Panto is still on for Moray pupils - Oh, yes it is!
Moray school pupils can still enjoy a pantomime this winter thanks to Out of The Darkness Theatre Company (ODTC).
The theatre company usually tours schools in Moray at this time of year to perform their panto live but covid restrictions mean they’ve not been able to visit this year.
Happily, The National Lottery Community Fund, The Gordon and Ena Baxter Foundation, Rotary Elgin and Tennants of Elgin Ltd stepped in to fund a filmed performance of Dick McWhittington so ODTC Company could produce DVDs of this year’s fun filled show.
Head of Education for Moray Council, Vivienne Cross, said: “With so many changes and restrictions this year it’s great to see some things haven’t changed and pupils can still look forward to some escapism with a panto.
“A pantomime is a highlight for lots of pupils and staff with many schools taking pupils to Aberdeen or Inverness at this time of year. Unfortunately, we’re not able to do that this year and we thank Out of the Darkness Theatre Company for bringing the theatre in to each school for some much needed entertainment.”
ODTC’s Business Manager, Mark Sellars, added there’s been a happy incidental upside to the performance restrictions: “While we would love to be performing live in schools, as we look forward to every year, the bonus of a DVD is we can spread our festive cheer round all the schools in Moray. We only usually have time to visit half of them with the tour so this way more pupils can experience the joy of panto.
“All being well though, we look forward to getting back to live performances next year.”