MEMBERS of a popular theatre group are looking forward to staging their first pantomime since the start of the Covid pandemic.

Performers with Johnstone Phoenix Theatre Group (JPTG) were only able to organise a small Christmas concert – A Not So Silent Night – last year as their normal venue was being used as a vaccine centre.

The group also had to cancel their production of Jack and the Beanstalk in 2020 due to lockdown restrictions, which means the upcoming version of classic tale Cinderella will be their first pantomime since Alice in Pantoland in December 2019.

This year’s performances will be staged at Johnstone Town Hall, from Saturday, November 26, to Saturday, December 3.

Anne Marie Murdoch, JPTG committee member, said members are “very excited” by the prospect of being able to entertain audiences with a new pantomime this Christmas.

She told The Gazette: “We thought going with Cinderella this year would be good, to make the panto really special for children and their families.

“Over this summer, we’ve recruited the production team, who have then held auditions for the main principal roles.

“We’ve also moved our rehearsal space to the community hub Station Seven, as it’s cheaper than the town hall and means we won’t be affected if it needs to be used as a vaccine centre again.”

In March, JPTG won the Arts and Culture category at the Provost’s Community Awards for bringing “outstanding” entertainment to the Johnstone area.

Anne said: “We’re hoping to stage a spring show next year as well.
“We’re always trying to recruit new members, who can be any age or level of ability. For those who don’t want to be front of stage, there are always ensemble and backstage roles available.”

Those who are interested in joining JPTG are invited to attend the group’s first rehearsal session, which will take place at Station Seven, in Quarry Street, Johnstone, on Tuesday, August 30, starting at 7.30pm.

Tickets for the upcoming Cinderella pantomime cost £15 (standard) and £12 (concession).

To book, visit seaty.co.uk/jptgcinders or email johnstonephoenixtickets@gmail.com.