The Sleeping Beauty

The tradition of Panto has long been a feature with  Runway Theatre Co., starting with its earlier configuration as Glasgow Airport Drama Club, started by the late Eric Goold in the mid-60s.  “Sleeping Beauty” was their 43rd panto, having only missed three years since 1967, and most were written by Eric, with suitable upgrading as times changed, and the first since his death earlier in 2012.  Quite a record, and one Runway plans to continue, to the delight of all.  That it has become a feature in South Glasgow’s life is evident by the fact that tickets are always snapped up each year.  A delightful mix of song, dance and humour which caters for the complete age range. If some jokes appeal to primary schoolkids, there are equally jokes which pass over their heads and appeal to adults.  Romance, as provided by Joanne McMinn (Princess) and Gary Fyfe (Prince) as in last year’s Aladdin, was contrasted by the evil generated by Iain G. Condie (Carabosse). His assistant Laura Soutar (Maggie the Minion) tried hard to counteract this, despite her shoes (!), and to assist Paula Russell (Fairy Queen) to help the Prince get his girl.  Aileen Johnston (Queen) was hindered by fun-loving  Robin Cameron (King) but the most fun was generated, as usual, by Will Pollock (the Dame, Teeny Tiddley-Winks) and Samuel Gorman (Yo-Yo) with their silly jokes and costumes, traditional audience-participation song and sweet-throwing.  Their invitation for the audience to provide jokes to be put into a box at the interval may have given some new howlers, but was an innovation well received, causing a few groans.  Throughout, the chorus helped the story along with song and movement, and some spectacle was provided by Purves International Puppets from Biggar, with an amusing UV diversion.  Long may Eric’s legacy continue to provide good family entertainment in true West of Scotland style.

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