The Association was then able to use its community benefit clause with MCN Ltd, which supplies kitchens for its properties, to provide the money to bring Hopscotch Theatre Company to the town and perform Pinocchio. 

One night was for In Cahootz participants and their families and the second night was open to the Barrhead community. Over the two performances, they had a total of 222 in the audience. 

In Cahootz reached out to Bryan Dando, community investment manager at Barrhead Housing Association, to get support with their idea. In Cahootz Barrhead is currently supported through the Scottish Government’s Investing In Communities fund via Barrhead Housing’s Brighter Futures programme, this fund enables In Cahootz to provide free weekly drama workshops to children and young people. 

With over 70 participants attending each week, from primary to secondary, across all schools, they are developing drama skills, improving confidence, mental health and well-being and making lots of friends along the way. They use performance arts as the main tool to create a safe, nurturing, productive and creative environment, enabling BHA to put its core values into action.

Youth Theatre participants have the opportunity to achieve a Personal Development Award at Levels 4 and 5, which is delivered by In Cahootz in partnership with Fife College. Part of the Personal Development Award saw the four participants design and create a Christmas bauble for every family to take home as a special memory from their Panto experience. 

Along with the bauble, all families were given a Christmas snack bag, a Santa hat and water which was possible thanks to Linking communities, Studio 18, Tesco and Community members.

Annmarie Strain, In Cahootz, said: “I would like to thank everyone who helped support me bring this idea to our community. Our team at In Cahootz, our funders, local businesses and the community, I couldn’t do it without you. I was always told if you don’t ask you won’t get, so I asked. 

“Our town is at the heart of all I do, I am very privileged to be able to work in the community that I grew up in and love. I had opportunities as a young person that came to me through Dunterlie Youth Theatre, youth clubs and school, these opportunities and memories are what drive me to do what I do. 

“I was blessed to have that one person who inspired, believed and encouraged me. If I can make a difference to one persons life and give them the tools they need to feel empowered and confident, I am happy. If I can bring that to the whole community, I can only hope that we all become that ‘one person’ who inspires and believes.  As the story of Pinocchio goes, believe in you and all you are…make your dreams come true!”

Bryan Dando, community investment manager, added: “We were delighted to utilise our community benefits clauses with MCN limited, who were able to pay for a 2-night panto to happen in our local community.  

“Pantomime is traditionally associated with Christmas, but the nearest one to Barrhead their tickets start at £14 a child, which is a lot of extra money for families to consider spending over the Christmas period, with it often being unaffordable once you factor in travel and refreshments, so we were delighted to be able to work with MCN limited and In Cahootz to make this free opportunity happen, put a lot of smiles on children’s faces this year.”