THIS month Strachur Community Theatre invite audiences into the magical world of The Stag King, a family musical created in memory of the late Gordon Neish.
Set in the Hartlands of the Scottish west coast, The Stag King is a story of family, friendship, loss, courage and finding your place in the world.
Inspired by the wildlife, landscape and spirit of Scotland, the story follows a colourful collection of characters whose lives become entwined in an adventure filled with humour, heart and a little bit of magic.
The ambitious family musical brings together the theatre’s adult performers with children and young people from Strachur Youth Drama, while this year’s production will also feature a first for the community group – its own choir.
The newly formed choir has become an important part of the production, adding another dimension to a show in which music plays a central role.
Organisers said the singers had brought energy, warmth and a beautiful sense of togetherness to rehearsals, with their voices joining the cast and younger performers to create the musical world.
But it is not only on stage that a considerable amount of work has gone into The Stag King.
Almost everything audiences will see has been created locally, with hundreds of hours spent over several months designing, building, sewing, painting and experimenting behind the scenes.
More than 160 characters, puppets, masks and costume pieces have been handmade by the theatre’s creative team, alongside specially designed scenery and props.
Feathers, fabric, leather, paint and tartan have all been put to use as the production’s characters have gradually emerged from the workshop.
Puppets have been engineered to move and come alive on stage, individual masks have been created and costumes designed to transform performers into the creatures.
This year’s production also carries a particularly special significance for the Strachur Community Theatre family.
The Stag King is dedicated to the memory of the group’s much-loved friend Gordon Neish, whose creativity, friendship and contribution to the theatre continues to be remembered by those involved.
The group said Gordon’s influence remained very much a part of the production and that it was with enormous affection and pride that The Stag King was being dedicated to his memory.
Now, after months of rehearsing, building, sewing, painting, singing and creating, the final preparations are under way before the doors open to audiences.
Performances of The Stag King will take place at Strachur Memorial Hall on Thursday, September 17 and Friday, September 18 at 7pm, with two performances on Saturday, September 19 at 2pm and 7pm.
Tickets cost £15 for adults and £8 for children aged 16 and under, while children aged five and under can attend free of charge when sitting on an adult’s lap.
Tiered seating will be in place for the performances. Anyone requiring wheelchair access or with limited mobility is asked to contact the organisers in advance by leaving a message on 07794 156817.
Tickets are available from Strachur Filling Station.
