It’s a real family affair for Blairgowrie Players’ panto
Proving that pantomime really is a family affair, Blairgowrie Players’ festive production this year, Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves, has several examples of mothers or fathers and their children in the cast, as well as some brothers and sisters and even grandparents and grandchildren.
And with a principal cast of 17 and the chorus comprising 19, there is a huge amount of work for the costume ladies this year.
Whereas professional productions are limited in cast numbers by financial constraints, amateur productions can - and in the Players’ case do - help a wide range of people to tread the boards for the first time.
And this year there are around a dozen newcomers taking part in Ali Baba, both adults and youngsters.
The costs of producing the Players’ annual panto continually rises however.
President of the Blairgowrie Players, Graham Reid, said: “We are extremely grateful to all our sponsors and advertisers for their continued support and we hope to announce some good news regarding the Hill Kirk refurbishment shortly.
“I would also like to add a massive thank you to the 25 dedicated members of the production team and back stage crew.”
Cast members in this year’s show are Roy Mayne, Shaun Topen-Cooper, Pamela Howat, Kerry McFadden, Lily Milne, Josy Carnegie, Gill Oakes, Jeff Brewer, Ruth Reid, Robert Oakes, Keith Mackenzie, Jaime Kettles, Don Kinloch, Lynette McCafferty, Lesley Fernando and Kay McNab.
The chorus and other parts are played by Sandy Lumsden, Charley Blair-Morrison, Lauren Blair- Morrison, Max Donnelly, Ryan Donnelly, Stella Douglas, Eilidh Duncan, Ramsay Gregor-Jenney, Sopie Hilditch, Sophie Hill, Kirk Robb, Liam Keating, Grace Martin, Caitlin McCarthy, Amy Neave, Mollie Patterson, Elyssa Stewart, Toni Stewart, and Eva Wilson.
Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves will be presented in Blairgowrie Town Hall next week on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 7pm.
There will also be performances at 2pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Tickets cost £8 or £6 for concessions, which are only available for the stalls, and are available now from The Card Gallery on Allan Street in Blairgowrie, telephone 01250 876444, or online at blairplayers@btinternet.com.
Tickets will also be available at the door.
There are around a dozen newcomers taking part in Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves