Panto reborn - oh yes it is

SHOWSTOPPERS REBORN WITH HANSEL AND GRETEL PANTO

Iain Ferguson Pantomime time is all but upon us - ‘Oh yes it is’ - with local group Showstoppers preparing to whisk audiences off to the magical world of Hansel and Gretel.

Written and directed by Ryan Flay, who has also written previous Showstoppers pantos ‘The Swan Princess’ and ‘The Wizard of Oz’ , this is the first one he is directing as well. It is a new take on the classic story featuring all the traditional pantomime characters with a few surprising twists along the way and will be the first pantomime performed in Fort William since 2011.

Hannah Calder is the producer and, having recently finished a Masters in Applied Arts and Social Practice, is bringing this experience to the show.

Showstoppers has a new committee headed by Amanda Meadows, who was a member of Showstoppers 15 years ago, as president.

The cast are: Hansel, Rhona Maitland; Gretel, Alice Campbell; the Wicked Witch, Jane Poulton; Fairy Cupcake, Leah Burns and Kylie Hickman; the Landlady, Samantha Wilson; Silly Billy, Amanda Meadows; Simple Simon, Sarah Davidson; Mrs Kipling, Bill McAlpine; the Good King, Michael Gillespie; and the Good Queen, Annabel Loughray. Ensemble: Suzanne McAlpine; Jenni MacInnes; Jasmine Adams and Shona Bell.

Ryan Flay said: ‘When we put the advert up for auditions, we had so many people expressing interest which was a good sign there is still a desire for a group like this in Fort William.

‘We’re very fortunate to have the cast that we do, a few familiar faces to Showstoppers, a few returning people from years ago and a few new members. Everyone is incredibly dedicated and willing to work extremely hard to produce the best show we can.

‘The community has rallied round by buying tickets and offering their services including hairdressers, makeup artists, ticket sellers, backstage crew and graphic designers who are volunteering to help out.

‘I think Covid has really changed people’s mindset and they understand that not having this group would be a tragedy for the town. Although we’ve had loads of offers for help, we could always use more. If anyone has any sort of skill to offer, even just making tea and coffee, we’ll happily have them on board.’

Hansel and Gretel will be staged in Kilmallie Community Centre on January 5, 6 and 7 2023 at 7.30pm, with a 2pm matinee on Friday January 6 and Saturday January 7.

Tickets cost £10 for adults, plus booking fee, and £8 for children and concessions, plus booking fee, and can be bought on Eventbrite. Anyone who doesn’t have access to Eventbrite should visit the Lochaber Showstoppers Facebook page for assistance.