Elaine C Smith to make a triumphant return to HMT panto

Scotland’s favourite leading actress Elaine C Smith is to lead the cast of this year’s pantomime Sleeping Beauty, at His Majesty’s Theatre in Aberdeen, in the role of Carabosse, following last year’s record-breaking production of Cinderella.

Over 58,000 people attended the city’s biggest pantomime last year which starred Elaine alongside HMT pantomime favourites Alan McHugh and Jordan Young, who will return to the theatre’s stage this year as The Nurse and Muddles.

“We are thrilled that Elaine, who was such a huge hit with audiences last year, will be joining the Aberdeen team once again,” said Qdos Pantomimes managing director and Sleeping Beauty executive producer Michael Harrison.

“The panto at His Majesty’s Theatre attracts more and more people each year and it has become one of Scotland’s most successful Christmas shows. In fact, over 5000 tickets have already been sold for Sleeping Beauty nine months ahead of its opening night!”

Fresh from the new series of Rab C Nesbitt as the long-suffering Mary Doll, Elaine is to return to HMT before the panto, as part of a stellar cast on a national tour of the hugely-successful Calendar Girls in August.

The show had a sell-out run when it was first performed in Aberdeen – in January last year – with Elaine in the role of Cora, and this summer she will be returning to the production to play Chris.

"I am absolutely delighted to be returning to HMT and Aberdeen . . . I don't think I have enjoyed a panto as much EVER...I had a ball!” said Elaine.

“I hadn't done a panto for five years and was wary about returning to it but I loved it. The people of Aberdeen were so warm and welcoming . . . from the audiences and staff at the theatre to the people in the street who showed me nothing but kindness in my six weeks there.

"So BEWARE...I am back and this time I am bad . . . yes I am playing the evil Carabosse . . . with a few laughs along the way, don't worry!“

Elaine added that the Aberdeen run was also a highlight of the tour for last year’s cast of Calendar Girls – even with the snow! – and they all wanted to come back.

“So I am glad to be getting the chance with this fantastic new cast and to be playing the larger role of Chris . . . though the show is very much an ensemble piece so to share a stage with these fantastic actresses is just fabulous.

“What really matters is the truth, warmth and courage of the ‘real’ Calendar Girls and their fundraising for Leukaemia Research . . . we just hope that we can tell their story well and give people a great night out."

Aberdeen Performing Arts chief executive Duncan Hendry said: “Elaine C Smith is hugely popular with HMT audiences and we are absolutely delighted to have her returning later this year in Calendar Girls and Sleeping Beauty.

“The reaction from audiences after her appearance in Cinderella was superb and this has been reflected in ticket sales for this year’s panto. Calendar Girls also attracted huge numbers to HMT and I’m sure it will be a huge draw again this year”

Sleeping Beauty opens at HMT on Saturday, December 4, and tickets are available online at www.boxofficeaberdeen.com, by phone at 01224 641122 and at Aberdeen Box Office at the Music Hall, His Majesty’s Theatre and The Lemon Tree.