Comrie & District Dramatic Society present ‘No Big Deil’

Dec 25 2009 by Caroline Boxer, Strathearn Herald

IT may have been called “No Big Deil” but Comrie & District Dramatic Society’s annual pantomime was certainly a big deal for all who saw it.

This original panto written by group member Trisha Leitch, had all of the elements you expect to find in this popular festive form, mixed with a sprinkling of local references only found in a homegrown affair.

There was a wonderful dame (what a stir ‘she’ caused when ‘she’ entered the stage and oh how did ‘she’ walk in those heels), a loyal husband, cheerful principal boy and girl, an evil pie seller (what a nose) and her comic assistants, a beautiful pantomime cow, a town crier (whose greetings gave the village plenty of advertising), a quirky musician, plenty of fairies, villagers and cute furry woodland animals, and even an elf or two! Not forgetting the booming voice of the deil himself.

The story was simple but effective with the audience being led through it by the cod piece wearing Town Crier (Ian Lemon). Roley Drover (Graham McWilliams) and his wife Clover (John Hardman Moore) run the local dairy with their daughter Clementina (Katie Stewart) and son stammering son Gilbert (Rebecca Coltart).

Roley decides he needs a new cow to add to his herd but has to travel through the enchanted forest to fetch her.

Will he be able to get past the Deil and his dragon - who are actually a dastardly ploy by the evil Bridie McBridie (Rosemary Payne) carried out by her sidekicks Hustle (Janice Bourelle) and Rustle (Steve Roberts) to get free meat for her pies.

Needless to say Roley loses Ermentrude (Kate Hendry & Lottie van Grieken), but with some help from a Squirrel (Douglas Lemon), Rabbit (Callum Morgan) and Roe Deer (Abbie Kay), his family, local musician Shaky (Roddy MacDonald), the Elves (Ruaridh Lachlan, Matthew Logan and Hamish Mac) and eventually the fairies led by Scary Fairy (Jane Drysdale) and including Airy (Hannah Thomson), Contrary (Helena Hardman Moore), Hairy (Emma Robertson), Mary (Sarah Barrie) and the learner fairies (Caitlin McGregor & Niamh Morgan) a happy ending is found.

This was grassroots family entertainment at its best. Filled with natural performances by the players, and in particular the children and teenagers who were very much part of this production and gave it a real magical feel; fantastic sets, in particular the village scene designed by Fiona Steel depicting Comrie’s own landscape; some colourful and very cute costumes; plus clever use of lighting and sound effects.

Full marks should be extended to Trisha who certainly wrote and brought to life a very funny and entertaining pantomime script. And also to all who made the production possible from the cast, to the backstage team, to the raffle ticket sellers and the WRI for the teas at the interval.

Comrie Panto is always a good night out and this year’s production was extra special and the perfect way to get in the Christmas mood.