WHEN MOST WERE on sunshine holidays they were gathering for their first rehearsals – now as Christmas approaches minds for the Forres-based Varis Players are as much on their ‘hi-ho’ as their Turkey!
January will see the group take to the stage once again for their annual Panto with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs taking to the stage at Forres Town Hall on January 21, 22 and 23.
With online ticket sales going well it looks set to be another fabulous three days for the group who are being joined on stage by the June Roy Dancers and the Forres Gymnastics Club.
Spokesperson Catriona Davis said: “Snow White is a traditional panto that will be suitable for all the family – and there is plenty of opportunity for our audience to participate.
“We have of course our hero Prince Valiant entering in a quest to rescue Snow White – while of course the evil Queen Evilynn will be doing everything she can to stop him in his tracks.”
It is a second bite at directing a Varis Players show for Catriona – who has welcomed the fact that this year there is a wide age range on stage: “Last year was my first time directing and, daunting as it was, I found that there are so many talented and knowledgeable people in Varis Players as well as non-members, willing to offer advice and help which made it a pleasure.”
Snow White will be played by Emily Ross while Prince Valiant is Michael Neilson. Colin Smith will play a dame whilst Sam Young is the evil Evilynne and daft Muddles is to be played by Tiarnan Clarke.
Looking after everyone is Sam Robertson as Fairy Luna and Miriam the Magic Mirror will be played by Courtney Reade. The seven dwarfs are Emma Robertson, Sadie Custodio, Jack Wilson, Simon Dunbar, Lauren Bird, Holly Gray and Jason Cameron.
Catriona said: “We have all been rehearsing hard since August but it has all been worth the effort with our nominated local cause, Friends of the Falconer Museum, our chosen beneficiary.”
Tickets are available now from Jaycees Computer Centre on Forres High Street or can be purchased online via https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/varisplayers.