Panto perfection: Gallus in Weegieland brings Alice's Adventures in Wonderland to life with hilarious results.
Gallus in Weegieland, the latest panto production from director Sally Reid and writer Johnny McKnight, is an unapologetically joyful romp that updates Lewis Carroll's classic tale of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland for a modern audience. The show follows Alice Pleasance Liddell as she travels from Glasgow's affluent West End to working-class Dennistoun, where she falls in love with a charming boy-rabbit.
In this fresh adaptation, Alice is on a quest to discover bravery, imagination, and love – and to win a coveted dance certificate. Her journey takes her headlong into a battle of good vs evil with the formidable Queenie of Hearts, played by ebullient Louise McCarthy. The actress brings a wicked energy to the role, effortlessly conveying the Queen's unpredictability.
Newcomer Jorgey Scott-Learmonth shines as Alice, imbuing the character with a radiant positivity that belies her initial naivety. Her chemistry with co-star Star Penders' immature boy-rabbit is undeniable, and their eventual kiss is a sweetly anticipated moment.
McKnight has cleverly woven in various pop culture references – from Ozempic medication to Celebrity Traitors – into the script, adding a lighthearted touch that never feels forced. The result is a show that is both silly and endearing, perfect for families or anyone looking for an entertaining night out.
Sally Reid's company brings the production to life with impeccable timing and comedic flair. Catriona Faint delivers a superbly deadpan performance as Hatter, while Marc Mackinnon's lugubrious Honey the Caterpillar provides some genuinely laugh-out-loud moments. The set design by Kenny Miller is equally impressive, with its striking black-and-white stripes and checks adding to the show's sense of disorientation.
Ultimately, Gallus in Weegieland is a triumph – a hilarious panto that updates Carroll's classic tale for the 21st century while retaining all the whimsy and charm that makes Wonderland so beloved.
Gallus in Weegieland, the latest panto production from director Sally Reid and writer Johnny McKnight, is an unapologetically joyful romp that updates Lewis Carroll's classic tale of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland for a modern audience. The show follows Alice Pleasance Liddell as she travels from Glasgow's affluent West End to working-class Dennistoun, where she falls in love with a charming boy-rabbit.
In this fresh adaptation, Alice is on a quest to discover bravery, imagination, and love – and to win a coveted dance certificate. Her journey takes her headlong into a battle of good vs evil with the formidable Queenie of Hearts, played by ebullient Louise McCarthy. The actress brings a wicked energy to the role, effortlessly conveying the Queen's unpredictability.
Newcomer Jorgey Scott-Learmonth shines as Alice, imbuing the character with a radiant positivity that belies her initial naivety. Her chemistry with co-star Star Penders' immature boy-rabbit is undeniable, and their eventual kiss is a sweetly anticipated moment.
McKnight has cleverly woven in various pop culture references – from Ozempic medication to Celebrity Traitors – into the script, adding a lighthearted touch that never feels forced. The result is a show that is both silly and endearing, perfect for families or anyone looking for an entertaining night out.
Sally Reid's company brings the production to life with impeccable timing and comedic flair. Catriona Faint delivers a superbly deadpan performance as Hatter, while Marc Mackinnon's lugubrious Honey the Caterpillar provides some genuinely laugh-out-loud moments. The set design by Kenny Miller is equally impressive, with its striking black-and-white stripes and checks adding to the show's sense of disorientation.
Ultimately, Gallus in Weegieland is a triumph – a hilarious panto that updates Carroll's classic tale for the 21st century while retaining all the whimsy and charm that makes Wonderland so beloved.