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Twenty years since Johnny McKnight first tread the boards at Stirling’s Macrobert Arts Centre, this dame-writer-director extraordinare now rules the pantosphere. This year’s offering – a very Scottish Weans in the Wood – is a glowing homage to McKnight’s two decades of trailblazing magic in Stirling Stella.
This year, McKnight is Magic Merlina – school teacher for the people of Stirling Stella. The Moira Anderson-Brigadoon getup is quickly ditched for McKnight’s trademark hot pants and curves. This dame’s gusset must be the hardest working in the pantosphere, such is the wear on any unsuspecting male – or Provost, in the case of this Press Night!
Bringing even more laughs, Helen McAlpine delights as Daftie Hansel-no-solo – showing that a triple threat might actually be flatulence, thigh-slapping jokes and teddy bear rolls. Dani Heron’s cockney Little Red is farcically brilliant, and primed to ham up some of the Eastender’s greatest hits with the gentlest of introductions.
This trip into the woods is like no other. Whether you’re a Strictly fanatic or spend your life shouting 6-7 and chasing lava chickens (no, I don’t know either!), this panto’s cultural observations are searingly good – and bang up-to-date.
Back to the story, Merlina’s daughter Gretl (Kara Swinney) is top of the magical class – but can she resist the pulls of evil Sheriff of Stirling-Stella-Ham (Robert Jack) when her heart is broken?
Jack channels his inner Wonka in this plum-clad baddie that we really love to hate. His loyal sidekick, Big Bad Wolf (Robin Mackenzie) is a firm favourite of the wee ones, who can’t help but love this sequinned howler.
Abradacabra! Musically, nothing is missing from this eclectic fairytale – from 80s disco bangers to chart-topping modern standards, there’s something for everyone. All perfectly packed in Karen Tennent’s gorgeous forest fantasy, there really is nothing out of place in this wonderfully immersive world.
McKnight’s subversive world turns the traditional pantomime upside down. There are plenty of twists and turns in this fast-paced adventure, and laughs crammed into every cranny.
Weans in the Wood would be nothing without the weans – and this production’s young cast are exceptional. Celebrating the very best talent around, these kids are cheeky, cheery and always up for a laugh.
The Macrobert always offers one of Scotland’s warmest welcomes – and its panto offering ensures those festive fires burn all night long.
Weans in the Wood at Macrobert Arts Centre, Stirling until Saturday 3rd January 2026
Photo credit: Tommy Ga-Ken Wan
