In "Gallus in Weegieland", Johnny McKnight's adaptation of Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" cleverly injects fresh energy into the classic tale, giving protagonist Alice Pleasance Liddell agency and motivation that eluded previous interpretations. By transplanting the story to Glasgow, where she navigates from a posh West End to working-class Dennistoun, McKnight creates a compelling narrative that not only stays true to the original's wit and whimsy but also adds a modern twist.
Alice, portrayed by newcomer Jorgey Scott-Learmonth with an irresistible positivity reminiscent of Ellie Kemper in "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt", is on a journey to discover bravery, imagination, and love. Her quest takes her through a battle of good versus evil against Queenie of Hearts, played with ebullient flair by Louise McCarthy, the closest thing this panto has to a dame.
As the show unfolds, Alice's encounters with various characters become increasingly hilarious, particularly her delayed kiss with Star Penders' boy-rabbit. The chemistry between Scott-Learmonth and Penders is undeniable, making their romance all the more endearing despite its inevitable timing.
The production boasts impressive comedic flair, courtesy of McKnight's script that weaves in clever gags about modern life, including Ozempic medication and Celia Imrie's infamous farting incident on "Celebrity Traitors". The show's energy is further amplified by director Sally Reid's company, featuring standout performances from Catriona Faint as Hatter and Marc Mackinnon as Honey the Caterpillar.
Kenny Miller's set design adds to the show's disorienting chaos, blending clashing black-and-white stripes and checks in a visual feast that complements the anarchic nature of the production. With its relentless positivity, "Gallus in Weegieland" is an unapologetically daft delight that will leave audiences grinning from ear to ear.
Alice, portrayed by newcomer Jorgey Scott-Learmonth with an irresistible positivity reminiscent of Ellie Kemper in "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt", is on a journey to discover bravery, imagination, and love. Her quest takes her through a battle of good versus evil against Queenie of Hearts, played with ebullient flair by Louise McCarthy, the closest thing this panto has to a dame.
As the show unfolds, Alice's encounters with various characters become increasingly hilarious, particularly her delayed kiss with Star Penders' boy-rabbit. The chemistry between Scott-Learmonth and Penders is undeniable, making their romance all the more endearing despite its inevitable timing.
The production boasts impressive comedic flair, courtesy of McKnight's script that weaves in clever gags about modern life, including Ozempic medication and Celia Imrie's infamous farting incident on "Celebrity Traitors". The show's energy is further amplified by director Sally Reid's company, featuring standout performances from Catriona Faint as Hatter and Marc Mackinnon as Honey the Caterpillar.
Kenny Miller's set design adds to the show's disorienting chaos, blending clashing black-and-white stripes and checks in a visual feast that complements the anarchic nature of the production. With its relentless positivity, "Gallus in Weegieland" is an unapologetically daft delight that will leave audiences grinning from ear to ear.