A popular Johnstone theatre group has cancelled its panto for this year.
Members of the Johnstone Phoenix Theatre Group had hoped to stage Jack and the Beanstalk at Johnstone Town Hall this festive season.
But, with the performing arts likely to be one of the last areas released from lockdown, the am-dram volunteers have decided to cancel the production.
It comes after the group axed its spring show, Ghost The Musical.
The group’s Anne Murdoch said: “At the present time, virtually all amateur theatre productions have been cancelled across the country and, given the lead time for productions, it is unlikely there will be many, if any, productions before the end of 2021.
“This is a significant loss to the cultural and economic life of the UK.
“Johnstone Phoenix Theatre Group’s last performance was their 2019 panto Alice in Pantoland and members are devastated at being unable to perform Jack and The Beanstalk this year.”
Members have been making use of technology to keep in touch with each other.
The group has stayed enjoyed virtual quizzes, monthly committee meetings and recording songs together.
As well as the disappointment of members, not staging performances will impact on the theatre group’s fundraising.
It has set up a JustGiving page for anyone who would like to contribute to the continued running of the club at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/johnstone-phoenix
The group hopes to give something back to the community during the festive period and is hoping to involve their members in local activities in the lead up to Christmas.
Keep an eye on their website http://jptg.co.uk/ or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JPTG63 for more details.
Since being formed as the Johnstone Operatic and Dramatic Society in 1963 by Tom Carmichael, the group has performed a staggering 105 productions, including 43 pantomimes.
In addition to the main senior group, since 1994 the club has had a youth section which has offered the young people of Johnstone and the surrounding areas the chance to tread the boards from an early age.
Anyone interested in becoming a member can contact the group at johnstone.phoenix@hotmail.com or at http://jptg.co.uk/
