We are very excited to announce that Johnny McKnight will be stepping back into the glittery shoes of the glamorous Dorothy Blawna-Gale as part of Travfest 25.

Directed by John Tiffany,She’s Behind You is a deliciously honest, wicked and moving unpicking of the significance of one of the most beloved and enduring characters in all British theatre, the Panto Dame and will be on the Traverse stage throughout August.

We are delighted to be working with John Tiffany again, (Let the Right One In, Macbeth and Black Watch for National Theatre of Scotland as Associate Director) and with Johnny McKnight following Thrown, Rapunzel – A Hairy Tale Adventure for NTS, and the recently announced The High Life – The Musical in 2026.

She’s Behind You reflects on Johnny’s adventures in panto, entertaining audiences across Scotland over twenty years, having played eighteen dames and written more than thirty pantomimes.

Johnny’s story is a testament to pushing the boundaries of the art-form in this candid exploration of identity, courage and acceptance, and a celebration of shifting traditions and the unexpected beauty found in the anarchy of pantomime.

Johnny McKnight said

"They always told me a panto dame was strictly for Christmas… they were wrong. I am delighted to be putting the padded suit through the 90-degree wash to bring Dame Dorothy Blawna Gale to the Traverse Theatre this festival. It’s been a long twenty years in the pantosphere and it’s about time Dorothy shares with you her story. She’s travelled in her age-appropriate leisure shoe from the west coast and is ready to bring a bit of panto cheer to all her festival chookies. So grab your ticket, sink your large glass of vino (and then moan about the price of vino during festival season) and get ready to travel down the yellow brick road with yours truly…."

Other creative team members include Production Designer Kenny Miller, Lighting Designer Grant Anderson and Composer & Sound Designer Ross Brown.

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.

Further info https://www.nationaltheatresco...