A cast of Moray performers hope their annual pantomime will not be the last curtain call for their current venue.
Buckie Community Theatre has been hosting performances at the Fisherman’s Hall in the town since 1961.
Last night, the ensemble was going through final rehearsals ahead of their production of Aladdin at the venue.
However, fears have been raised that today’s budget talks at Moray Council could cast a pall over the opening performance tonight.
Senior councillors have proposed shutting the hall, which was opened in 1886, unless a viable group can be found to take it on before the end of June.
Glen Campbell, a director of Buckie Community Theatre, is spearheading a campaign to form a committee to run the venue, which was built as a “rallying point” for the town’s fishermen.
Last night, Kevin Oakes, who is directing Aladdin, said the cast was “feeling positive” ahead of the run of shows while remaining optimistic there would be more to come next year.
He said: “I’ve been doing the pantomimes for six years now, but more than 50 have been held at the Fisherman’s Hall. We really want to keep it going.
“Everyone is really excited, looking forward to it. There are fantastic special effects in it this year. It’s an all-round good family show, we’re really proud of this one.”
Aladdin is being performed at the Fisherman’s Hall from today until Saturday at 7.30pm with a matinee performance on the final day at 2pm.
