REVIEW

Cinderella

THE curtain has come down on the Tweed Theatre Christmas pantomime for 2022.

And what a brilliant show it turned out to be.

A traditional Cinderella, it featured fabulous ugly sisters, a hapless baron, evil stepmother and an amazing transformation – the lead character changed from rags to riches on stage, twirling in a spotlight as her ragged dress unfurled to reveal a beautiful ballgown.

The annual pantomime at the Eastgate Theatre has become a tradition for many people in Peebles with multiple family generations coming along to sing, cheer, boo and laugh.

Many of the local groups in the town also have an annual visit to the show and the Rainbows and Boys Brigade joined the guides this year in making the trip and joining in the fun.

The ugly sisters wielded water guns, covered themselves in gunge and made sure to engage the audience at every opportunity.

As one audience member commented: “This was absolutely brilliant – a massive well done to everyone.”

Director Katharine Mathison said: “It is lovely to hear such positive feedback.

“We start planning the pantomime in April and rehearsals start in August. Everyone puts in so much time to learn lines, songs and dances and there is an enormous amount of work behind the scenes to make sure the set, props, costumes, lights and special effects are ready.

“Everything is done by volunteers who give up so much time and are incredibly creative and dedicated to making every show the best possible on a very small budget.

“We had some brilliant sponsors this year too and that has made a huge difference. You want the pantomime to be colourful, sparkly, professional and fun and I think we definitely achieved that this year.”

The pantomime this year was sponsored by Peebles Market traders M&M Pet Food, Edward Collin Fish Merchants and Dunnabie Farm Shop Butchers as well as So Stobo, Peebles Callants and Off the Back Barbers.

Additional funding also came via Magic Little Grants and the National Lottery Community Fund.

Tweed Theatre would like to thank all their sponsors and supporters who have contributed to the success of this year’s show.

Further productions and auditions will be advertised as usual via the Tweed Theatre Facebook page.