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Theatre HITLIST THE BEST THEATRE & DANCE
list.co.uk/theatre
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E D R B C M S A L G U O D
Cinderella Witty, inventive update of the Grimm Brothers’ classic, which relocates the action to a houseboat populated by retired magicians, from the Dundee Rep ensemble. See review, page 113. Dundee Rep, until Sat 31 Dec.
A Christmas Carol The National Theatre of Scotland’s first ever festive show is a delightfully atmospheric version of Dickens’ seasonal favourite that features actors performing alongside puppets. See review, page 116. Film City, Glasgow, until Sat 31 Dec. Rudolf Sweet, offbeat take on the classic reindeer tale with a pair of energetic performers taking on all the lead roles and providing plenty of giggles along the way. See review, page 113. The Arches, Glasgow, until Tue 3 Jan.
Aladdin A high-energy version of Scheherazade’s bedtime story, set in the ancient Scottish enclave of Musselburgh in Ancient Peking. See Stage Whispers, right. Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh, until Sat 7 Jan. Jackie and the Beanstalk Fee fi fo fum! Sisters are doing it for themselves in this female-centred twist on the classic panto tale. See review, page 114. Macrobert Arts Centre, Stirling, until Sat 7 Jan.
Cinderella Great dollops of slapstick and toilet humour and tons of audience interaction not to mention Grant Stott in drag make this a panto to savour. See review, page 114. King’s Theatre, Edinburgh, until Sun 22 Jan.
Stage WHISPERS LIAM RUDDEN WRITER/DIRECTOR OF THE BRUNTON THEATRE’S ALADDIN
What are the challenges of adapting such a well-known story? The biggest challenge is ensuring that the narrative is not lost in amongst all the routines, gags and songs. Finding the right routines and songs to advance the story is crucial. How does the Brunton’s production of Aladdin differ from others that you’ve seen? It’s set in the ancient Scottish enclave of Musselburgh in Ancient Peking, China, so there is a nice cultural mix. It’s also, hopefully, a bit more high-energy.
What’s the most exciting moment of the panto season? Finishing the script? Meeting the cast for the first time? Or opening night? Hearing the cast bring the script to life for the first time at the read-through on day one of rehearsals. The culmination of a year’s work. Do you have a particularly fond memory of a panto you saw when you were young? Watching Johnny Beattie as the Dame at the Edinburgh King’s production of Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood back in the 70s. That was when I discovered my love of panto.
■ Aladdin, Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh, until Sat 7 Jan.
The Lost Sock Princess Puppet Lab’s interactive show aimed at 3- 7-year-olds celebrates diversity and daring to be different. See preview in Kids, page 90. Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, until Fri 23 Dec.
The King and I Sumptuous touring production of Rogers and Hammerstein’s hit musical, featuring This Life star Ramon Tikaram in the role made famous by Yul Brynner. Reviewed next issue. Edinburgh Festival Theatre, until Sat 7 Jan.
We Will Rock You The musical based on Queen’s extensive back catalogue returns to the capital following a sellout run a couple of years back. Expect all the hits, including ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ and ‘Radio Gaga’. Edinburgh Playhouse, until Sat 7 Jan.
Sleeping Beauty Clare Grogan, Tony Roper and the wonderful Karen Dunbar as Nanny are among the big names in the King’s all- singing, all-dancing panto this year. See review, page 114. Kings Theatre, Glasgow, until Sun 8 Jan.
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112 THE LIST 15 Dec 2011–5 Jan 2012