, lighting, make up, and costume design.
Acting up Argyll aims to meet the needs of youngsters, aged between 11 and 17 years, who live in a rural area and are otherwise unable to access the drama opportunities available in places such as Glasgow or Edinburgh due to parental financial limitations.
Acting up Argyll has been running weekly since September 2014 in any spare classroom that can be found in Lochgilphead High School during term time and each other’s homes during the school holidays.
The group is not funded by the school as its main aim is to be unique and run the drama classes without adult supervision.
During this time, members have become skilled at all aspects of drama, learning from each other.
Now the club consists of youngsters who feel ready to reinstate the annual pantomime at Ardrishaig Public Hall. Last year the group staged Aladdin and are now going on to stage another panto, Cinderella, in December.
The club has badges with the club’s logo on them to identify themselves as drama club members at any fundraising event.
Amongst the talented members of the club are students taking advanced higher art and one member taking art at higher this year; two members who want to take up a career in drama and two who are interested in a career in musical theatre.
Other members are taking advanced higher music exams. One member is looking towards a career in sound production and one in a career in film and stage make up. Four members of the club participate in the local choir.
Adult participation will be on the administration side in the form of a secretary and a treasurer.
The pantomime has been well attended in the past and taking into account community opinion, there is no reason to suggest this will not continue.
Plans
Fundraising plans include letters to local business requesting donations; a quiz in Ardrishaig North Church Hall and a bag pack at Lochgilphead’s Co-operative store.