Buckie panto brings iconic tale Rapunzel to life with stellar performances
It was time to let the hair down - quite literally, in one particular case - when the panto came to a Moray town.
February 13-15 saw Buckie Community Theatre Group take to the stage for the annual extravaganza, which this time around was the timeless tale of Rapunzel.
The North Church hall played host to plenty of, er ‘hair-tfelt’ performances from the cast, supported as always by a dedicated behind-the-scenes team.
Gemma Archibald took on the title role of the lass whose hair came in handy as a scaling rope.
Taking on the ole of the enchantress was Leah Hay.
Pauline McIntosh - also the production’s assistant director - continued her long-time commitment to Buckie panto when she appeared as Mother Gothel.
Show director Kevin Oakes took to the stage in his own inimitable style with the traditional dodgy handle which, this year, was Fanny Follicle.
In other roles were: Finn McRider- Holly Allardice; Sergeant Robin Banks - Claire MacLeod; PC Bobby - Cam Berrey; Robot Redford - Ollie McDonald; Queen - Sara Chiappa; Young Queen - Charlotte Devlin; Lady in Waiting - Lauren Innes; Agnes McRider - Danya Smith.
Holly and Sara also held off-stage responsibilities as musical director and assistant musical director respectively.
The team had the best of starts thanks to a cracking opening night as Asia Hutchison, from the theatre group, explained: “The opening night was brilliant, the hall was almost full and there was a super energy about the place.
“The cast sounded amazing and Rapunzel’s voice was outstanding. The dancing was subtle but very effective.
“We’ve had a lot of really good reviews and messages, which makes it all worthwhile. We’ve got a really good team here and parents have been coming forward to volunteer their time.”
However, the panto is not just about the smell of the greasepaint and the roar of the crowd, the theatre group have been busy over the last 12 months fundraising so that the show can go on.
Away from the hard work preparing for the panto, the theatre group team have been busy the last few months fundraising through a number of affordable events. These included a NERF Battle at the Victoria Function Hall, a tombola at the Legion and a ladies’ day with The Teddy Bear Support Group at the Buckpool Golf Club. The group have been trying to involve more of the community and local businesses who have supported them through the year.
They have also have a colouring in competition for both kids and adults available from the Buckie Ice Cream Cabin and a prize money raffle available to buy from Gordon Arms Hotel, Fochabers, Scotty's, Craigenroan, Bar Brig and Barrel Hotel and the Thistle Bar, Buckie.
