Fairy godmother in Eden Court panto in Inverness has hectic schedule over festive season
One of the stars of this year’s pantomime at Eden Court also has plenty of other roles to keep her busy over the festive season.
Claire Darcy, from Inverness, is playing the Fairy Godmother in Cinderella but is also a choreographer for the show, dances in the ensemble and is an understudy for three co-stars.
The multi-talented actress said: “It’s a hectic schedule, but I love being busy after the very strange and difficult time in 2020 when theatres were closed.
“It’s great to be back in a live performance in front of audiences again. I was seven years old when I first danced in the Eden Court panto in 1997, and it was Cinderella, so it’s great that it’s also my panto comeback.
“Panto has been such a big part of my life and I’ve only missed a few Inverness pantos since I started. My favourite roles included Mrs Darling in Peter Pan in 2015 and So-Shy in Aladdin the year before.
“Playing the Fairy Godmother is a prominent role I’m enjoying. Family and friends can come and see me – and I get to spend Christmas at home, which is a nice bonus!”
Ms Darcy studied music theatre and now works at TFX Performing School.
Donald Mathieson, managing director of panto sponsors D&E Coaches, said: "It has been a pleasure to meet Claire. She has an excellent personality which audiences will warm to and it’s highly encouraging to see a local lass having the opportunity to develop her career through Eden Court and its pantos.
“It looks like choreography will be another significant string to her bow.”
The popular panto opened on December 10 and has already been enjoyed by many. It was put together by writer and producer Steven Wren, who is also playing the Dame in the show.
Tickets for Cinderella are still available through Eden Court Theatre. The final performance is January 8.