Scotland’s biggest children-led pantomime is returning to the SEC in Glasgow for the third consecutive year.
The Theatre School of Scotland is staging ‘The Wizard of Oz’ with 11 shows over five days (December 19-23) - its biggest production to date.
The casting process this year was bigger and more inclusive than ever, with 450 young hopefuls from across Scotland auditioning.
The final cast of 100 young people, ranging from age six to 23, will experience the thrill of performing on a professional stage for the very first time.
Opportunity
Director and Principal Reece Donnelly said: “We’re giving these kids an opportunity they’ve only dreamed of—performing in front of thousands!
“It’s not just about building their confidence and skills but sparking them to realise there is and can be future careers in theatre, telly and beyond.
“This year we really have pulled out all the stops: we’ve got set, costumes and pyro coming from across Europe. I cannot wait to be home with the wonderful SEC team for another year, it’s a delight to produce this show with them each year.”
The producers always have a title celebrity guest as part of the cast, and previous names have included Capital Radio’s presenter Katy J and River City star Gayle Telfer Stevens.
The team have yet to announce this year’s name but say it is someone not to be missed.
It’s not just about building their confidence and skills but sparking them to realise there is and can be future careers in theatre, telly and beyond - Reece Donnelly
The production will see thousands of primary and secondary school children join them in the audience at the SEC to experience the magic of Christmas.
And with the much-anticipated new Wicked movie premiering in just weeks, tickets are expected to sell out.
Reece explained: “We will of course have loads of references to the new Wicked movie. I mean we are already obsessed before the release so I can’t wait for everyone to follow us down the yellow brick road this year.”
According to the producers, the theatre school is not just putting on a pantomime, they are building Scotland’s future stars and creating a space where young people from all corners of the country can share their love for the arts and get a real taste of professional theatre.
Co-Director Charlotte Forbes said: “It’s more than just putting on a show - it’s about giving each child their moment to shine and helping them realise their full potential.”
