Drama group’s yuletide audio offering

Like most theatre groups, Crieff Drama can’t currently present live productions.

However, not ones to rest on their laurels, members felt they couldn’t let the festive season go by without a proper celebration.

So they have come up with two programmes as part of‘Sounds Like Christmas’– an online programme of yuletide audio compilations.

Helen Day, who chairs the local thespian troupe, said:“Our aim was to create a heartwarming reminder of Christmas traditions and seasons past.

“‘It Came upon a Midnight Clear’ is a celebration of Christmas in Victorian times, while‘And the Angel Lit the Candle’is a celebration of Christmas in poetry and prose.

“Both have been compiled and produced by John Cummings.

“Although there are several performers in both these compilations, each player was recorded separately and their voices brought together only at the final editing stage.

“It’s a technique widely used in the music industry, so it has been the ideal way to deal with current restrictions.”

The performances are voiced by John Cummings, Helen Day, Elspeth Fleming, John Hughes,

Ann Inglis, Tom Inglis, Ann Morrison, Mike Owens and Fiona Wellstood.They were edited by Colin Morrison.

A third audio has been specifically made for younger children.

Helen continued:“Obviously the children’s panto that Crieff Drama puts on annually at Strathearn Arts was cancelled.

“But, to keep the tradition going, Gordon N Campbell has adapted one of his previous live shows for audio.

“‘Who Stole Santa’s Sack’brings in some new characters and scenes as well as that perennial favourite – the magic dragon.”

The cast includes John Hughes (Narrator), Mike Owens (Radio Interviewer and Witch), Fiona and Keith Wellstood (Elves), Helen Day (Witch) and Gordon N Campbell (Santa).

Meanwhile, Crieff Drama Group is also sending Christmas cheer to Heartland FM, Strathearn NewsTape, PRI Hospital Radio and several care homes with its recordings.

Helen added:“In all three audios, the cast has been delighted to get back into performance mode, albeit on a virtual stage.”

The specially-recorded performances are available to listen to throughout December.

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