The Brunton Theatre may be being mothballed ahead of demolition but its panto lives on, re-homed in Haddington’s Corn exchange and Musselburgh’s Loretto Theatre.
This year’s title, a panto twist on Dicken’s classic tale, A Christmas Carol, is presented by The Brunton, in association with Wonder Fools.
Brunton Theatre Trust are collaborating with Wonder Fools Theatre Company, founded by Prestonpans local Robbie Gordon and Jack Nurse.
Meet Scrooge, Musselburgh’s grumpiest miser and proud owner of Scrooge’s Speedy Cash, 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.
Described as “a full-blown panto party that will leave you shouting, ‘Bah humbug!’ all the way home’, A Christmas Carol marks the return of The Brunton’s resident Dame, Graham Crammond, this time as Scrooge. He will be joined by Michael Dylan as Fred. Dylan is best known to fans of Big Brother as the People’s Puppet, a fake housemate planted in the BB house during the 14th season of the long-running ‘social experiment’.
The cast is completed by producer Robbie Gordon as Tiny Tim, Laura Lovemore as The Ghost of Christmas Present, Rebekah Lumsden as Ms Cratchitt and Chloe-Ann Tylor as McGuffin. Inspired by Dickens’ classic Christmas story, this production is set in East Lothian, with choreography by Amy Robinson, and a 22-strong chorus of local youngsters.
Kirsty Somerville, General Manager of The Brunton, says, “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.”
At Christmas Carol runs from Wednesday 4 December to Saturday 14 December at Haddington’s Corn Exchange and from Tuesday 17 December and Saturday 4 January at Loretto Theatre, Musselburgh. Tickets here.
