Aladdie brings panto magic to Blantyre
Tickets selling fast for festive show at Carrigan’s
Blantyre actor Ryan Fletcher is putting together his very own panto – oh yes he is!
The former River City and Gary Tank Commander star has written and directed Aladdie.
It is a festive tale about not just any laddie, but in fact Blantyre’s very own boy about town.
Working along with fellow Blantyre actor Gary Bennet, who will star in the title role, Ryan will take to the stage as villain Abanazer as his show comes to Carrigan’s Blantyre this Christmas.
Ryan explained: “We’re transforming Carrigan’s function room into the magical setting for our story.
“It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. I’m a Blantyre boy myself, so I think the locals will enjoy a panto that’s been specifically written for a local audience. Also, it’s perfect for families as it saves a trip into Glasgow. Happy days.”
Formerly starring as Vader in Glasgow drama River City and Jan in Gary Tank Commander, Ryan has also had roles in Outlander, Mary Queen of Scots, Taggart and Scots comedy show Only an Excuse as well as appearing in several stage productions.
Travelling between Blantyre and London regularly, he is now working on a host of other projects as well as his upcoming Aladdie pantomime.
The 35-year-old, whose actor brother Scott currently stars in River City as Angus, added: “After graduating from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (now the RCS) a long time ago I’ve been working for years on stage and screen and I’m currently back working with the National Theatre of Scotland.
“The show is called 306: Dusk and it’s in Perth Theatre later this month.
“I’ve also recently just finished shooting Shetland for BBC Scotland. That should air sometime in the new year.”
Ryan and Gary will be joined on stage by Charlene Boyd as Jasmine and Keith Fleming as Widow Twanky. Both actors have worked extensively on stage and screen including appearances on Outlander, River City and Scot Squad.
Ryan continued: “I’m hoping to also have a chorus of young actors from New College Lanarkshire who’ll complete our cast.
“Most years I work on a panto as a performer, but this year I’m at the helm as I’ve taken on the task of writer, director and actor. It’s a big challenge, but one I’m really up for.
“I’ve got an amazing cast, so I know we’ll have fun, which hopefully means our audience will too – and you never know, my brother Scott may make an appearance along the way!
“Ticket sales have been really great. In fact, some of the dates are already sold out. So get booking to avoid disappointment.”
Ryan’s Aladdie production runs from Sunday, December 16, until Christmas Eve with several matinee performances also.
To purchase tickets go to buytickets.at/panto or check out the Facebook page www. facebook.com/blantyrepanto.