As the old song suggests, there is nothing like a dame – especially when it’s a panto dame dressed in outrageous costumes and cracking jokes that will have you chuckling long after the curtain has come down.
Nanny Knot is the dame to watch in this year’s fun-filled pantomime, Sleeping Beauty, which opens at Eden Court Theatre, Inverness next Tuesday.
And one of the main challenges for Greg Powrie, who is playing dame Nanny Knot, a larger-than-life Mary Poppins, is mastering the art of quick change as he slips from one crazy dress to another.
Greg, who last appeared in panto at Eden Court in 2011 as one of the ugly sisters in Cinderella said: “The dame is a great character to play but as Nanny Knot I have at least eight costume changes during the show which will be exhausting, particularly as they are all quite tricky to get in and out of.
“But it is worth it to hear the laughter from the audience when they see each elaborate outfit.
“It doesn’t seem like Christmas without putting on some outrageous costumes and elaborate make-up – all in the name of panto of course!
“Eden Court is a fabulous theatre with audiences that really love their Christmas pantomime and it is always a delight to perform there.”
Every dame needs a comedy sidekick and that role falls to Arron Usher, who will play Muddles the Jester.
This will be Arron’s first appearance with Imagine Pantomime and he’s looking forward to making Highland audiences laugh.
“I adore panto and Sleeping Beauty is a wonderful show,” said Arron.
“I last appeared in it at the Glasgow King’s Theatre in 2011 and I am really excited to be appearing in it again this Christmas for Imagine Theatre and the Eden Court – although I may have to brush up on my juggling skills!”
Sleeping Beauty has every element you’d want to find in a magical panto such as a classic fairytale story, lots of slapstick comedy and jokes, romance, adventure, plenty of song and dance routines – and a rather large dragon.
The show will have spectacular sets, special effects and plenty of magical moments when the audience can get involved.
Booing and cheering are compulsory.
Show director Steven Wren and his team are currently working flat out to ensure everything goes smoothly for the show which will enjoy a month-long run.
“Although normally I wing things all the time, with such a big production I have to be organised,” said Steven.
“I’m responsible for eight actors, six dancers, three musicians, 24 youngsters and 15 crew which is an awful lot of people.”
Steve Boden, managing director of Imagine Theatre, who are producing the pantomime, said: “I don’t think most people realise all the work that needs to take place before the show starts – the show has been in preparation since before we finished Mother Goose last year – people may think panto is just for Christmas, but for us at Imagine it is a year-round job.
“Rehearsals are the time when all the work that has taken place over the last year comes together and the result is the fabulous show you will see on stage.”
Alongside Greg and Arron are Kirsty Maclaren as the good fairy Azuriel with Marj Hogarth as her wicked sister Carabosse. Carabosse’s sidekick, Gob, is played by Ross Allan, with Lorayne McLucas returning to the Eden Court as the sleeping beauty, Princess Belle.
Donning principal boy clothes will be English actress Julia Cave, and the cast is completed by James Bryce who plays the loveable King Bumble.
Sleeping Beauty runs at Eden Court, Inverness from Tuesday, December 3 until Sunday, January 5. Contact: 01463 234234 or visit the website www.eden-court.co.uk