It must be Xmas time, the festive lights are on, the shops are busy and it’s Panto time!! Oh yes it is, and big time Panto is no longer the province of Glasgow or Edinburgh. Dunfermline’s Alhambrais staging an extravagant production of their own this seasonal time with all the razzmatazz one has grown to expect with this medium.

Now I must confess to not being a total fan of this style of entertainment, but if there is a show that could possibly change my mind,  then this just maybe it.

Starring Edinburgh’s own ‘Joseph’ Craig Chalmers in the title role with the stunning Soraya filling the love interest as Princess Jasmine in this new production written by Stuart Thomas, the show hits the right note from the very start. Ably supported by the Evil Abanazar, played by James McKenzie, Widow Twankey, by Stephen Docherty, Wishee Washee played by David Ashwoodand, with Alan McKenzie as The Emperor together with the aptly named So Shy, Jill Nadin,  director Lawrie McNicol and the rest of the creative team have put together an excellent production, complete with some hi-tec effects that were impressive to say the least.

But the essence of true Panto is woven throughout the entire show, that sticks closely to the original comcept plenty of audience interaction encouraging the kids to get involved, references to local places and current events, the obligatory distribution of sweets launched into the crowd and of course the mandatory sing song towards the end prior to the inevitable wedding. All tried and tested stuff, and that is what the audience demand and is certainly what is delivered.

This lavish and slick production is running up to 24^th December with evening shows and matinees on offer, check the website www.alhambradunfermline.com for all the dates, times and prices and you will be able to put the ForthBridge queues or the trek to the Weeg behind you, Oh yes you will.

 

Reviewed by Geoff