ALISON CLELAND
Q&A with Ayrshire’s Very Own Stage Actress
Gill Sherry
Ayrshire’s Alison Cleland is well-known in the theatre industry. Her previous roles have included Enid in Legally Blonde and Magrit in The Steamie, but she’s far more than a stage actress. Add musical director, composer, musician, singer and lyricist to her CV and you get some idea as to just how talented this lady really is.
Since graduating from Motherwell College in 2011, Ali Cleland has become one of the most respected names in Scottish theatre. And the best thing? She’s about to star in Beauty & The Beastie, Kilmarnock’s Magical Family Pantomime at The Galleon Auditorium.
We caught up with Ali ahead of this year’s panto to find out more about this multi-talented performer.
How/When/Why did you first get into acting?
I was always interested from a young age. I started off in my local Amateur group, CAMPS, and then went on to Apollo Players in Glasgow. I met some friends there who were studying at Motherwell College and it all just fell into place from there!
Was it always the stage, rather than the screen, that appealed to you?
I’ve done some screen work, but live theatre is where my heart is. Nothing can beat the buzz of an audience, especially on an opening night!
What do you enjoy most about it?
I love working with an audience, especially in comedy. They become a member of the cast. Some nights you need to work harder than others but that’s the thrill of it. You never know how things will be received. I kinda love that.
What has been your favourite role so far?
Definitely Magrit in The Steamie. I’m on tour with it at the moment and it’s been a dream role of mine to play.
You recently did a four-year tenure with The Gaiety in Ayr. That must have been special for you as an Ayrshire lass.
I had the best time at Ayr, it’s such a gorgeous theatre and the staff and volunteers are so lovely to work with. I get really sentimental when I get to play The Gaiety or The Palace Theatre in Kilmarnock. I have lots of memories from my childhood and it’s a real sense of home, which I love.
You co-wrote Hen-Night Horror with Fraser Boyle. Tell us about that.
Where do I start? It was a passion project through the dreaded Covid, and we’ve been so lucky to work alongside Imagine Theatre/Trafalgar Theatre and get it out on the road for a second time. I can’t really describe it, but all I will say is if you fancy laughing till you greet, get along!
Which of your many roles (acting, writing, directing…) do you prefer?
I’m not sure I could choose. I love it all and I’m super lucky to get to do it all.
What can you tell us about your upcoming role in Beauty & The Beastie?
I’m playing the enchantress this year and I believe it’s not a villain role which is new for me! I’m so used to getting boos I won’t know what to do with myself… although I’ll have plenty after!
You’re obviously no stranger to panto. What keeps them fresh from an actor’s point of view?
I think you need to have a love for panto and that’s what keeps it fresh. You spend the whole year working away and panto is always the cherry on top! I never get bored of panto, it’s a tradition I’m thrilled to be part of.
Panto is a real British tradition. Why do you think they remain so successful?
It’s nostalgia. It brings families, work colleagues, friends etc together. And it’s usually a child’s first experience of theatre, so the fact you can keep that tradition going… I think that’s why people come back every year.
What are your plans for 2027?
Well, I’m writing some new material with Fraser which is exciting! So next year could be a year developing new work and getting my creative boots on!
You can enjoy Beauty & The Beastie from Friday 27th November until Sunday 27th December at The Galleon Auditorium, Kilmarnock. Tickets are available from www.ayrshire360.com.
