A panto war has broken out in Angus with the council cast as the villain of the piece by local drama groups.
Angus Council has been accused of attempting to “poach” audiences away from amateur productions across the county.
The row was sparked after large banners promoting the council’s professional panto Babes in the Wood at Arbroath’s Webster Theatre sprung up in neighbouring towns.
Alison Niven, a committee member from Brechin’s Combined Productions, said: “It’s a real kick in the teeth.It’s hard enough for us to get bums on seats without the council trying to poach away our audiences.”
Susan Douglas, president of Forfar Musical Society, said she was “angry and disappointed” when she saw the banner.
“We would never consider trying to display our flyers and posters advertising our pantomime in neighbouring towns due to respect for our fellow societies.
“I fully understand that every society, both amateur and professional, have to promote their own shows in order to encourage potential audience members, but we should all respect each other’s hard work.”
Treasurer Christine Gibson added: “Local groups rely on the local public attending their performances and have to do major fund-raising to put on a panto.
“The council charge us dearly to hire out halls and we have to raise money all year round to be able to put on a show,” she said.
“It’s hard enough for societies to make ends meet without professional companies advertising locally.”
Mrs Douglas had earlier posted her anger on the society’s Facebook page and was soon inundated with messages of support.
Among them was Ruth Doctor from Kirriemuir Musical Society, who said: “I would be angry if other societies had their posters or banners up when we were trying to drum up an audience.
“It must be much worse during pantomime season as this is usually just in December and therefore you are all fighting for an audience at the same time.”
Caroline Pennant-Jones, a committee member of Arbroath’s Abbey Theatre, said: “Our panto is on course to sell out again this year but I do feel the council could do more to support local groups and allow them to advertise in Webster Theatre as well.”
A council spokesman said: “Webster Theatre is run on a professional, commercial basis like similar venues throughout Scotland.
“We are delighted that the pantomime Babes in the Woods is proving so successful and do not see it as conflicting with other pantomimes and other Christmas shows being staged in towns and villages throughout Angus.”