Craig Glover, one of Scotland’s best loved panto dames, is to return to Glasgow’s Pavilion this festive season as Dame Dolly Drumchapel in Beauty And The Beastie.
Glover, who hails from Newmilns, is no stranger to Scottish pantomime and can’t wait to get started on Beauty & The Beastie. He says, “I am delighted to be returning to Glasgow’s glorious Pavilion Theatre for panto season. There’s nothing quite like the roar of laughter from a Pavilion audience. The Pavilion has such a long history of pantomime and variety and it is always a privilege to be part of that history. I am thrilled to be reunited with my panto pals – Liam, Grado and Stephen – who have all played my sons at one time or another. With a stellar cast and all the ingredients of a magical, hilarious panto, the Glasgow audiences are in for another treat again this year.”
Life in Cludgie on the Cobbles is quiet and peaceful. Beauty passes her days helping her mother, Professor Porridge and their neighbours Dame Dolly Drumchapel and her son, Hector. Up in Cludgie Castle, however, things are not so tranquil. The arrogant Prince Lorenzo has had a curse placed on him by an enchantress and must find true love before the final petal falls from a magic rose. Will he be able to change his ways…and his appearance? Will Beauty be the one to help him…and what are those
strange howling noises coming from Cludgie Castle at night?
Joining Glover in Cludgie on the Cobbles will be Jennifer Neil who joins the cast as Beauty and Nikki Auld as Professor Porridge. All three join previously announced panto favourites Liam Dolan, Two Doors Down favourite Grado, RIver City stars Stephen Purdon and Scott Fletcher, wrestler turned actor Jack Jester and Valissa Scott.
Neil, who is delighted to be returning to the Pavilion having appeared as Polly Pollock in last year’s Treasure Island, says, “I’m absolutely over the moon to be back at the Pavilion again this Christmas. The audiences are second to none and I’m buzzing to be back with the gang for another belter of a panto.”
Auld, another stalwart of Scottish panto adds, “There is nothing quite like the buzz of a Pavilion audience and I can’t wait to be up there and create some sparkling Christmas magic with all of the gang!”
Sure to bring that panto-land magic in bucket loads, Beauty and the Beastie is produced by Imagine Theatre and will be co-written and co-directed by Liam Dolan and Eric Potts. Jamie Gordon, the Pavilion Theatre Director comments, “We are delighted to welcome back some of our Pav favourites for this Christmas. Their return, as well as our continued collaboration with production company Imagine, is sure to promise another year of fun, laughter, and unforgettable performances for the whole family.”
The Pavilion is no stranger to panto, this year’s cast continue a tradition dating back to the 1930s when a strong pantomime tradition was established featuring many of the top names of Scottish variety. Names like Harry Gordon, Dave Willis, Jack Anthony, Jack Milroy and The Krankies, just some of the well-known names who have thrilled audiences over the years as part of the Pavilion pantomime.
Beauty And The Beastie promises more of the same and a show filled with laughter, music and the usual Pavilion mayhem!
Pavilion Theatre, Glasgow, Renfield Street, 28 November 2024-12 January 2025. Tickets £20-£32 here.
