Youngsters shine at Rutherglen panto

Dec 23 2009 by Kenny Smith, Rutherglen Reformer

RUTHERGLEN and Cambuslang youngsters took to the stage in Burnhill to perform their festive show Once Upon a Monster.

Over the past couple of months, the children had been attending the Burnhill Drama Group to prepare and rehearse for the show.

Director Graham Macgregor, who also played Granny McGambol, said: “It went really well, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves, which is what it’s all about.

“The children worked very hard to get the show ready, and we’ve got to say thank you to Provost Russell Clearie for coming along to support us and watch the show – his grandson was in the cast!”

The youngsters also had fun singing their pantomime song, If it wisnae for your grannie, where would you be.

The full cast was:

The McBogus of Farfraehere, the villain –- Louise O'Neil; Fiona McFey, a Highland fairy – Millie Brown; Dougal McShuggle, a wee boy – Stuart Brown; Mrs McShuggle, his mother – Emma Jane Brown; Granny McGambol, his granny – Graham Macgregor.

Miss McDayt, a Social Worker – Natasha Thomson; Muscles McGrew, henchman – Hollie Brown; Basher Biceps, henchman – Ethan Clearie; Angus McWillie, an aged Highland ghillie – Natalie McLoughlin; Nessie, herself – Lauren Simpkins.

Grannies – Amy Thomson, Danielle Wilson, Stephanie Wilson, Stacey Wilson, Moira Gordon.

Written by Helen Murdoch; directed by Graham Macgregor; music by Natalie McLoughlin; costume and props – Anne Ferguson; cottage by Andy McKinlay; set dressing – Jim Gordon; make-up – Donna Brown; chaperones – Moira Gordon and Pamela Simpkins.

Last year the group put on a production of Dick Whittington and his Wonderful Cat, and four of the children who were involved in that were still involved this year.