Pantomime is 'highlight of the festive season' as bookings reach highest in 10 years
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Advance bookings for Peter Pan – this winter’s panto at Eden Court – are the highest at the Inverness venue in 10 years.
Steven Wren, who is in his 10th year of directing and scriptwriting the panto, said: “It’s a morale booster for all of the Highlands to have the panto back after the forced cancellation in 2020, due to the pandemic, and last year’s comeback was cut short for the same reason.
“The response at the box office tells its own story – people see the panto as a highlight of the festive season. I felt so sorry for those who booked last year only to see it cancelled.
“And I’m particularly pleased that, for the first time since 2019, we’re able to feature the return of local children taking part in the junior chorus – and six of them will, at various performances, act as the Darling brothers.”
Peter Pan, which runs from this Wednesday (December 7) to January 8, was last at Eden Court seven years ago.
Steven continued: “I’ve written a completely different script this time with plenty of topical gags. I’m playing Mrs McSmee and this is my sixth appearance as the Dame. I love Inverness, and it has become my second home.
“The rehearsals are in full swing and we’re really looking forward to the curtain rising and being able to give the audience an evening of spectacle, song and laughter. And I’m delighted that D and E Coaches, our main sponsor, is again supporting the panto.”
Peter Pan is played by Reece Duncan, from Aberdeen, who said: “It’s my first panto so I’m really excited. I was in the Rock of Ages UK tour which visited Inverness in September and I’ll be touring Europe with that show next year.”
Another young Aberdonian, Lorenza Michelucci-Dunn, plays Wendy and is also making her panto debut.
