THE GAIETY theatre has launched an ambitious plan to rescue Christmas with a mini-series in place of their cancelled pantomime.

The Ayr venue’s scheduled festive show ‘Sleeping Beauty’ had to be postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic but the team have been working on an extra special replacement.

‘The Scunner That Stole Christmas’ will see five stand-alone episode where cast and crew will search every corner of Ayrshire for members of the community to help spread Christmas cheer and find the fundamental ingredients of panto – joy, adventure and togetherness.

Ayr Advertiser:

Writers of last years panto Jack and The Beanstalk have compiled the laughs.

Kirsty Malone will star as the appropriately named for 2020 Fairy Handwash. The story will be centred around the evil Dourina the Soorfaced Sorcercess (Ali Cleland) stealing the Pantomime Recipe Book and cancelling Christmas for the Kingdom of Ayrshire and Arran, with the rest of the characters some having to ‘keep their distance’ trying to put a stop to her plans.

A spokesperson for the Gaiety said: ““Our five-star creative team once again bring you a supercharged seasonal show that’s full to bursting with quality, beautiful costumes, energy and wonderfully witty jokes

all in the comfort of your own home.”

Gavin Jon Wright, who will play Jock the Joker, said: “Christmas can be rescued, but we need your help to do it. To have fun, to take part and celebrate with a one-off Gaiety Christmas special for 2020.

“We want the whole of Ayrshire to get involved, celebrate and help The Gaiety save Christmas”

All episodes will be availble to watch for free, on demand, on The Gaiety website, but the theatre are urging viewers to back them with a donation, with a generous donor offering to double donations.

The first episode aired on Thursday, November 3 you can view it here.