Pantomime version of 200-year-old-play performed at Coul House Hotel in Contin
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An outdoor pantomime version of a 200-year-old play marked its anniversary and that of the building that provided the backdrop for the performance.
Helga, based on an Icelandic saga, was performed in the grounds of Coul House Hotel in Contin, the former home of its original author.
The show’s director Phil Baarda said: “Ten actors – three trained, seven local community volunteers – 10 musicians, one writer/director, a few knitted moustaches and pigtails, two walking sticks and one red cape, were met by 65 people in the audience on each of Saturday, July 31 and Sunday, August 1 in the stunning grounds of the Coul House Hotel in Contin for a pantomimic-version of Helga.
“The pantomime was a retelling of a play of the same name written 200 years ago by the Coul House’s former owner Sir George Steuart Mackenzie.
“Mackenzie – a noted agriculturalist and geologist – decided to turn his hand to playwriting, and penned his version of Helga based on a Norse saga inspired by his scientific expedition to Iceland.”
Mr Baarda continued: “It was performed to Edinburgh’s elite and was completely ridiculed by all – including his friends and geological allies.
“The play was abandoned, never to be heard of again until this weekend when an intrepid bunch of local people performed a fun-filled and pantomimic retelling.
“It’s been a really rewarding and inspiring thing to be part of.
“Most of the actors and musicians have never performed before, and everyone did their part magnificently. I’m very proud of what everyone has done – it’s been remarkably well-received and appreciated. The good weather helped too!”
Norma Ross, chairwoman of Contin Community Council, said: “It’s a marvellous way for people to get together again after the recent restrictions in a socially-distanced way, and to laugh and have fun.
“It’s a celebration of sorts.”
