Drama club call for new panto stars
Benderloch & North Connel Drama Club is appealing for new members to join them on stage in this year’s Oban panto.
The December show in the Corran Halls has been a feature of Christmas festivities for generations.
Oban Panto Group used to stage the production every year, but since its demise in the mid-1990s, Spotlight Musical Theatre Group and Benderloch & North Connel Drama Club have taken it in turns to put on the event.
This year, Benderloch will be performing ‘Bah Humbug!’, a panto adaptation of the famous Charles Dickens story A Christmas Carol. Rehearsals will take place throughout the autumn with the show taking place in the Corran Halls on Thursday December 8, Friday December 9 and Saturday December 10.
Club president Mike Rowell said: ‘The community panto is a great opportunity for everyone in Oban and the surrounding area to come together to enjoy live theatre as audience members or as part of the cast or backstage team.
‘The club is currently looking for new members to make the panto happen this year. We welcome everyone. You don’t have to live in Benderloch or North Connel. Most members come from Oban or further afield. Whether you are experienced on stage or not, taking part in a panto is a great way to get out and meet people and have fun as part of an experience that brings joy to so many people at Christmas.’
The club is holding an open evening at 7.30pm on Thursday August 18 in the Victory Hall, Benderloch, for anyone aged over 16 who is interested in taking part in the panto. There will be a read-through and casting of the main adult parts.
It is hoped to have a session for junior cast members at a later date.
Benderloch & North Connel Drama Club was founded in 1955 and although it has its club hut at Benderloch, has members from all around Oban and North Lorn.
The club produces pantos, one-act plays and occasionally full-length plays. Its senior and junior plays regularly win prizes at Campbeltown Drama Festival, Lorn Drama Festival and North Lorn Drama Festival.