MEMBERS of Haddington Dementia Friendly singing group have enjoyed a day out to the theatre.

The group travelled into Edinburgh on the Handicabs bus and enjoyed the Scottish Ballet production of The Snow Queen in a special audience-friendly performance.

Staff at the Festival Theatre greeted the visitors, who sang Christmas carols and songs on their way to the show.

A spokesperson for the group said: “Sandwiches, falafel, mini quiches and sausage rolls, followed by shortbread, rocky road and mini mince pies, all washed down with tea and coffee and every mouthful a treat.

“Then it was time to make their way into the theatre itself and find their seats but they just had to stop and have a group photo taken with one of the principal dancers, who was delighted to oblige.

“They settled into their excellent seats, with plenty of legroom for the taller ones, and waited, hushed, for the performance to begin.

“The lights dimmed, but not all the way, the orchestra struck up and the ballet began.

“It was quite magical as the dancers told the story based on Hans Christian Andersen’s tale, when the Snow Queen pierces Kai’s heart with a shard of ice and turns him away from his beloved.

“Some of the scenes were amazing: a circus with clowns and a strongman, a ringmaster and acrobats, a gypsy encampment with a gypsy violinist and gypsies around a real fire!

“The children in the audience loved it. A couple of wee girls danced up and down with the music and babies were mesmerised by the colour and sparkle of it all. It didn’t matter if some of the audience got up and moved about, or went out for a break or talked, this was a performance for them and they could feel comfortable and at ease in such surroundings.

“The time flew by, the lovers were reunited and all ended happily just as everyone wanted.

“The dancers took their bows and the applause and cheers from the audience demonstrated how much everyone had enjoyed it and appreciated the theatre staff’s efforts to make it a successful and friendly show.”