Annual Pinocchio–inspired Gaelic pantomime returns to Highland schools

Fèisean nan Gàidheal’s Gaelic touring pantomime is set to return to schools next week for the first time since 2019, with a story inspired by Pinocchio to celebrate Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022.

Fèisean nan Gàidheal’s Dràma officer, Angus Macleod, has written and directed Fiodhògaidhio agus an Fharpais-chiùil, which tells of Arturo and his struggling musical instruments’ shop which he fears he might have to give up. His latest musical invention, Fiodhògaidhio, has given him hope for a brighter future, but his dream for his creation soon turns his whole world upside down! The panto’s return is highly anticipated by schools across the country, with more than 1,000 Gaelic-medium pupils set to enjoy the performances.

The annual pantomime is produced through Fèisean nan Gàidheal’s education service, Fèisgoil, and will be taken on the road this year by a four-strong band of actors: Fergus Munro, Rachel Kennedy and Evie Waddell, who have all previously performed in Fèisean nan Gàidheal’s drama productions, and Claire Frances MacNeil, who works as a tutor on a number of Fèisgoil projects.

Claire Frances said, on joining the tour for the first time:“It’s always a pleasure to work with Fèisean nan Gàidheal and I am really looking forward to getting involved in the drama side of things, on stage with them. We have a great team of actors and our rehearsals have been going well so far, making good use of everyone’s talents. There’s lots of nonsense and trickery in the story of Fiodhògaidhio and we hope the children and their teachers enjoy it as much as we do.”

They will tour for two weeks from December 5, visiting Gaelic-medium primary pupils across the country from Tain to Kilmarnock. While it is not possible for the team to visit every Gaelic-medium school in the country, a filmed public performance, to which everyone is welcome, will also take place at Inverness Royal Academy on December 8, at 7pm. The film will be shared among Gaelic-medium schools as a festive resource in the run-up to the Christmas holidays.

Shona MacLennan, chief executive officer of Bòrd na Gàidhlig said:“We are delighted to support this important project again. It contributes to the aims of the National Gaelic Language Plan to normalise Gaelic and also contributes to wellbeing. It creates important opportunities for young people to hear Gaelic in informal settings outwith the classroom, as well as demonstrating an example of the rich talent we have in our Gaelic artists. We are sure that these events will be enjoyed by everyone, particularly with the opportunity for children to take part in a face-to-face event.”

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