Professional theatre company staging summer family pantomime in Ayrshire
A professional theatre company will play it for laughs when they stage a summer family pantomime this week.
Ayr-based Ginger & Jester Productions, a local theatre firm led by industry professionals, present their newest production Hansel & Gretel, which was never done as a pantomime before.
Abbie Watson, co-producer, choreographer and musical director, said: "We are really looking forward to Hansel & Gretel. It's never been done as a pantomime before but we think it works really well and everyone will love it.
"We have some students from our Ayrshire Youth Theatre (AYT) in it as well as professional actors, but the whole cast is outstanding - the comedy, the singing, everything.
"Our youngest cast member who's playing Gretel is brilliant. She first came to AYT as we were rehearsing for The Wicked of Oz. She played Auntie Gem, and absolutely raised the roof, so she's definitely one to look out for.
"The audience can expect toe tapping tunes, bent over laughter and just a right good time out to see a show."
Abbie, 31, with co-producer Jerry Taylor, who is also a writer and director, have done three productions since they started the company in December 2024.
Their newest production is running from this Thursday, July 24 until Saturday, July 26 with shows starting at 7pm, as well as a Saturday Matinee show at 2pm. The show will be held at The Tattie Shack in Monktonhill.
Abbie added: "A very big shout out to Lizanne and Andrew from The Tattie Shack who have been absolutely amazing and have bent over backwards for us. The team and staff there are all so welcoming and friendly as well as the food being delicious."
Abbie and Jerry have also bagged a huge deal as the new producers of Cumbernauld Theatre's Christmas pantomime, Baltic, later this year.
The panto will be running from November 22 until December 24.
Abbie said: "This is a huge scale panto and we can't wait to get started. Our cast are phenomenal and the team at Cumbernauld are absolutely a dream to work with. As well as that, we are also producing a Family Pantomime in Ayr at the same time, Beauty & the Beast, which will be held at Belmont Academy on December 20 and December 21."
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