Ginger and Jester Productions announces the cast for its upcoming panto at Cumbernauld Theatre, Baltic, written by Jerry Taylor. The lineup includes Alex Robertson of Still Game fame and two talented graduates of the local New College Lanarkshire, making their panto debuts on the Cumbernauld stage.
Brave young Elsbeth, with magical powers still to be unleashed, lives in the snowy village of Glenfrost. When her brother Kai is kidnapped by the wicked Snow Queen Chillblane and her slippery sidekick Jack Frost, she sets off on a daring rescue mission.
She’s joined by her hilariously cheeky pal Sammy the Slush, her snow-stopping mammy Dame Agnes Avalunch, and a whole host of frosty new friends, including a talking snowman called Nolaff who’s lost his carrot and his sense of smell. Along the way, they face chaotic trolls, a ravenous seven-foot Yeti, and a snowstorm or two as Elsbeth discovers what she’s really capable of.
Packed with cool tunes, snowballing laughs and plenty of chances to shout out, Baltic is a heartwarming festive adventure for the whole family. Full of friendship, fun and a little sprinkle of panto magic.
This heartwarming festive adventure will be brought to life by Alex Robertson (Still Game) as Dame Agnes Avalunch and Lauren O’Hare (Winds of Change – Tram Direct; Beauty and the Beast – Fizzgig Theatre) as Elsbeth. They’re joined by two talented graduates of the local New College Lanarkshire, who will be making their panto debuts on the Cumbernauld stage: Kathleen McClenaghan as Nolaff and Milly Sweeney as Jack Frost. Also appearing are Jerry Taylor, who has penned this year’s panto, as Sammy the Slush, and Abbie Watson, who doubles up as choreographer and musical director, as Chilblain, the Snow Queen.
‘My mission this Christmas is to bring belly laughs and chaos to Cumbernauld, and I am relishing the challenge. For me, it’s all about entertainment and sending everyone home smiling and buzzing for Christmas. Panto is for laughing, singing and dancing and we will bring you it all in abundance.’
Jerry Taylor, Writer and Performer
Cumbernauld Theatre Trust is thrilled to welcome Ginger and Jester Productions to Lanternhouse with their panto for the first time this year. With in-house producing work currently on-pause due to ongoing funding challenges, this special collaboration ensures that audiences of all ages will be able to enjoy a memorable festive production in the venue and continue to enjoy one of the most magical theatre-going times of the year.
Baltic will run at the Lanternhouse Main Auditorium from Saturday 22 November until Wednesday 24 December.
Chief Executive Sarah Price is to step down this summer after seven years, having led Cumbernauld Theatre through one of the most transformative chapters in its history.
Patricia Stead, former Executive Director and co-CEO of the Tron Theatre in Glasgow, will join Cumbernauld Theatre Trust as Interim Chief Executive later this month.
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