Not just one, nor two or three, but four of this year’s Pantomime cast were thrilled to chat with Corr Blimey about the upcoming Aladdie. Written by Fraser Boyle, co‑writer of The Gaiety’s five‑star hits Mother Goose (2024) and Cinderella (2023), Aladdie swaps the Far East for the far, far East of Ayrshire, where the Ancient McMinger Dynasty reign from Old New Cumnock Town. Into this glitter‑soaked chaos tumbles Aladdie, whose misadventures land him in more bother than he can handle without the help of his Ayrshire clan. With Princess Destiny’s heart at stake, Abanazar scheming for ultimate magical power, and Widow Twunkey battling to keep the Royal Smalls spotless for Empress Oonagh McMinger, the stage is set for a riot of magic, mischief, and mayhem. This isn’t Aladdin—it’s Aladdie, a home‑grown panto bursting with local humour, family spirit, and a dash of Maybole madness.
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! 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?
Gavin Jon Wright (Abanazar): This year I’m playing Abanazar. I think audiences can expect a few small surprises – without deviating too much from the form. Fraser’s script is full of fun, but more than that, some moments of genuine pathos, which is earned by some beautiful performances. Oh, and an amazing female ‘Silly-Billy’ in the wee wonder that is Ciara Flynn!
Mia Musakambeva (Princess Destiny): Hi, I’m Mia, and I play Princess Destiny. This isn’t your conventional storytelling of Aladdin – expect some twists and turns and a lot of laughs!
Ava Anderson (Vicky-Victoria): Heyyy! I am Ava Anderson, and I am taking on the role of Vicky-Victoria and Dance Captain this year. All I can say is be prepared to buy a new pair of knickers, there’s your hint!
Martin Murphy (Danny-Daniel): I’m Martin Murphy, I play Danny-Daniel, “Chief Gusset Scrubber” in Twankey’s Laundry, and also one of the 4 Genies! As well as my ensemble roles, I’m understudying Widow Twankey and Abanazar – so lots to learn, but it’s an exciting challenge and I’m having a whale of a time. The panto this year is a hoot! All I’m going to say is…scabby pigeons, scabby lamps, and nuns.
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?
GJW: I think the intensity and the amount you need to learn in a short space of time can be overwhelming. And it often feels like you’re swimming upstream. But the only way through is to keep going, and allowing yourself to ‘trust the process.’ And when it settles, and you are comfortable with what you’re doing, the amount of shows allows you to really enjoy an extended run. Some shows are so short you feel like you are just getting the hang of it and it ends.
Mia: It’s intense, it’s fun, and super ridiculous! I’d say the rehearsal process is the biggest difference; with other productions you’re given 1 month to complete the show, whereas here we finished the show in 10 days.
AA: Panto season is genuinely full of joy, everyone’s spirits are so high with the festive season around the corner. I think my past contracts are all special in their own way, but panto seasons feel more like a family.
Martin: This is my return to theatre after an extended break, and actually my second time working at The Gaiety. I played Aladdin in 2013 so it’s exciting to be back a bit older and wiser (?) I guess. It’s been great seeing some familiar faces and being back in the rehearsal room getting up to all kinds of nonsense. Panto feels like an actor’s opportunity to really play and create something that’s not only enjoyable for kids, but the adults too.
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?
GJW: I think Scottish audiences love a good story, but are also open to twists and unusual takes on a story too. They’re really warm and receptive, and most of the time want to come and have fun, as opposed to “go on – entertain me!” So it’s the two way street of a Scottish audience that makes the acceptance, and fun, of a panto that has led to its longevity.
Mia: Scottish audiences are unapologetic and that’s why they’re the best crowds/audience. xo
AA: All jokes and gags adhere to Scottish audiences.
Martin: I think Scottish people in general don’t take themselves very seriously and are always up for a laugh. Panto incorporates everything we love about that, the Scottish humour and daftness, and is the perfect opportunity for families to come together and have a joyous night out and really get into the Christmas spirit too.
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?
GJW: I’ve played a few silly-billy parts and really love that role. So playing the panto baddie is a new experience. Whilst I don’t know if it counts as a ‘panto’ per se, I would dearly love to play The Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz one day.
Mia: I would love to play dafty, but I think the audience would laugh at me instead of with me! (But they’re usually my favourite character).
AA: I would love to swap with either the Princess or Empress as they have magical moments throughout, but also showstopping vocal tracks.
Martin: I always wanted a shot at playing Peter Pan because I always wanted to have a go at flying. But then I got a shot at flying in 2014 for another show…let’s just say that dream died very quickly. The harness, the pain, swinging around by the crotch…never again!
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?
GJW: Be prepared to join in, don’t take yourself too seriously! Without wishing to sound cliché, every performance is different, as the audience is different, and they are such a big part of it. They’re the final character! Oh, and please put your phones away!
Mia: Do participate! Don’t be quiet! (Always be quiet in other theatre shows though…)
AA: A panto is pure, chaotic, family-friendly fun where the audience is part of the show.
Martin: Do boo the baddies!
Do join the goodies gang!
Do sing along with the songs!
Do enjoy yourself!
Don’t be quiet!
And finally: Dames or Baddies? Who *really* has the biggest diva moments?
GJW: Oh definitely the baddie. I’m saying that cos it’s me this year! Mwahahahahaha 😉
Mia: My Mother! (The Empress). To some, she may start off as a baddie, but later on in the show she becomes a Baddieeee! (That Girl etc) – Biggest Diva. But that’s just a female version of a hustler.
AA: Dame for sure. I mean, working alongside Fraser Boyle is one big diva moment in itself. (But in all seriousness, he is a joy to work with, and writes something for everyone!)
Martin: Baddies! (Normally…) Fraser Boyle, right enough, hmmm…
Aladdie runs at The Ayr Gaiety Theatre until January 4th
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