THE Selkirk Musical Theatre Company (SMTC) has revealed its plans for 2021 – which include a production of The Wedding Singer.

In February, SMTC was able to put on its performance of All Shook Up, narrowly avoiding the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown in March.

The SMTC’s president, Stuart Mitchell, told the Border Telegraph: "COVID-19 didn't seem like a huge threat around our show week – the only impact it had on us was that a pair of blue suede shoes couldn't be delivered from China in time!"

Unlike SMTC, other theatre companies in the Borders were forced to cancel their productions as lockdown was imposed.

"The fact that the situation changed so drastically, so quickly, was unbelievable," Mr Mitchell said of the pandemic.

"To put so much time and dedication into something, to then be told that you can't perform is heartbreaking (we were in that situation a couple of years ago due to the snow) and we really felt for the local companies who weren't able to perform.

"There's so much talent in the Borders, though – local audiences will definitely be in for a treat when each company gets to return to the stage."

Since March, the theatre committee has worked behind the scenes, planning shows for next year – including the stage version of the Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore rom-com, The Wedding Singer.

"I know the whole company would agree with me when I say I can't wait," Mr Mitchell said.

"The health and safety of our cast, crew and audience will always be the most important factor in any preparations we make but the feeling amongst the company is that we can't wait to get back together, to do the thing that we love doing so much.

"As well as The Wedding Singer in September, we are hoping to use our usual show week in February to celebrate the company – not sure how this will look yet, but plenty to look forward to.

"Our production of All Shook Up this year proved to be really popular and the public reaction was amazing so we were looking for another funny, high-energy show to build on that success.

"Our company is all about positivity and the 'feel good factor', both on stage and in rehearsals, so The Wedding Singer is the perfect show for us because it’s bursting with cheesy and energetic numbers, plenty of comedy characters and a happy ending, of course."