Hawick Panto Group melts hearts with ‘Frosted’

Written by Warren McWilliams, and inspired by Disney’s smash-Nordic hit based upon Hans Christian Andersen’s ‘The Snow Queen’ – and hilariously skating around Disney’s copyright lawyers – the pantomime brought us to a suitably snowy ‘Hawickendelle’ for a frozen tale of two royal sisters; Princess Anya, who is full of energy, excitement, and a love for life, and her sister Princess Ailsa, who is a little more reserved, mostly because she’s been blessed with powerful frozen magic that’s getting harder to control.

Last year’s baddie, Kimberley Jeffrey, flipped the switch and was this year’s protagonist in Princess Ailsa. She was joined by Joanna Johnstone who took on her first major lead role in this year’s production as Princess Anya.

The sisters took on the mightily impressive singing and dancing routines of this year’s smash hit ‘K-Pop Demon Hunters’.

The princesses were joined by their nursemaid and returning Dame, Andrew Shields as Dame Florrie who served up plenty memorable looks and led the dance routines with aplomb.

Where Dame Florrie really shone though of course was in her connection to the audience.

Taking on the role of arch-villain this year was last year’s handsome prince, Andrew McGillivray, who stepped into the shoes of the now ‘devilishly handsome’ Prince Anders. Andrew clearly relished the opportunity to lean into panto villain antics and ruled over the poor peasants of Hawickendelle with an icy grip.

Prince Anders was flanked by his sinister sidekick Sinestra played by Erin Hogg. But the baddie role call isn’t over just yet, with Zack Mundell completing the trio as Duke Wesley. A true highlight was a crowd-pleasing dance routine to Billie Eilish’s hit ‘Bad Guy’.

But fear not, for help is around the corner in the shape of Kristian played by newcomer, Jake Brown, who delivered a confident performance as the brooding but kind ‘Amasnow’ delivery driver who bumps into the princesses and helps them along their quest.

Kristian was ably supported by Reindeer Blitzen, now played by Laura Gray after an unfortunate injury left OG Reindeer, Ros Mundell, unable to perform.

Rounding out our heroes is the not-so-abominable snowman Frosty, played by perfect casting in John-Lee Elder who handled the puppetry and logistical elements of his character with confidence and poise, without losing the sense of fun and wonder that a certain live snowman is famous for!

Backed by a cracking ensemble, the group led us on a truly fantastical journey alongside Princesses Ailsa and Anya to save Hawickendelle from the clutches of evil Prince Anders.

This year’s production team consisted of; Jim Gray (producer), Niki Brotherston (Assistant Producer), Emma Coltman (Choregrapher) and Andrew Shields (Assistant Choreographer and Chair of Hawick Pantomime Group Management Committee).

Speaking on this year’s production, Andrew Shields said: “As another pantomime season lights up Hawick Town Hall, I want to take a moment to say a huge thank you to everyone who makes this all happen.

"What we do together each year is nothing short of incredible, and it’s all thanks to the passion, commitment, and creativity of our Hawick Pantomime Management Committee.

"The success of this year’s production is a reflection of teamwork at its best, people coming together with shared passion and purpose.

"To every committee member, volunteer, cast member, and supporter, thank you. You’ve helped us achieve something truly special.”