Moray show comes out of the shadows with 40 singers, a live band and puppets

Forty singers, a seven-piece live band and ten puppeteers will present a show this weekend that’s been nearly a year in preparation.

The Tale of Ailis and Morag, being staged at Lossiemouth Town Hall, is a modern-day fairytale set in the Moray landscape with an original score by local composer Adam Csenki.

Operated by a mixture of professionals and enthusiastic amateurs who’ve learned the craft, the shadow puppets have been designed with the help of pupils from Lossiemouth High School.

Meanwhile, Moray UHI performing arts students have made the costumes which will be worn by the three performers from Dance North Scotland who will begin the show.

The catalysts behind the project are producers Alison Burnley and Ellie Davies of Findhorn-based Riff Raff Producing CIC.

Alison said: “This production is the result of many people’s hard work and reflects the talent and creativity of Moray and beyond.

“We wanted to tell a story and create a way of working that celebrates what we can achieve together rather than focusing on what divides us.”

Also among the creative team are: Alex Podger (writer); Claire Macdonald (designer); Kate Mackay, Cora Inckle-Sharpe, Scarlett Moon, Claire Macdonald, Caitlin Strongarm, Val Reid, Rachael Macintyre (puppetry); Ruth Kent from Dance North Scotland (choreography); Lewie Watson (Doric script advisor).

The show will be performed at Lossiemouth Town Hall on Friday at 7pm as well as on Saturday at 1pm. Pay on the door.

The Saturday evening performance, which will include food from Lethan Croft Kitchen near Forres, is already sold out.