Panto season is in full swing at The Gaiety
Is it really the festive season until the pantomime gets under way? Oh no it isn’t!
The Gaiety’s Snow White and The Seven Dwarves spectacular opens on Friday, December 2, ready to thrill families over the Christmas period right through until Tuesday, January 3.
Starring former Liberty X singer Michelle Heaton as the Wicked Queen, River City actress Lorna Anderson as Snow White and fantastic dancers from Jennie Campbell School of Dancing as The Seven Dwarves.
The children will take on some of the most challenging roles in the show, as they fill the small shoes of Doc, Dopey, Bashful, Grumpy, Sneezy, Sleepy and Happy.
Producers Karen and Michael Courtney said: “This year’s pantomime is the hardest one yet for Jennie Campbell’s dancers.
“The juniors, who appear as dwarves, have so much more to learn.
“And as ever, they are pushing themselves to the max. They are a real credit to Jennie.”
Theatre chiefs promise the spellbinding panto will be full of music, magic and mayhem with special effects, breath taking sets, loads of laughs and lavish costumes. Panto stars have been sharing behind- the- scenes snaps on Twitter and Facebook as they work hard in rehearsals – and the cast say they can’t wait to perform for people in Ayrshire.
Reality show star Michelle Heaton, who made a special appearance at Ayr’s Christmas light switch on last weekend, said: “I’ve only been in Ayr for a week and already it feels like home.
“I can’t wait to meet all of you wonderful people and I hope you enjoy your evil Queen.”
Opposite her on stage will be Lorna Anderson, who played the role of Amber Murdoch for four years on BBC Scotland soap River City.
Taking on the iconic character of Snow White, Ayrshire girl Lorna can’t wait to return to home soil for Christmas.
She said: “It’s so nice to be back performing in the newly refurbished Gaiety - and to spend my 30th birthday on stage.”
Other cast members include one of Scotland’s best new playwrights, Kenny Boyle as Henchman Pratt.
Well known at The Gaiety for his Murder Mystery nights, the actor has also found success with his critically acclaimed Hero Worship show that has become a firm Fringe favourite.
He said: “I love the Gaiety, it’s become a second home for me. The audiences are like no other, they’re so welcoming, boisterous and totally up for it.
“It’s a massive pleasure to be appearing in panto again - and this time as a villain.”
Starring alongside him is Liam Webster, making his return as the dashing Prince, Alan McLaren as the King and Daniel Whitley who makes his Gaiety debut as funny man Muddles.
Liam said: “It’s our first day on stage and everyone’s buzzing.
“Panto fever has officially hit and we fear it may be contagious.”
To book tickets for Snow White and The Seven Dwarves at Ayr’s Gaiety theatre, call the box office on 01292 288235 or visit www. ayrgaiety.co.uk.