Acclaimed lecture by Panto legend Johnny McKnight returns for one off performance

Stage star and Panto legend Johnny McKnight will take to the stage once more, in 2025, for a one-off performance of his acclaimed lecture She's Behind You at The Pavilion Theatre.

Article Source: The Pavilion Theatre
Last Updated: 17 December 2024 13:45

The piece was first delivered as part of The Cameron Lecture Series, a collaboration between the University of Glasgow, the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and Director John Tiffany. It became an instant phenomenon after its debut at a packed Bute Hall in February 2024 and, as result of its impact, it returns to the Pavilion Theatre on 19th January 2025.

She’s Behind You is a deliciously honest, wicked and moving journey through the history of the Scottish panto dame, and is brought hilariously and poignantly to life by the unstoppable inventor of post-modern panto, Johnny McKnight. Johnny’s glittery trip through the delight of this most unique of theatrical traditions helps us understand why dames are so close to our hearts.

Fittingly, the lecture will be performed at the Pavilion Theatre on Renfield Street, a venue known for its iconic Christmas panto. The Pavilion was once a music hall specialising in variety, comedy and cabaret, and has played a significant role in Glasgow’s traditional entertainment scene since opening in 1904.

Johnny McKnight said: “I am in love with the magic of theatre and, as you would expect me to say, I adore being in pantomime. It is a great honour to help remember the contribution of Scottish theatre personality Alasdair Cameron and to also celebrate Scotland’s much-loved pantomime genre.”

The Cameron Lecture was established in 2019 by John Tiffany OBE, the multi-award-winning theatre director and University of Glasgow alumnus, to honour his life-changing tutor, Dr Alasdair Cameron. Dr Cameron was a renowned and much-admired senior lecturer in the University of Glasgow’s Department of Theatre Studies.

The lecture series was created along with Dr Cameron's brother Robin and great friend Roberta Doyle, and showcases the special qualities of Scotland’s dynamic and provocative theatre and performance creators, the unique heritage of the performing arts in Scotland, and the important impact they continue to have across the globe.

Director of the Pavilion Theatre, Jamie Gordon added: “We are excited to both honour the legacy of Dr. Cameron and to pay tribute to the art of Pantomime, which is a so often overlooked and under-appreciated artform and with Johnny McKnight involved, it is sure to be a rich, informative and hilarious journey into Scotland’s vibrant theatre history.”

So we’ll look forward to seeing you in January for this dazzling, one-off performance by a Scottish performer at the peak of his powers. Oh yes we will…!

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