Aberdeen Arts Centre’s James Welsh raises funds in sparkly heels and full makeup.
Walking up and down theatre stairs in sparkly high heels while carrying a tray of drinks sounds hard enough. James Welsh will be doing it for two full performances while dressed as a pantomime dame.
The hospitality manager at Aberdeen Arts Centre will spend National Panto Day on December 13 working his usual shifts at the venue’s Robin Hood performances. The only difference? He’ll be doing it in full costume, makeup, and those heels he’s been practising in around the office.
It started as a joke. Welsh had been saying he should do something daft for the Save Aberdeen Arts Centre campaign. Then a colleague called his bluff, got in touch with the panto company, and arranged for a costume. “There was no backing out after that,” Welsh says.
We know money can be tight this time of year, so we've extended our incredible Black Friday offer until the end of the year. Join and and support our misssion to shine a light on Aberdeen's growing cultural scene. That's just fifteen quid for a full year of support.
Preparation and practice
He found the sparkly heels in the Arts Centre’s costume store and has been getting tips from Philip Napier, the production’s actual dame, who’s also promised to help with makeup on the day. His stage name will be revealed when he clocks in for the matinee.
The fundraiser happens during performances of Robin Hood on December 13. Other staff and volunteers will also dress up. The Centre launched its three-year campaign in May to raise £660,000, with over £136,000 raised so far.
Making people smile
Welsh says he wants to put a smile on people’s faces when they arrive for the panto. Just don’t ask him to do a split in those heels.
Donations can be made online. Robin Hood runs at Aberdeen Arts Centre until December 24, with tickets available here.
