Pure Dead Brilliant Madness in Weegieland: A Glasgow Panto Triumph
A night at the Tron Theatre for Gallus in Weegieland delivered a truly unforgettable experience — a panto so vibrant, cheeky and joyously inventive that five stars almost feel too few. The Tron’s festive season is always a highlight, but this year’s production rockets the tradition to new heights with dazzling creativity, razor-sharp humour and an energy that sweeps up the entire audience.
The Glasgow-infused spin on Alice in Wonderland plunges the audience straight into the technicolour chaos of Weegieland, a world where imagination runs wild and Glasgow patter reigns supreme. Alice, still nursing the sting of a failed ballet exam, is pulled into this surreal landscape full of eccentric pals, baffling foes and nonstop hilarity. Her journey towards rediscovering courage, creativity and a sense of self is played with just the right blend of heart and mischief. Act One builds toward an over- the-top prophecy of doom, while Act Two explodes into a musical, magical frenzy that leads to a triumphant, feel-good finale.
The entire cast shines from start to finish, delivering performances bursting with personality, timing and warmth. Every character feels rich, funny and fully alive, with an ensemble so strong that even the briefest appearances earn big laughs and enthusiastic reactions. Their chemistry drives the story forward with unstoppable momentum.
Louise McCarthy’s Queen of Hearts remains the show’s unstoppable force — a masterclass in comic flair and commanding stage presence. Every entrance lights up the room. Every line lands with precision. Every moment is met with delighted anticipation.
Behind the scenes, the creative team fires on all cylinders. Sally Reid’s direction shapes the production with confidence, rhythm and a deep understanding of what makes a great panto tick. The pacing is tight, the comedic beats land perfectly, and the emotional moments find their place without ever slowing the fun. Kenny Miller’s design work is nothing short of sensational, bursting with imaginative details, bold colours and clever visual jokes that make Weegieland feel fully realised and endlessly surprising. Eva Forrester’s choreography adds an extra layer of sparkle, bringing inventive movement and playful creativity to every musical number — keeping the energy sky-high and the stage alive with motion.
Ross Brown’s original music ties everything together, delivering catchy, clever tunes that lodge themselves happily in the mind. “Uncle Rosco” at the keys elevates every scene, providing a live soundtrack that keeps the audience grinning from start to finish.
Johnny McKnight’s script is everything a modern panto should be: fast-paced, self- aware, packed with contemporary references and unapologetically daft in the best way. The auditorium’s laughter, cheers and nonstop chatter proved beyond doubt that the show hits each mark with precision.
As a festive night out, Gallus in Weegieland stands as a triumph — bold, creative and bursting with Glasgow heart. For panto lovers or anyone simply needing a night of pure fun, this riotous trip into Weegieland is more than worth the journey.