Dingwall Players set to return to landmark community building for first time in 13 years as panto takes to historic stage

THE venue has in its time hosted the Beatles and been graced by royalty, including a visit from the late Queen Elizabeth II.

It has in days gone by been a vibrant hub at the heart of the Dingwall community and in recent times has witnessed the arrival of a Newton Room, aimed to boosting the study of STEM subjects such as science, technology, engineering and maths.

And next month, Dingwall Town Hall will welcome the return of an amateur dramatics’ group’s festive panto for the first time in 13 years.

Ongoing improvements to the landmark building mean the Christmas show will return to the venue traditionally used by the Players for many years.

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Although work on the building continues, it was decided that with the instalment of a lift and accessible toilets now in place, the time was right to recreate the great atmosphere the hall can provide.

Dingwall Players are busy rehearsing “Santa in Space – A Christmas Pantomime Adventure” by Paul Reakes. As the title suggests this is a different topic for such a show.

Director Allan Thomson said: “You can be assured that all the elements of panto will be forthcoming, booing, audience participation, nasty villain and heroes not to mention the indomitable Dame Dangle, played by Stewart MacPherson.

“Without giving too much of the plot away planet Earth and Santa are in the grip of the evil Vile Un and incompetent henchmen, Null and Void – can Dame Dangle Crystal, Dick Daring and Roberta the Robot save the day and Christmas!”

Santa in Space will lift off from Dingwall Town Hall from Thursday, December 8 to Saturday, December 10 at 7.30pm, with a matinee on the Saturday at 2.30pm.

Tickets will be available soon at www.dingwallplayers.org

This amateur production of Santa in Space is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French Ltd. www.concordtheatricals.co.uk

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