A PERFORMANCE of a popular fairy tale is set to be held in Paisley this Christmas.

It comes after the Scottish Opera announced they will be performing Engelbert Humperdinck’s, Hansel & Gretel on Thursday, December 14 and Saturday, December 16 at the Town Hall.

The shows are part of the celebration of the reopening of the iconic 19th-century venue which has recently undergone a multimillion-pound transformation.

Scottish Opera General Director, Alex Reedijk said: “Here at Scottish Opera, we have a great affection for Paisley, having had the warmest of welcomes when we opened our orchestra rehearsal rooms in Hillington in 2017 and brought our 2018 production of Pagliacci to Seedhill Playing Fields, as well as our collaboration with Disney in Schools to pupils at Todholm Primary in Paisley, St James’ Primary in Renfrew, and St Anthony’s Primary in Johnstone in recent years. 

“The Orchestra of Scottish Opera is also supporting the upcoming production of Macbeth by our friends at Paisley Opera, which was founded by Simon Hannigan who worked with us regularly over the years.  

“It’s a thrill to be staging Hansel & Gretel at Paisley Town Hall — recently transformed into a landmark entertainment venue — in December for two very special performances, so we hope you can join us!”

Director Roxana Haines said: “Follow Hansel and Gretel into an enchanted world through the doors of Paisley Town Hall, for an immersive, magic-filled journey deep into the woods.

"Sprinkled with joy and generosity, this fairy tale is dedicated to our children and our childhood selves, for all their courage, resilience and perspective.”

Councillor Lisa Marie Hughes, Chair of OneRen, the charitable trust which operates Paisley Town Hall, said: “We’re delighted to welcome back Scottish Opera to Paisley Town Hall.

“The venue has undergone an incredible £22 million refurbishment, creating one of Scotland’s finest performance venues.

“We can’t wait to welcome families to enjoy a festive performance of Hansel & Gretel from the wonderfully talented Scottish Opera team. It promises to be an amazing show on Paisley’s ‘new’ big stage.”