Online Xmas Viewing
Shows to see if your panto is cancelled
Covid has caused nearly all theatre in Scotland to be cancelled this Christmas 2021, but Dundee Rep, the Gaiety Ayr and the Edinburgh Lyceum theatres have made online versions of their Christmas shows available to the public.
The Ayr Gaiety’s Jamie and the Unicorn (reviewed here) is joined by a specially filmed live performance of Dundee Rep’s A Christmas Carol. In Edinburgh the Lyceum is making a filmed version of its Christmas Dinner available to the public even though the film was not intended for public viewing.
Karen Dunbar in The Dress, streaming on demand from Perth Theatre.
Perth theatre might not have filmed its panto, but it has added a specially filmed ten minute short piece, The Dress, with Karen Dunbar, which is free to view on Vimeo, and which comes highly recommended as a pre-show short.
The theatre says: “Developed and produced during lockdown, we hope you can enjoy this poignant and timely gift brought to you by our tenacious team and starring much-loved Scottish comedian, actress and writer, Karen Dunbar.
audiovisual adventure
“In the wake of her acclaimed appearance as Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest, Karen takes you on an audiovisual adventure around Perth Theatre, encountering some familiar faces along the way.”
In Edinburgh, the Lyceum is making a version of Christmas Dinner available free to all ticket holders whose shows have been cancelled. Despite stressing that film was not intended for streaming and is not of sufficient standard, the theatre is also selling tickets to the general public.
Richard Conlon as Fruity, Ronan McMahon as Billy and Sita Pieraccini as Bird Girl in Christmas Dinner. Pic: Mihaela Bodlovic
David Greig, Artistic Director of Edinburgh’s Royal Lyceum Theatre said: “It is sadly ironic that Christmas Dinner tells the story of a theatre which needs a Christmas show to bring it back to life.
“Now, Christmas is cancelled once again and so, for another year, the Bells of St Cuthbert’s will ring out on Christmas Day and The Lyceum will be empty. It’s enough to make you greet.
“We know it’s not the same as it would have been to share the story in person but we know that the laughter, tears and excitement of everyone at home will travel over the internet, back down the wires at the Lyceum and onto the stage and the Grand Old Lady of Grindlay Street will feel just a little bit less lonely this Christmas.
“The glorious character of Fruity says in Christmas Dinner ‘The spirits of the theatre are still strong!’.”
a thrilling reimagining
Dundee Rep filmed its December 12 performance of A Christmas Carol specifically for online streaming. The show, created with the musical theatre writing team, Noisemaker, is an exhilarating, festive musical production which has received four and five star reviews.
“We are back this festive season with a thrilling reimagining of the ultimate Christmas story, A Christmas Carol, directed by Artistic Director Andrew Panton,” says the theatre.
A Christmas Carol at Dundee Rep
“While it’s disappointing that we are unable to continue our in-person shows, we are incredibly proud that so many people have enjoyed the production, and we have loved hearing your feedback on what we are doing to keep you safe while in the theatre.
“This decision ensures we conclude the run of live/’in-person’ shows on a high, while still giving our audiences a chance to continue to enjoy the show in the week ahead.”
Listings
The Dress
Running time: 11 mins.
By Perth Theatre
Available: Generally available.
Cost: free
Details on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/659703893
Jamie and the Unicorn
Running time: 1 hr 25 mins.
By the Gaiety Theatre, Ayr.
Available:: Until Sunday 9 January 2022
Cost: £9
Tickets and details: Book here.
A Christmas Carol
Running time: 1 hr 25 mins.
By Dundee Rep
Available: Until Sunday 2 January 2022
Cost: £10-£30 per person.
Tickets and details: Book here.
Christmas Dinner
Running time: 1 hr 13 mins.
By The Lyceum Theatre
Available: Until Sunday 2 January 2022
Cost: £10 (£15 multiple viewers)
Tickets and details: Book here.
ENDS
