Adam Smith Theatre confirms cast for this year’s spectacular panto Beauty and the Beast

A host of familiar and much-loved faces will be joining forces for a festive adventure at the Adam Smith Theatre this Christmas in the spectacular new pantomime Beauty and the Beast.

Back to lead the fun is Colin Little (Singin’ I’m No a Billy he’s a Tim, UK & Ireland tours; The Sash, Rapture Theatre), returning to the Adam Smith Theatre for his eighth Fife panto, who as the larger-than-life Dame Betty Bouquet will be reunited with his comedy partner Scott Watson (Scott Watson and Friends; presenter of Sideliners, Now Ayrshire Radio) as Arty Farty. The pair’s onstage partnership has become a huge favourite with Kirkcaldy audiences.

Colin said: “I think my partnership works so well with Scott because we’re good mates, we both understand what it takes to make a joke work. We’re never greedy with the punchlines, and if we know something will work better with the other person getting the gag, then that’s what we’ll do.”

Scott added: “We’re like a married couple! We have fun every single day and keep each other on our toes.”

Also returning for her eighth year is Kim Shepherd (Night of Famous Musicals; Lion King Concerts, European tours) at the centre of the tale as brave and kind-hearted Bonnie. She said: “I can’t wait to get on the stage. My favourite thing about panto at the Adam Smith is seeing many of the same faces returning in the audience every year and feeling like we’re all part of one another’s festive traditions. It’s lovely to share that vibe!

“I’m most looking forward to playing Bonnie because she’s brave, selfless, kind and not afraid to stand up for what she believes in. All good positive qualities to play with over panto season. I think Beauty and the Beast is such a popular story because it centres around true love and how someone’s true character lies within them. It teaches people to never judge a book by its cover!”

Joining them are some other familiar faces with Derek McGhie (Whisky Kisses, Pitlochry Festival Theatre; Trainspotting, York Theatre Royal) as the arrogant Gary Gaviscon, who is unlikely to let a little thing like modesty stand in the way of his romantic ambitions and Gill McGowan (Meet Me at Boots Corner, Arts Enigma; The Wedding Planners, Alyson Orr Productions) as the magical Enchantress.

Seasoned panto performer Garry Ellis plays Bonnie’s eccentric inventor father Boris, with musical theatre star Marc McMillan taking on the role of Prince Sebastian/Beast in the story that shows you should never judge a book by its cover and that beauty is only ever skin deep!

Karen Taylor, OnFife Community Events and Programme Manager, said: “Our panto is produced once again by the award-winning Imagine Theatre so our audiences can expect a family-friendly panto full of laughs, music and magical moments. It’s a classic story that is reimagined with that unmistakable panto twist!”

For tickets and more information visit www.onfife.com