Local productions deserve our support

I HAD one of those brilliant nights last week — you know the ones: belly laughs, crying with laughter, singing at the top of your voice.

Guess where I was? Nope, not a bar or a drop of alcohol in sight, but at the Gardyne Theatre for its panto Sleeping Beauty. Oh yes I was! When I came home, I felt moved to tell you about it.

If, like me, you felt a little deflated after the joy of Christmas, it might have had the same effect and buoyed your spirits.

It might have made you proud to be a Dundonian — watching some of Scotland’s best TV actors showcasing their talent in the make-believe kingdom of Dundonia (there may have been many Glasgow voices but the local jokes were spot on).

Tom Urie (ex-River City) effortlessly excelled as the panto dame Nanny and Officer Karen and Boaby from Scot Squad (Karen Bartke and Darren Connell) made brilliant baddies.

The crowd was made up of mums, dads and kids but also many older patrons who, for me, bring meaning to the term Dundonian.

I spoke to one man in his seventies who told me he makes a point of going to every Dundee panto and festive show.

He said The Rep’s musical offering is a must-see too.

If we don’t support local productions, who will?

If we want talent from far and wide to choose this city, we have to put bums on seats.

So go on, whether it’s the Rep’s production or any other show in Dundee, you’ve got until January 6 to extend your own Christmas spirit and show visitors what a Dundee welcome really looks like.

Martel with sons Monty, left, and Chester.