Review: Weans in the Wood panto, Macrobert Arts Centre 2025. Panto at its very best!
- Lisa in the theatre
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 7 hours ago
Twenty years since his first appearance in panto at Macrobert Arts Centre in Stirling, Johnny McKnight returns to the stage with Weans in the Wood. Read my review of this exhilarating Christmas pantomime below.
Weans in the Wood panto, Macrobert Arts Centre ★★★★★
Review: 4 December 2025 | Macrobert Arts Centre, Stirling
Scotland's premier pantomime dame Johnny McKnight returns to Macrobert Arts Centre this Christmas 2025 with his refreshed pantomime Weans in the Wood, which he also writes and directs.
Weans in the Wood follows pals Hansel (Helen McAlpine) and Gretel (Kara Swinney) who attend Magic Merlina's school for Magical Minors. When Little Red Riding Hood (Dani Heron) steals the school's power source along with headmistress Magic Merlina (Johnny McKnight)'s wand, they are at the mercy of the wicked Sheriff of Stirling-Stella-ham (Robert Jack) and his sidekick the Big Bad Wolf (Robin MacKenzie.)
In true Johnny McKnight fashion, the story for this panto is a madcap mash-up of various fairytales and pop-culture references which, with his unmatched skill and experience of the pantosphere, he somehow manages to make work. The plot reminded me of intricate Broadway musical 'Into The Woods'; but imagine if Stephen Sondheim had combed the depths of the current pop charts and viral Tik Tok videos for his score rather than written it himself.
McKnight's rollicking story for Weans in the Wood is complemented by perfectly judged musical numbers teeming with cheeky comedy and inspired, modern song choices. From P-A-N-T-O-PANTO! to the unmistakable beats of Chappell Roan's HOT TO GO, or 'No More Mr Big Bad Wolf' to Benson Boone's 'Mr Electric Blue', the soundtrack is as contemporary as it gets. I will admit to being one of the 'oldies' who had no idea what on earth 'Steve's Lava Chicken' was, but a helpful child next to me did lean over and whisper "it's from Minecraft". Thanks for the education! That jingle fits with McKnight's brand of joyful absurdity perfectly, and I can see why the kids love it.
McKnight also borrows from musical theatre's greats: The act one finale to Les Miserables 'One Day More' is worth the ticket price alone. I laughed, I whooped, I cheered; the man is a genius. But of course panto is a team effort, and here the superb cast of professional actors and young performers are expertly trained and directed to carry out his visions. Weans in Wood races along with every character having their moment in the spotlight but never outstaying their welcome.
Macrobert has as talented a cast as you will find anywhere in the pantosphere this Christmas
It's no surprise that Mcknight himself is exquisite. A frisky, fearless ball of energy with an array of sensational outfits and a devious twinkle in his eye. The brilliant Helen McAlpine matches his vitality and talent for improvising superbly, as does returning baddie, Robert Jack's The Sheriff of Stirling-Stella-ham. The lively joshing and teasing that goes on between the three of them is priceless, and further exhilarates the delighted audience.
Dani Heron's thieving Little Red speaks (and sings) with a strong cockney accent, which was completely bewiderling at first, but is explained later. However it just goes to prove that Heron can do anything as she struts around the stage in knee-high red sequin boots and juggles with an onslaught of hilarious EastEnders jokes and insults.
Kara Swinney is in fine voice as always, as is the exceptional newcomer Robin MacKenzie's energetic, sequin-jumpsuit clad, Big Bad Wolf. Supported by the excellent Kate Weir and Craig Hunter, and a young cast who are given loads to do and do it well, this is as talented a cast as you will find anywhere in the pantosphere.
The production values punch way above the ticket price
What really stands out about Macrobert's panto this year are the production values. Yes, the writing, acting and performances are wonderful, but they are enriched by Jennie Lööf's sparkling costumes and Colin Grenfell's striking lighting design which punch way above the show's ticket price. The onslaught of bright colours and sequins never once look cheap or garish. It's yet another aspect of the production that's perfectly judged to wow and amuse. The entire show is a visual treat, and every second of it entertains. Weans in the Wood is panto perfection.
I'm really sorry to tell you all that unfortunately you do need to buy that bus / train ticket to Stirling this year. Weans in the Wood at Macrobert Arts Centre is an upbeat, joyous, family friendly feast. It's Scottish panto at it's very best from the undisputed master of the genre. ★★★★★
Weans in the Wood plays at Macrobert Arts Centre until Saturday 3rd January 2026.
MORE: Find out more about Macrobert Arts Centre 2025 panto Weans in the Wood cast here:
MORE: Find more Scottish panto news and reviews at: https://www.lisainthetheatre.com/panto
