North Connel panto comes up 'Trump's
Trump put in a special guest appearance at Benderloch and North Connel’s panto this year.
The group kept its promise that this year’s Cinderella pantomime would be different and so it was – set in Rockville High.
There was a very different ending with the surprise arrival on stage by President Trump, (Finlay McLuckie) who was interested in appointing the wicked step-mother, Roxette, played by Carol Evans, to his administration. Even she, however, preferred the palace dungeon to his offer of a post with him.
More than 1,200 folk, young and old, hissed, booed and cheered their way during the four performances, two of which were sell-outs and, from comments made to cast members and on social media, the pantomime was voted a great success.
Emma Law, a great Buttons, delighted the crowd and kept the show moving along wonderfully well. The two ugly sisters, George Hamilton and Colin Felgate, a couple of ‘Old Hound Dogs’, were a great comedy duo sparking off each other as they adlibbed freely leaving the poor prompter, Murdoch MacDougall, in their wake as he tried, vainly, to follow them on his script.
The romance was provided by Jamie Rodgers and Aimie Baker, Prince Charming and Cinderella, respectively, who also provided the lovely duets. No one who was there will forget the fabulous ending to act one as Cinderella alighted her glittering carriage to be taken to the ball while singing If I Can Dream beautifully.
Ellen Mackechnie was excellent as she alternated between being a girl, in love with Buttons, and being the prince’s manservant, Dandini.
Calum McLuckie rocked and rolled throughout the show as the king who was fascinated by Elvis especially considering that he was far too young to remember Elvis apart from the occasional advertisement on TV.
Members of Benderloch and North Connel Drama Club youth section played their roles very well and the youngsters of Oban Dance Academy played their part in the show.