Zoom in for online festive fun
PANTO and Christmas go together like sprouts and turkey.
But up and down the country, theatre doors will stay shut because of the Covid pandemic.
Perth Theatre, however, is putting on an interactive online panto, Oh Yes We Are! from December 11 until Christmas Eve
Barrie Hunter, the writer, director and dame in the panto, said: “It’ll be lovely to be back in the room with an audience again – albeit through a screen. We’ve all missed that – oh yes we have!
“Because every show will be broadcast live, you’ll be able to join in with the booing, hissing, ‘he’s behind you’ and heckling which we all should be doing this time of year.
“And you can share the fun with friends in different households and family across the world if they book the same performance.”
It’s great news not just for Perth panto fans but anyone with a computer who wants to join in and enjoy a panto - something that thousands of us would usually be doing it if wasn’t for Covid.
Barrie added: “The audience will be taken on a magical journey, meet some panto characters (good and not-so-good) along the way, and help them on their quest to find the Light and Laughter that’s been missing of late.”
Barrie will be joined by Perth panto regular Helen Logan as villain Corrupta. Another familiar face, Ewan Somers, plays twins Duggie and Phillup, Christina Gordon joins the cast as the Hero and The Ghost will be played by Ava Hickey.
For the show, the cast will be in different rooms in the theatre with the online audience visiting them on their journey around the building and interacting live
with their panto characters. Barrie added: “I’m delighted to have Perth panto regulars Helen Logan and Ewan Somers join the fun and frolics again this year, and equally excited to welcome Christina Gordon and Ava Hickey to the Perth panto family bubble.
“I look forward to getting the frock and wig on again and having the pleasure of working alongside this dream team.”
Oh Yes We Are! A Quest For Long Lost Light And Laughter will be broadcast live via Zoom from Perth Theatre from December 11 to December 24. For tickets and info visit www.horsecross.co.uk.