Fintry amateurs turn back the clock

Nov 20 2009 by Donald Morton, Stirling Observer Friday

FINTRY’S successful amateur actrors and actresses are taking a trip down memory lane for this year’s pantomime.

The Fintry Amateur Dramatic Society is re-enacting its first-ever panto – “Dick Whittington” – performed originally by the village group back in 1979.

Sheila Fraser appeared in the original show and will again be onstage as FADS stages its 101st production.

“The club has come a long way since that first production of Dick Whittington,” said Sheila. “For that panto we had 24 adults and four children on stage.

“The 2009 version shows how much the club has grown over the years because this year we'll have more than 50 on our wee stage, with more than half of them of school-age.”

And, once again, Sheila - one of FADS’ founder members - has landed a plum role, that of “Why”, part of a comedy trio called “Who, What and Why.”

The Fintry pantomime, which is being produced by Iain Howie, is on at the Menzies Hall in the village, from December 1-6 at 7.30pm. Some performances, including the Saturday matinee are already sold out, but if you’re quick you can still get tickets from Liz Brown on 01360 860078.

FADS’ recent charity performances of its successful show “The Full Monty” has netted £500 for Bliss, the charity which provides help for “babies born too soon”.

Scotland co-ordinator Margaret Nethery visited the FADS team during reharsals recently to collect the cheque.