How Kirkcaldy indie rockers’ homage to home town became a moving panto moment
Indie rock band Shambolics didn’t have a panto hit on their list of goals for 2025, but a song they wrote as a homage to their home town of Kirkcaldy has moved audiences to tears of pride.
“Dancing On The Streets Of Raith” has become one of the stand-out moments in the five-star hit show, Oor Wee Mammy McGoose, at the Kings Theatre.
The Esplanade venue is home to Scotland’s wee-est professional panto, and its five-strong cast’s rendition of the song has earned rave reviews from audiences - to the delight of the band.
And now they plan to take in a show to see it for themselves.
Darren Forbes, singer and guitarist, said: “We’ve been blown away by this - they absolutely nailed it!”
The song features in the second half of the panto which celebrates the Lang Toun’s famous Links Market, and has earned five-star reviews across the board. It also showcases the band’s official video which features old family footage of life in Kirkcaldy from decades ago – creating a moving ‘wow’ moment for audiences.
The old cine footage was found in an attic and digitally restored by Darren’s uncle.
“When I saw it, I knew it had to go into a video,” he said. “ I had that idea before I had the song - it was too good not to be used.” Darren’s song has already become a staple at Stark’s Park on Raith Rovers’ match days, but he sees it as a song for his home town.
“It is something very different. Rovers have a great connection with the song and play it at every game which is fantastic, but I wanted it to be a song for Kirkcaldy - a bit like Geordie Munro which folk have sung for years. To see it get this exposure at the panto is great. I was more than happy for the song to be used.
“I thought they might play it through the PA. I didn’t realise it was going to be sung live - and it is amazing to hear. They sing it better than me! They told me it was going down a storm - people have had tears in their eyes.”
Now Glasgow based, Darren and the band are in “hermit mode” as they work on their next album ahead of a busy summer schedule on the road.
> Tickets and show info for Oor Wee Mammy McGoose at https://www.kingstheatrekirkcaldy.com/event-details/oor-wee-mammy-mcgoose