Christmas isn’t cancelled! PACE Theatre Company present their 33rd pantomime with Paisley Arts Centre – Lost in Pantoland – live online! Join Scottish panto favourites CHRIS ALEXANDER, ALAN ORR, DARREN BROWNLIE and DANI HERON for a hilarious live, interactive panto performance.
It’s almost Christmas Day and Widow Swanky can’t wait to get her feet up, enjoy a delicious dinner cooked by her son Billy Bob and have a wee shandy by the Christmas tree. But when she accidentally discovers a colossally powerful penny, both her and Billy Bob get transported to the wondrous – yet dangerous – Pantoland. Tasked with collecting objects from everyone’s favourite pantos, the tremendous twosome set off on a hilarious adventure featuring slimy Princes, wicked witches and at least one constipated goose… A madcap adventure for all the family!
Audiences can take part in one of two ways: there will be 30 interactive Family Tickets available for each performance in which those families will be called upon to join in with the performance, using props from a pre-posted Interactivity Pack, whilst others will be able to watch the performance for free via live stream.
As is traditional, Lost in Pantoland will feature a chorus of young actors selected from PACE’s core youth theatre groups, who will contribute to some pre-recorded sections in accordance with social distancing guidelines.
Rikki Payne, Arts Manager for Renfrewshire Leisure says:
“Panto is integral to Paisley Arts Centre’s programme and it seemed inconceivable that we couldn’t find some way to mark the festive season. We were really keen to find a way to blend the technology available to us along with the more traditional elements of panto that we all know and love, to create an experience for families that should still feel intimate, connected and above all, fun!
“We’re looking forward to working with a fantastic team to create Lost in Pantoland, and partnering with PACE means that we’ve been able to maintain a sense of continuity with our annual panto.”
Jenni Mason, Artistic Director of PACE agrees:
“Panto is a major highlight in the calander for us, so when Paisley Arts Centre approached us to help them create an alternative panto we jumped at the chance. This has been an extraordinary year for everyone, and we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to provide a bit of light relief for families.
“We’re confident that whether you’re part of the interaction, or watching the live stream, this will be a great way for families to celebrate together this festive season.”
Lost in Pantoland is made by possible thanks to funding from Creative Scotland’s Performing Arts Venue Relief Fund, awarded to Renfrewshire Leisure for a programme of events in Paisley Arts Centre. This will support freelance artists from a range of multiple disciplines to deliver a programme of work throughout the winter months. Live streaming of the Panto will be facilitated by Paisley-based video production company, Media Monty.
