A happy couple from Inverness have become unexpected pantomime stars – after a romantic proposal on stage during the festive show.
Sheree Strachan had no idea what was in store for her when she made her annual trip to the panto at the city’s Eden Court Theatre.
She was unaware that her partner James MacDonald had secretly arranged for the pair to be called on stage during Friday’s performance of the Dick Whittington panto – so he could pop the question.
And stunned Ms Strachan sent the audience into raptures when she said “yes”.
The 29-year-old said: “Every year I go to the panto, I love the panto. I booked tickets for us to go this year about a month ago.
“When we were there they said it was National Panto Day today, so because of that we will invite some lucky guests up on stage.
“They shouted out seats H5 and H6. I initially thought we were in G, then I realised it was us.
“The spotlight came on us and they asked us how we felt to be picked.
“Then they said to James ‘I think you’ve got something to ask’. He got down on one knee and asked me to marry him.
“I put my hand to my face and gasped, and the whole audience did the same. It was amazing, just surreal.”
The pair both went to Charleston Academy and grew up in the Kinmylies area of the Highland capital.
Mr MacDonald, 38, said: “The best thing about it for me from the night was when somebody earlier was told to come on stage and Sheree whispered to me that she would hate that to happen to her.”
He added: “I just wanted to make sure it was big and special for her. She took me to my first panto last year and I thought about it.
“I wanted it to be an experience she remembered for the rest of her life.”
The couple said they had been inundated with well-wishes since their public engagement, and are now planning to get married within a couple of years.