The long awaited television mini series starring Pettigo's finest - Borderline Players is to air next Wednesday the 13th and the 20th December at 10:30pm on BBC1.
The series was filmed last year in the run up to the groups most successful production to date, the Christmas pantomime 'Santa in Space'. Presented by one of Northern Irelands most recognisable presenters John Daly, these two 40 minute shows are a warts and all tale of nerves, fun, laughter and the sheer hard work that goes into putting such a show together.
The programme not only features Borderline Players but also includes last year's Grand Opera House Pantomime in Belfast which starred May Mc Fettridge and Linda Nolan as the wicked Queen.
Lavish
This lavish production took to the stage a total of 99 times while the Borderline Players gang put on three show stopping, sell-out performances on a much tighter budget which saw the group gathering materials from a host of unusual sources. Pettigo features heavily in the two part series and a number of locals were interviewed and a number of different landmarks in the village were used in filming.
Delighted
Siobhan who was first contacted by the BBC about the production in the summer of 2005 admits that at first she was unsure how this would fit in with the group. But, she was delighted to be chosen by the BBC and after discussions with the group filming got underway.
John Daly took to the Pettigo stage on the opening night to introduce the panto which was a massive surprise to both the group and all those in attendance. A total of 60 people were involved in the production from start to finish including the cast – many of who doubled as crew members, set constructors, wardrobe assistants and music technicians.
Honour
People from the ages of four to 74 were involved in some aspects of the production. One month after the Borderline Players finished their run the group were given the honour of attending the show in Belfast and were allowed to mingle with cast and crew members.
This gave the group the opportunity to gain a valuable insight into the running of a theatre on a much larger scale and allowed the Pettigo crew to compare techniques.
