It’s Toot, Toot, Tootsie, Goodbye – from the Angus Minstrel show

Tears and cheers as popular singing group gather together to bid their farewells after 60 years treading the boards

Performers have returned to the stage to prepare to bring the curtain down on the age of minstrelsy in Angus.

The Angus Minstrels’ final farewell show at the Webster Theatre in Arbroath will include cast members from the 1960s and 70s who are back to perform one last time.

Rehearsals are continuing at St Mary’s Church ahead of the run from November 6-9 and early ticket sales have been described as “going very well”.

Chairman Jamie Watson said: “Once show week is upon us the feeling will be one of mixed excitement at performing a final show to a hopefully sold out audience and obvious sadness.

“I’ve already been told to expect tears from some of the members, as they leave a company that has been a large part of their life.

“We only have a couple of “old” members, both of whom were involved for a minimum of 30-40 years each.

“They are both in their 70s and enjoying coming back and being part of the company.

“Everyone else returning was from within the last 10 to 15 years, along with a couple of new men, to bolster the numbers a bit.”

The group changed its name in 2005 and abandoned the 45-year-old tradition of “blacking up” on stage to move with the times.

The annual show continued but dwindling crowds and a struggle to attract cast members led to last year’s production being cancelled.

The committee attempted to secure a company for this year but was unable to get sufficient numbers before the decision was then made to announce a final farewell show next month.

“The plan for this year’s show is to start in the 1960s before moving through to some classic minstrel style and ending with the traditional Dixie,” said Mr Watson.

“In between these sequences we will have some traditional foot-tapping moments, musical numbers, dances and light relief.

“The show will be a reflective look at some of the best and favourite minstrel sequences and a nod to the past – but without the old make-up.”

The Angus Minstrels have been entertaining audiences for almost 60 years and raised £600,000 for more than 100 deserving causes.

The Angus Minstrels performing at the Webster Theatre in their heyday – now they are bringing the curtain down on the age of minstrelsy at the same theatre.

Members of the Angus Minstrels in rehearsal for their final show.