An Lanntair and Stuart Morrison are delighted to present our pantomime for 2024 – The Wonderful Wizard of Oz! This magical tale has captured the imagination of millions and we can’t wait to give it our usual pantomime treatment! Join Dorothy and Toto on the original road trip as they make their way to Oz, meeting some familiar friends along the way!
Returning to us after 10 years is David McClelland as The Tin Man! He was last with us back in 2023 in Beauty & The Beast. ‘TV’s Top Gadget Guru’ David McClelland is a familiar face on British television screens, starring in BBC1’s Rip Off Britain, CBBC Newsround, BBC Right On The Money, Steph’s Packed Lunch, Crimewatch Live, Watchdog & The One Show. Whilst best known for his work on TV, David has a passion for the stage; his credits include; Grimm’s Tales, Blood Brothers, Much Ado About Nothing, and The Blue Room, not to mention an abundance of Pantomimes around the UK (including ours!)
Also coming back is Andrew Crawford as The Scarecrow! Andrew studied Media Performance at Salford Uni where he met Joseph Chambers (our Mr Smee from Peter Pan last year!) and in 2012 they began working on The Rhyme Rocket for Cbeebies, and together founded Laugh N Learn, a touring children’s theatre company. In 2019 Andrew graduated from RADA’s MA Theatre Lab course & how could we forget, played The Beast in our 2021 production of Beauty & The Be
She’s back – it’s Victoria Jane as our Dorothy! Victoria Jane trained at The Urdang Academy & has performed all over the world with some big names like Barney the Dinosaur, Sesame Street, Madagascar Live, Fireman Sam and In The Night Garden Live. Victoria is an actress, children’s presenter, puppeteer, skin artist, and voiceover artist. When she isn’t hidden behind a puppet or inside a crazy costume, you will most likely find her touring the country in Arrival-The Hits of Abba as Frida, presenting Let’s get Active for children learning English in China, and for the global YouTube Channel WildBrain.
An Lanntair Panto Regulars will know him well – it’s George Dee as The Wizard! George grew up in Peterborough & has been performing in An Lanntair Pantomimes on and off each year we have produced the panto here – including Beauty & The Beast, Cinderella, Robin Hood, Snow White, Aladdin, & of course, Peter Pan! Other theatre credits include; Phil Davis in White Christmas, Mookie/Billy Idol in The Wedding Singer & Skater Dude in High School Musical!
Finding his courage, returning to us is Edward Simpson as The Cowardly Lion! After a superb run with us in Dec 22′, Edward has since appeared in Illyria’s summer tour of Pride and Prejudice as Mr Bennet, Uncle Gardiner, Miss Bingley & Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Recent roles have included Major General Stanley in The Pirates Of Penzance, Dr John Dolittle in The Adventures and The Further Adventures of Doctor Dolittle, The Emperor in The Emperor’s New Clothes (don’t worry, he will be keeping his clothes on in this panto!) and Henry Clerval in a brand new musical version of Frankenstein.
Kluane Saunders joins us as well direct from playing the same part but at another theatre Kluane (pronounced ‘Klu-annie’…or just ‘Klu’ if you prefer) is no stranger to panto, and has loved being the good fairy/witch for Jack, Beauty, Dorothy, Peter Pan and various other heroes over the years.
Her performing highlights this year include playing Sheila and Paula in the new musical ‘Killing the Cat’ at Riverside Studios, appearing in her first UK advert, and playing Sergeant Stibbs in ‘TSU’ (a comedy web-series).
Previously she has worked as a lead vocalist with P&O Cruises. Kluane also hosts her own podcast ‘Make it Work’ and regularly writes comedic sketches for online platforms (one of which was shortlisted for the Funny Women Awards 2023). She is thrilled to be back in Stornoway this year for her 3rd visit! Oh yes she is!!
And last but certainly not least, the wonderful Sarah Galbraith, our very own Broadway legend, Sarah is originally from the USA but now resides in Scotland. She made her Broadway debut with The Phantom of the Opera after performing in both the National Tour and Las Vegas companies. Previous credits include Annie Get Your Gun (UK Tour), Chess (Union Theatre), The Wizard of Oz (Pitlochry Festival Theatre) and The Night of 1000 Voices at The Royal Albert Hall. Sarah recently toured with Lea Salonga on her Dream Again UK Tour and currently performs in the UK tour of Girls Night Oot! She’s thrilled to be back at the An Lantair in Stornoway!
Writer and Director Stuart Morrison has been producing the January Panto for many years now and is thrilled to be taking us on another trip down the yellow brick road with this latest production.
As always, talented local performers will star alongside the principal cast coached by Kirsty Macdonald.
We simply can’t wait to bring the magic of pantomime back to the stage this January we’ll see you then, in the Emerald City!
Can’t wait until January…. watch our advert here