Wednesday November 4th 2026
Costume designer Ethan James
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
The Brunton has teamed up with Queen Margaret University (QMU) to give emerging performers and creative students valuable professional experience ahead of this year’s festive pantomime.
Peter Pans the Panto will take to the stage at Haddington’s Corn Exchange from Thursday, December 3, with the production providing opportunities for students across acting, costume design and stage management.
Five fourth-year students from QMU’s BA (Hons) Acting and Performance course have been selected to take on smaller roles while also understudying the lead characters.
The students are Ava Fay Brown, Isla Ross, Kayla Darroch, Louise McMann and Ross Brown.
The paid positions offer an opportunity to gain professional experience as they prepare to embark on acting careers.
The partnership has already helped launch careers, with former student Jessica Dima, who took part in last year’s production, returning this year after graduating to play Wendy.
QMU students are also involved behind the scenes, with those studying BA (Hons) Costume Design and Construction helping to create the costumes for the show.
Working alongside professional costume designer Ethan James, the student team is led by Alyssa Tinfina.
For the first time, The Brunton is also hosting a QMU Stage Management student on placement with the pantomime’s stage team.
The production will be directed and co-written by Bruce Strachan, who returns following his work on the theatre’s acclaimed 2025 production of A Wizard of Oz.
Bruce has more than 25 years’ experience as a director, theatre maker and acting teacher, having worked with organisations including the National Theatre of Scotland and the National Youth Theatre.
He is also a lecturer in Acting and Performance at QMU.
Fiona O’Sullivan, general manager of The Brunton, said: “It is wonderful to work in partnership with the creative community of Queen Margaret University and to bring the skills and talents of their students and staff to our Peter Pans pantomime.
“Festive pantomime is a strong tradition for East Lothian’s The Brunton and a delight for audiences young and old.
“However, it is also massively important in providing a real opportunity for our community’s professional creatives, nearly qualified actors and talented young people to work on creating and performing in a professional production.”
Bruce Strachan said: “One of the most rewarding aspects of this partnership is seeing our students step into a professional production and make a real contribution to a much-loved community event.
“Working alongside experienced actors, creatives and The Brunton team gives them invaluable insight into the industry and helps build the confidence, skills and connections they need as they begin their careers.
“We are incredibly proud of the talent, creativity and professionalism our students bring to Peter Pans the Pantomime.”
Peter Pans the Panto runs at the Corn Exchange, Court Street, Haddington, from December 3 to 27.
Tickets, dates and performance times are available at www.thebrunton.co.uk or by calling the box office on 0131 653 5245.
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