The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Christmas pantomimes round-up
Venues across Courier Country, until January
Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without a trip to the theatre with the family to see a pantomime. The good news is there are an abundance of professional productions to enjoy in the area this season.
● The Byre Theatre in St Andrews will present a production of Beauty and the Beast from November 30 to December
31. This year’s family pantomime features a returning cast including Robert Elkin, Stephanie McGregor and – in the role of Bunty Bahookie – St Andrews’ favourite dame, Alan Steele. As with previous years, the professional cast will be supported in style by the local youngsters of the Byre Youth Theatre.
● At Dunfermline’s Alhambra Theatre from December 8 to January 27, pantomime favourite Billy Mack will take on the role of Nigella Trottalot in Jack and the Beanstalk, which is being transported to the Wild West.
Audiences can expect a slick production featuring saloons, horses, cactuses and even President Trump.
● Also in Fife, Kirkcaldy’s Adam Smith Theatre is again collaborating with Imagine Theatre to present Aladdin from December 9 to December
24. Many familiar faces will return, including Gordon Brandie as Wishee Washee and Kim Shepherd taking on the roles of So Shi and Sprit of the Ring. Aladdin will be played by Matthew Tomlinson.
● Aladdin is certainly a popular choice for Courier Country pantos this year and the eponymous hero will also be appearing in the Fair City.
At Perth Theatre from December 9 to January 6, the fun takes place back on the newly restored main stage with Aladdin and Jasmine hoping to foil bodypopping, break-dancing baddie Abanazer’s plan to win the panto! The show is written by Joel Horwood and directed by Lu Kemp.
● In Dundee, the Gardyne Theatre is presenting Sleeping Beauty from December 9 to January 6. River City favourite Tom Urie (Big Bob) will be joined on stage by two of the cast from top BBC comedy Scot Squad. Longsuffering Officer Karen (Karen Bartke) will be playing wicked queen Maleficent and her on-screen nemesis, Darren Connell, will be playing Maleficent’s halfwit son, Boaby.
This show also stars seasoned panto performer James Mackenzie from children’s TV show Raven and is set to have lots of laughs, hopping hits and crazy costumes.
● Angus audiences won’t miss out on the fun, as the ANGUSalive production of Beauty and the Beast comes to the Webster Memorial Theatre in Arbroath from December 9 to December 24.
The cast will contain some familiar faces, including theatre regular Chris O’Mara, who hones his inner fiend and cheeky charm to portray the Prince and Beast, while the role of the Belle of the ball will be played by singer and dancer Claudia Todd.