Panto season is an important part of the British theatre calendar and as someone who earned his early credits in theatre including panto, our creative director JamesC has been working with a dear friend and associate of the Lost Creatives: actor Alex Robertson who will be this year, part of the cast of Baltic at Cumbernauld Theatre (aka Lanternhouse).

Starting on the 22nd of November, Baltic is going to be a family friendly show with one of our favourite actors in Alex as Dame Agnes Avalunch, however, there is some sad news in this: Cumbernauld faces major issues concerning patronage and financial support that could lead to issues later in 2026 and they are looking for support.

Theatre in all its forms from community groups with a micro budget to professional shows with a large budget offer a place for people to earn their craft from makeup artists to set design, costume and props and so much more. Bigger than just a place to see a show, a theatre is where skills are earned and talent shines.

If you are training in media or theatre skills be it behind the scenes for on stage/in front of camera, there is an important place in this for theatres of any size and we want to share support for the team at Cumbernauld and hope they reach their targets and continue their hard work.

To learn more about Cumbernauld Theatre (aka Lantern House) or for ticket information for Baltic or any of their other events see:

Cumbernauld Lanternhouse Theatre Website.

Cumbernauld Lanternhouse Theatre Facebook.

Cumbernauld Lanternhouse Theatre Instagram.

‘*Smoke Not Included’ is well on its way for it’s Fringe debut and already gaining attention for its quirky story and social media savvy sharing not just updates on the cast and crew but giving us insights into the crowdfunding campaigns progress:

“I’m feeling incredibly proud that we have managed to get to this point, it didn’t feel long ago that we were just having the conversation on creating HeadlessActing. Our first play is coming to the fringe this year, I’m so excited, it’s a great cast. The play is funny and random and weird, which is what makes it brilliant” - Kayleigh Gallacher

HeadlessActing and the team behind the project are enthusiastic about the show and of course the potential of live theatre in Scotland, pushing their comedic, quirky project as hard as possible to give not only a platform to talent but some light relief to the audience in this one act play.

“I’m absolutely ecstatic to get started with this wonderful bunch! We’ve had some bumps recently but it’s looking like we’ll be well underway by April 20th! We really have something unique here and I can’t wait to share it. We’ve got lots of plans for the future! Two shows are coming next year! We will be working with a variety of different writers on one of them! Our Five Year plan has definitely grown…” - Brandon Ferguson

With the Fringe firmly in their sights, the scope of this project goes beyond a simple stage play comedy and opens up to wider possibilities that with time I am sure will make HeadlessActing developing other projects in the background. A company to watch not just for their performance but social commentary and satire.

Moving into the future we can see so much potential for the company not just on stage but in the future TV (or even the now much lauded internet services) where stage shows are given as much of a voice as TV and film, however for now they are playing smart and building their platform based on vision and grassroots support.

To learn more about Headless Acting or ‘*Smoke Not Included’ see:

*Smoke Not Included Crowdfunding Campaign.

Smoke Not Included TikTok.

HeadlessActing Instagram.

HeadlessActing Twitter.

HeadlessActing Facebook.