Spreading the magic of the Cinderella Pumpkin Hunt are Dawn Steele, Alan McHugh and Joe McFadden, the stars of this year's HMT panto, Cinderella. Image - Aberdeen Inspired
The glittering cast of Cinderella, this year’s panto at His Majesty’s Theatre, have enjoyed a whistlestop tour of Aberdeen – including inviting families to join in the fun of a great pumpkin hunt during the October holidays.
Cast members including Scottish acting royalty and Strictly winner Joe McFadden, Shetland and Monarch of the Glen star Dawn Steele, as well as beloved panto dame extraordinaire Alan McHugh, Paul J Corrigan, Danielle Jam, Julie Coombe, Helen Logan and Samuel Murray visited some of Aberdeen’s most famous city centre landmarks on the city’s open top tour bus, the Aberdeen Adventurer.
That included a stopover at Aberdeen Art Gallery, where Alan took time out to encourage families to join in the Cinderella Pumpkin Hunt, a fun trail around the city centre with the chance of winning a family ticket to Cinderella, which opens at His Majesty’s on Saturday, November 29.
Participants follow rhyming riddles and hints to find secret letters at participating businesses then put them together to spell out a magical word, in the event devised by Aberdeen Performing Arts and supported by Aberdeen Inspired.
Alan, who will have his 21st outing as the HMT panto dame this Christmas, said: “I need you to join the Cinderella Pumpkin Hunt which is a fantastic way to spend the October holidays.
“And if you are successful, you will win tickets to see this year’s panto at His Majesty’s, which is Cinderella.”
All aboard for panto fun with the cast of Cinderella on the Aberdeen Adventurer. Image - Richard Frew Photography
Alan added he was looking forward to returning to HMT for his milestone appearance in the hugely popular panto.
“I am absolutely delighted to be back in Aberdeen. As it's my 21st year I have been given the key to the door of the theatre, so will be locking myself in and never leaving!”
“Panto really brings together the whole family and there’s nothing quite like looking at an audience and seeing three generations laughing at the same joke and having the best time.”
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said he was thrilled to see the panto cast in the Granite City, building excitement both for Cinderella and the Great Cinderella Pumpkin Hunt.
“The cast popped into Aberdeen Art Gallery in the middle of an art session for little ones and the joy on their faces was a delight – and hopefully they will go on to enjoy the Great Cinderella Pumpkin Hunt, too.
“We have already seen so many families around town with clue sheets and trail maps in hunt trying to uncover the mystery of the enchanting word at the heart of the trail. It’s also good to know the trail is working its magic for the city centre by attracting people in to support the bricks and mortar businesses in the city centre.”
The cast of Cinderella are ready to make Christmas magic at His Majesty's Theatre. Image - Richard Frew Photography
Also enjoying the fun of the panto cast tour was star Joe McFadden, who said he was delighted to be coming to His Majesty’s with his favourite pantomime.
“Panto really brings together the whole family and there’s nothing quite like looking at an audience and seeing three generations laughing at the same joke and having the best time,” said Joe.
Aberdeen Performing Arts Chief Executive, Sharon Burgess said: “What a fantastic way for our wonderful returning panto cast members to introduce our fabulous new cast to Aberdeen.
“They have been all over the city centre, leaving a trail of festive fun and sparkle in their wake and getting us all geared up for Cinderella opening at His Majesty’s Theatre in just over five weeks’ time. Panto season is almost here and we couldn’t be more excited to see what’s in store for our audiences this year.”
The Aberdeen Adventurer offers hop-on, hop-off public tours from April to September, providing a unique perspective of the Granite City, taking a route that perfectly shows off through Aberdeen's rich history and stunning architecture
Stephen Riggans, Area Director, McGill's Scotland North, said: "We’re delighted to see the bus out and about again as part of His Majesty’s Theatre Pantomime’s photoshoot. It’s great to be involved in bringing some festive fun to the city and helping spread the excitement ahead of this year’s show!"
You can find out more about The Cinderella Pumpkin Hunt here
And you can find more information and tickets for Cinderella at His Majesty’s Theatre here