A Lad In Falkirk

Setting us up for Christmas was this dramatic and enthusiastic group of youngsters. Between the named cast, villagers and city dwellers, incorporating a junior chorus and a senior chorus, over 80 young people entertained. Written by Jamie O’Rourke with input from Youth Theatre members too, we were taken on an imaginative journey with ‘A Lad in Falkirk’ to Arabia and the Far East with lots of fun on the way. Holly Hutchison confidently led the way as Aladdin pitting his wits against the evil Abanazar Scrooge whom Erin Mackintosh imbued with wicked cunning, whipping up the audience, or threatening them, to support his plotting to find the lamp and rule the world. He was thwarted by the combined efforts of Mary Davidson, The Slave of The Spirit Ring, and by Becca Tait, The Genie of The Lamp. Key players in promoting the action were the engaging Iagor played by Angus Graham and Achoo living up to his name by Kyle Russell and the slapstick laundrey and cooking scenes with Layla Rutkiewicz as Dame Widow Twankey and Ryan Tattersall as Wishee Washee. The journey took us past the Ugly Sisters in beautifully dressed Bibbity, Sophie Gilland, and Babbity, Emma Menzies, before finally reaching Asia where Aladdin finds his Princess Jasmine gracefully acted by Bobbie-Jo Marston. Keeping us up to date with the plot’s twists and turns were two sets of Narrators one from the Junior and the other from the Seniors who were well applauded after every appearance. From all the cast there were lots of clever – and ham- puns with local, political and topical references keeping us in stitches. Music was well chosen from modern film and popular tunes, these welding the show together. Moving such a large cast was no mean feat but everyone knew their moves so the action was energised by their dance. Special mention must go to the wonderful props of the Kelpies and the Tunnel as well as the well-made versatile truck that was both laundry with washing machine and kitchen with oven. Scenes moved swiftly with characters’ timely entrances. This was such an enjoyable evening made not only by the great efforts of principals and choruses but also by the imagination and creativity of the production officials and by the hard work of the workshop and wardrobe folk. Well done to all.

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