WATCH: Eden Court in Inverness delivers video love letter to joy of panto as it moves to wish all Highland residents 'the very best' this Christmas following the disruption on the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic

A VIDEO love letter to the joys of panto has been shared by the Highlands' biggest theatre – as it moved to offer early Christmas wishes to all.

In a message to all "colleagues, friends and partners" of Eden Court in Inverness, its chief executive, James Mackenzie-Blackman, wished all the "very best for the festive season" in the wake of a year unlike any other.

In a statement accompanying the video, he said: "This Christmas Eden Court should be filled with 35,000 audience members watching our pantomime.

"This short two minute film is our love letter to panto and a reminder from all of us at Eden Court, to all of you, of the power of performance and the vital role buildings like ours play in the civic life of our region.

"Please do take a moment to watch it (it’s only two minutes)."

He continued: "Throughout the pandemic myself, and my team, have tried to hold on to our values: proud, ambitious, open and nurturing. At times, the very future of our organisation has hung in the balance and still, as we look forward, the timescale on the recovery of our industry is far from certain.

"During the most difficult of days those values have guided our decision-making. They led to the repurposing of the Empire Theatre as the Highland Council’s Humanitarian Aid Centre and to our Box Office Telephony System becoming the Covid-19 Helpline for Highland residents.

"In the summer they steered our response to the Black Lives Matter movement and our desire to commission an artistic response that moved and challenged those who came to see it.

"On behalf of myself, my board and all Eden Court staff we wish you and your loved ones the very best for the festive season."

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