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EAST AYRSHIRE LEISURE
Kilmarnock’s pantomime is going ahead despite the Palace Theatre closing for renovations, with a stunning Big Top at the Athletics Arena hosting a run of fab festive shows
ROLL up, roll up for Kilmarnock’s much-loved annual pantomime – which is returning this year with a truly unique venue where everyone who attends will be granted
ringside seats.
This year’s show is Goldilocks and the Three Bears and will be performed in a purpose-built Big Top at the Ayrshire Athletics Arena from November 22 to December 29, 2024.
The performance is presented by Imagine Theatre, marking a new chapter in the panto’s history as it temporarily moves from the Palace Theatre which is undergoing an exciting refurbishment.
The decision to host the pantomime in a fully heated Big Top is undoubtedly a bold and innovative step that aims to provide audiences with a unique and magical cirus-like experience.
Andrew Agnew, a fan favorite who returns as Dame Dolly Dundonald and is also taking on the role of director this year said: “Can you believe we are looking towards Christmas already? Well, we are, and I am delighted to be back in Killie this year with Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Especially as it’s going to be a brand new show and a different experience for us all. Audiences are going to love it.”
The pantomime, which has been a staple of the festive season in Kilmarnock for over two decades, will feature a wonderful returning cast of beloved performers, including Gary Morrison as Donald Dundonald, James McAnerney as Roger von Riccarton, and Craig McDougall as Scott the Ringmaster.
The show will also include the spectacular circus act, Duo Mumladze from the Ukraine, sourced by the renowned Chipperfields Circus, adding an extra layer of excitement and spectacle to the performance.
Eric Potts, the Ayrshire-born writer and regular contributor to the Palace Theatre, has crafted a script that promises to delight audiences of all ages.
He said: “The Circus is definitely coming to town! Everything is coming together well for this year’s fabulous Killie panto.
“We now know exactly how the fully-heated Big Top will look and how it will all fit in within the space at the Ayrshire Athletics Arena to give our audiences a really magical and easily accessible experience.”
One of the most exciting aspects of this year’s production is the use of groundbreaking digital technology, a first for a pantomime outside a major UK city.
Imagine Theatre will use hi-tech screens and the latest animation techniques to whisk the audience from scene to scene, creating a visually stunning experience that complements the traditional panto content.
This innovative approach has already left other Imagine Theatre audiences amazed and enchanted, and Kilmarnock audiences can expect no less.
Steve Boden of Imagine Theatre expressed his excitement about the new venue and the opportunity to bring the beloved panto to life in such a special way.
He said: “Whilst the Palace Theatre and Grand Hall undergoes an exciting refurbishment, East Ayrshire Leisure had the brilliant vision to ensure that the region’s most popular pantomime continues in a new location.
“The heated Big Top is the perfect place for us to stage ‘Goldilocks’ and we can’t wait to bring all the hallmarks of a Killie panto to this special venue, alongside some amazing surprises to entertain and delight audiences of all ages.”
Paul Mathieson, Executive Lead at East Ayrshire Leisure, echoed Boden’s enthusiasm, noting the importance of the annual panto in the festive calendar for many locals. He said: “We know that our annual panto is a staple in the festive calendar for so many people, and we were determined to find an alternative way to deliver it. We are delighted to be working with Imagine Theatre again this year to help bring our vision to life and deliver a unique and innovative panto that you won’t forget!”
Tickets for this family-friendly festive treat are on sale now. With a blend of laughter, music, panto mischief, and spectacular circus performers, this year’s production of promises to be an unforgettable Christmas experience.
So, roll up, roll up, and prepare to be amazed by a pantomime like no other—Kilmarnock’s famous panto is back, and it’s set to dazzle audiences in its new Big Top home!
Get tickets at www.eastayrshire leisure.com/events/
goldilocks-and-the-three-bears/
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