Curtain Up This Weekend for the St Joseph’s Players!

Nicola Stewart

Yes, the pantomime dates are this weekend ! Saturday 5 December at 7.30 pm and on Sunday 6 December at 2 pm. Nicola Stewart’s production of The Lion, The Witch and The Wedding is showing at St Joseph’s Church Hall, Hill Street, Kilmarnock.

URsTV popped back down on Sunday to see how the rehearsals were going and the show looks absolutely fantastic. The stage was packed with performers and off stage costumes were being fitted while the props were getting set up.

Jeanette Diamond plays The Witch

Jeanette Diamond who plays The Witch was rehearsing and was able to spare a few moments to fill URsTV in with some details. Jeanette joined the St Joseph’s Players after spotting a notice on the St Joseph’s Church bulletin board as well as an advert appearing in the Kilmarnock Standard. Jeanette is from Crosshouse and had some theatrical experience a few years back when she played Dorothy in a production of The Wizard of Oz. Although Jeanette did not know any of the group when she joined, Jeanette was given a very warm welcome and is now a valued member of the Players.

The Lion

URsTV received a surprise attack from The Lion who luckily turned out to be a very friendly Claire Ferguson!  Claire has been a close friend of Nicola’s since they were both at school. These two friends were in various school productions over the years and were part of the Kilmarnock Drama Group when they appeared in The Importance of Being Earnest. Claire was also a member of a choir so no shortage of talent and versatility here!

Tayler Stewart, Nicola’s daughter, was busy sorting out stage decorations after finishing the rehearsals on stage. It seems everyone has talent and experience in more than simply performing – although that in itself seems like a lot of hard work – and fun! Tayler is playing Cinderella and is thoroughly enjoying her role.

Tayler Stewart plays Cinderella

A little further upstage we spotted Alice in Wonderland, aka Eileen McGrath who works with Nicola in a catering company.  Eileen appeared in various productions at Onthank Primary School, Grange Academy and St Joseph’s Academy! Eileen’s mother Margaret is Caretaker for the St Joseph’s Church Hall as well as the Sound Manager for the Players. Margaret also acts as prompt and is the Treasurer of the club! A very busy lady indeed!

Eileen McGrath plays Alice

Another member of the McGrath family is John who appears in The Lion, The Witch and The Wedding as Mrs Busybody. John loves playing this character and enjoys getting really stuck into the part. John has also appeared in MacBeth which was produced by the National Theatre of Scotland and has appeared in various shows at St Joseph’s Academy.

John McGrath plays Mrs Busybody

URsTV also caught up with Moira Fairbairn who plays Belle and of course we had to take a photograph of her stunning costume! Moira will also be appearing at the Bonnyton Community Centre in January as she is helping to raise funds to keep the Centre up and running.  The show will include a number of songs by Moira and you really have to hear this girl sing – what a fantastic voice! As soon as we have details of this event URsTV will post an article so you don’t miss out!

Moira Fairbairn as Belle

Moira will also be starting rehearsal of “A New Musical Reivew” at the Mummers Theatrical Group in Clydebank in January 2010. Watch the URsTV site for further information.

So The Lion, The Witch and The Wedding is all ready to entertain you and the family this weekend. Go over and see the show. Tickets are only £3 and can be bought at the door.

URsTV are offering two free tickets of The St Joseph’s Players’ next production to the first person to send in a review of this weekend’s pantomime, The Lion, The Witch and the Wedding!