Kicking out our Pantomime coverage, Dominic Corr chats with Jorgey Scott-Learmonth, who stars as Alice in the Tron Theatre’s latest panto, as we tumble down a Glasgow pothole into WEEGIELAND—a glittering, chaotic realm where Gallus skips their ballet exam to search for missing feline bestie Dinah The Cat. Along the way, they encounter eccentric locals, a dangerously fabulous Queenie of Hearts, and her heartthrob son Knavey, in a tale that riffs on Wonderland with West End flair, Scots humour, and a dash of pop culture madness. As Jorgey shares, the madness might just be the best part.
Panto pals and festive friends, it’s the most glorious time of the year once more – so, if you could, please let us know who you are and which role(s) you’ll be taking on this year!
Hello! My name is Jorgey Scott-Learmonth, and I am playing “Alice” in Gallus in Weegieland at the Tron this Christmas!
· Would you mind giving us a flavour of what audiences can expect from this Production? Are we looking at some traditional pantomime charm, or a few surprises?
Gallus in Weegieland truly has something for everyone! We have some classic Panto tropes, a quest of self discovery, a terrifying baddie, a love story, hilarious and kooky pals you meet along the way and of course (at least for the Tron) Mariah Carey. It’s bright, it’s energetic, it’s welcoming and it’s 100% Gallus. With amazing original songs, beautiful costumes and set, dances that bring the sweat oot o’ ye! It truly is a fabulous show, and I promise I’m not just saying that coz I’m in it! You wouldn’t want to miss it!
What’s it like working on a pantomime, and how does it differ from a production you might be involved with throughout the regular season/year?
This is my first professional job since graduating drama school, so I don’t have much comparison when it comes to other productions I’ve done professionally. But I will say I’ve found rehearsing for Panto to be a very collaborative experience. Everyone is encouraged to put their ideas forward for wee extra jokes their character might say, or certain props they might have and everyone is very supportive and on board for anything! So possibly having a bit more creative liberty would differ from other productions. Which gives panto the magic of being spontaneous and a different experience for audiences every night!
If you can, what is it about Scottish audiences which seems to resonate with the performance form in such a long-lasting and magical way?
I think Scottish audiences love Panto because we have many similar traits that are also the core characteristics of a pantomime. We’re always up for a good time and a laugh, we don’t take ourselves too seriously and you’re always in on the joke. Scottish people are always able to make anyone feel welcome and involved and that’s the environment that we try and create when you come to the show
What’s the one role in the show you would swap with? Or is there a dream pantomime role you haven’t managed to play yet that you’d trade your last sweeties to get a shot at?
If I could swap my role with any in the show it would be a toss-up between the Queenie of Hearts and Honey the Caterpillar. Queenie is soooo, different from my character, so l think that’s what l’d enjoy most about playing her. She’s fierce, unapologetic and quick-witted, making her a force to be reckoned with. And Honey is loving, funny and an all-around Diva. She knows all and sees all and at her core wants to have fun with her pals. She also has a few banging songs that I wouldn’t mind having a wee go at!
As shocking as it may seem to some, there are still plenty of audiences out there who have never seen a pantomime: would you mind giving a brief snippet into what they might expect, the dos and don’ts and what madness might lie in store for them?
Panto truly is about getting everyone involved in the magic and hilarity of the story. Audience participation, whether it be shouting out what way the Princess should go, boo-ing the baddie or singing along to a character’s theme song is HUGLY encouraged! When the audience come along on the journey, that’s when us as actors have the most fun. So, get involved! Everyone is welcome to join in at Panto! So, if you’ve never seen one, and are able to, l’d highly recommend getting along to one this Christmas. (why not try the Tron!)
And finally: Dames or Baddies? Who *really* has the biggest diva moments?
I honestly couldn’t choose! I do feel some baddies can also be dames, and dames definitely have their cutting baddie moments. In our production we definitely have a bit of both. Equal parts terrifying and fabulous! Honestly, l’d be happy playing either, because I can guarantee an absolutely stunning wardrobe of costumes to choose from
Gallus in Weegieland runs at The Tron Theatre until January 4th
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