Arts / Drama group ‘deeply saddened’ as pantomime cancelled due to Garrison construction
THE ANNUAL Lerwick Christmas pantomime has been cancelled after construction works prevented access to the Garrison Theatre.
Islesburgh Drama Group said it had taken the difficult decision to stop production of The Wizard of Oz due to the works on the roof at the Garrison.
Difficulties staging the show elsewhere, along with weeks of rehearsals, were cited as reasons for the cancellation.
The Garrison is currently ringed by specialist scaffolding while a new slate roof and guttering is installed on the listed building, which is over 120 years old.
Owner Shetland Charitable Trust (SCT) had intended having the scaffolding cleared from around the fire exits temporarily to allow safe access for the pantomime.
However, strict safety standards meant a complicated new scaffolding frameworkwould need to be designed by consultants and erected, interrupting the ongoing roof works and adding heavy extra costs.
Mareel was offered as an alternative by Shetland Arts, a joint press release from SCT and Islesburgh Drama Group said.
However they said this auditorium lacked wings and the depth of stage available in a theatre.
The drama group said it had “reluctantly concluded” it could not continue with the production.
Drama group president Cheryl Cluness said the group was celebrating its 75th year in 2025, and had been excited about putting on its 34th pantomime.
She said it also served as a “crucial fundraiser that helps support our wider programme of creative work for Shetland audiences”.
“As a charity, these funds are essential, particularly as not all our productions break even,” she said.
“We have carefully explored a range of alternative options to bring this year’spantomime to different locations across Shetland.
“However, after detailed consideration, none of these scenarios proved financially viable for the group.”
Cluness said they had the long-term sustainability of the group in mind when they took the decision to cancel the pantomime.
“We are deeply saddened by the impact this will have on our director Stephenie Georgia, and cast and crew, who have already invested significant time and energy into preparations since our initial reading in April,” she said.
“Looking ahead, we are now exploring alternative performances and events to help bring Christmas joy to our members and the wider Shetland community. Thank you for your continued support.”
SCT chair Robert Leask said the trust was “extremely disappointed” that problems with its building had derailed the panto.
“We can only apologise. We were committed to helping in any way we could to keep the production on track,” he said.
“It’s really unfortunate that such a popular festive event won’t now be happening.
“Renovation works on old listed buildings are not straight forward and rarely goaccording to plan.
“The Garrison’s structural problems date back many years but once the new roof is completed it should give the theatre a great future ahead.”
The Garrison was built in 1903 as a drill hall and gym for the local volunteer soldiers of the Gordon Highlanders.
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