Whisky Galore - September 2026

Written by Compton MacKenzie and Philip Goulding
Directed by Hayley Moy

Cast:

Flora Bellerby – Ali Broughton
Connie Calvert – Fraire Armstrong
Win Hewitt – Julie Hope
Doris Sanderson – Ann Leake
Aileen McCormack – Sharon Cummings
Bea Cornford – Jane Chapman
Juliet Mainwaring – Charlotte Norman

NODA North Review with huge thanks to Ken Allan

Tynemouth Priory Theatre’s production of Whisky Galore brings a wonderfully spirited, nostalgic energy to the stage. Affectionately adapted by Philip Goulding from Compton Mackenzie’s classic 1947 novel; set in 1943, this production smartly frames the familiar tale of Scottish islanders and salvaged liquor within the meta-theatrical setup of "The Pallas Players"; an all-female repertory troupe staging the play in the 1950s.

As Director Hayley Moy states in her programme notes, based upon true events, this framework serves as a loving homage to the wartime tradition of all-female casts, who kept regional theatre alive while their men were away at the front. It adds a delightful layer of theatrical license, asking a cast of just seven actors to play multiple female and male roles, zip through frantic costume transitions, and adopt a kaleidoscopic array of accents and eccentricities, enthusiastically carried off by the talented cast.

Hayley handles this intricate production with impressive finesse. Goulding’s script is undeniably wordy, packed with dense exposition, rapid-fire dialogue, and dialect heavy-lifting. In lesser hands, the text could easily drag, but her directing style maintains a brisk, rhythmic pace that keeps the narrative momentum moving forward. She leans seamlessly into the script’s blend of farce, pantomime, and physical comedy, ensuring the chaos on stage feels intentional, polished, and full of heart.

The ensemble cast of Ali Broughton, Fraire Armstrong, Julie Hope, Ann Leake, Sharon Cummings, Jane Chapman and Charlotte Norman all rose to the challenge with immense energy. Watching the actors pivot instantly from stuffy Home Guard officers to romantic islanders; often within seconds, is half the fun. The performer dynamic brings a warmth and camaraderie to the stage that reflects both the spirit of the fictitious Pallas Players and the community ethos of the Priory Theatre itself.

The script undoubtedly demands close attention from the audience, as it is extremely wordy, and must have taken some rehearsing. However, the production’s inventive staging, superbly apt costumes, wigs and props, expert lighting and sharp directorial vision kept the atmosphere light and engaging. Warm, witty, and expertly assembled, Tynemouth Priory Theatre’s Whisky Galore delivered a thoroughly enjoyable night at the theatre, proving that a great team can turn a simple tale into a true celebration of stagecraft.

Many thanks from Councillor Peter and me for the invitation and warm welcome, we had a thoroughly enjoyable evening.

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