A 'fab and fun-filled show' on the cards at this year's Thurso panto

The Thurso Players amateur dramatics team is finally back at the high school with its annual pantomime.

The Elves and the Shoemaker is a feel-good, traditional family pantomime, based on the well-known folk tale, and written and directed by Faye Sutherland.

A large number of talented Thurso Players juniors make up the cast of 19, many of whom are acting in their first pantomime, and whose training gained over their years of Friday night workshops, and enthusiasm for entertaining, shines through in every performance. The adult cast members are all familiar faces from previous years, bringing their expertise and love of panto to the stage. Jacqui Disbury also makes a welcome return as assistant director, with Glyn Jackson as musical director.

Reflecting on the process, Faye said, "Writing and directing panto is something I've wanted to do for a while now and I knew it would be a challenge. Despite that, it has already been so rewarding. I have a great cast and team working with me and the rehearsal process has been such a blast. We have the makings of a fab, fun-filled show!"

Providing the perfect enhancement to the staging, Fiona Murray and her brushstrokes team have created painted backdrops to rival anything that professional productions can produce, bringing the town of Shoesbury to life.

Will Tom (Ola Omand) manage to save his family’s cobblers shop, run by his mother Peachy (John Glen), from the evil Freeman Penny-Pincher (Alan Newton)? Will Sir Benny Factor (Joel Hook) stand up for villagers’ rights? Can Fairy Agnes (Holly Manson) help the elves Bootleg (Ava Campbell) and Hop (Maisie Swart) do the right thing and break free of Freeman? Can Clementine (Olivia Warner) find true love when her father is the "evilest evil person" in the county? And will Billy Bob (Maeva Donaldson) ever tame the family cow, Pat (Logan McKenna)?

This is a pantomime not to be missed.

Performances: Thursday 7 – Saturday, December 9, 7pm; Saturday, December 9, matinee 2pm

Tickets cost £10 and £8 (16 and under) and are on sale at McBeaths Jewellers, Thurso, and online through Ticketsource.

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.