Johnny McKnight has spent a lifetime in the pantosphere. After playing eighteen dames and writing more than thirty pantomimes, he invites you to take a peek underneath his hooped skirt and join him on a transformative journey.

She’s Behind You reflects on Johnny’s adventures in panto, entertaining audiences across Scotland over twenty years. Pantomime may be the most popular genre of theatre but it can also be the most conventional. His story is a testament to pushing the boundaries of the art-form through a candid exploration of identity, courage and – finally – acceptance.

She’s Behind You is a collaboration with award-winning director John Tiffany (Black Watch, Once, Let the Right One In) which unearths the magic, music and madness behind the curtain with a story as touching as it is hilarious. It’s a celebration of shifting traditions and the unexpected beauty found in the anarchy of pantomime.

Written and performed by Johnny McKnight, directed by John Tiffany

Commissioned by the National Theatre of Scotland and Traverse Theatre. Produced by the Traverse Theatre in association with the National Theatre of Scotland.

She’s Behind You was originally conceived as part of the Cameron Lectures, in association with the University of Glasgow and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Image by Alan Buttar - Muse Design