FESTIVE fun is in store with a panto twist on the classic tale A Christmas Carol in Musselburgh and Haddington.
The Brunton Theatre Trust is collaborating with Wonder Fools theatre company to present the Christmas show.
The new pantomime, with original songs, is inspired by Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas story and is set in East Lothian.
Performances will run from Wednesday, December 4, to Saturday, December 14, at the Corn Exchange in Haddington; and from Tuesday, December 17, to Saturday, January 4, at Loretto Theatre in Musselburgh.
This year’s panto sees a return to The Brunton’s “big, ambitious festive show”, with comedy, songs and lots of joining in, a spokesperson said.
Audiences will meet Scrooge, Musselburgh’s grumpiest miser, who’s in for a rude awakening when three mischievous ghosts turn up to ruin her silent night.
“With belly laughs, feel-good festive songs and a hearty dose of Scottish panto spirit, this isn’t just any Christmas tale – it’s a full-blown panto party that will leave you shouting ‘Bah humbug!’ all the way home,” explained the spokesperson.
Panto is a “highly treasured, long-standing festive tradition” for The Brunton’s audiences, with schools’ performances, matinees and evening shows available, they added.
The team is “delighted” to be working with a “talented cast” of actors and creatives.
They include Graham Crammond, “the much-loved panto dame who has delighted Brunton panto audiences for many years with his wit and charm”, playing Scrooge.
The other cast members are Michael Dylan as Fred, Robbie Gordon playing Tiny Tim, Laura Lovemore the Ghost of Christmas Present, Rebekah Lumsden as Ms Cratchitt, and Chloe-Ann Tylor as McGuffin.
The co-artistic directors of Wonder Fools, Robbie Gordon, from Prestonpans, and Jack Nurse, wrote and created the panto, fresh off the back of winning Best Debut at the Edinburgh Festival from The Skinny and Fest Magazine’s Bestie Awards.
Amy Robinson, The Brunton’s dance and drama officer, is the panto’s choreographer.
The professional cast are supported by a chorus of 22 young performers from East Lothian.
Kirsty Somerville, general manager of The Brunton, said: “Pantomime is a very important part of our programme, bringing fun, joy, and laughter to our audiences during the festive season.
“Wonder Fools are hugely experienced in writing and creating engaging, high-quality theatre and we are excited to be collaborating with them.
“We are also delighted that we can involve young performers once again in our pantomime, in the important and integral role of the chorus. This is a great opportunity for local young people to experience being part of a professional production.
“We look forward to welcoming you along.”
Tickets for A Christmas Carol can be bought from thebrunton.co.uk or 0131 653 5245.
Other venues are continuing to be used by The Brunton as the Brunton Hall has been mothballed by East Lothian Council after RAAC (reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete) was found there.
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