BEACON bosses say their panto Aladdin was just magic — as it brought a record 11,000 visitors to the Greenock theatre.

The waterfront venue was packed from December 11 to January 2 during the three-week run of the star-studded show.

It was the third professional panto at the Beacon since it opened in 2013 and featured the likes of Still Game actor Mark Cox, River City’s Keira Lucchesi and Ryan Fletcher, of Gary Tank Commander fame.

Pauline Kane, Beacon general manager, said: “We worked very hard to provide Inverclyde with the best pantomime we possibly could.

“Judging by the reactions we received through audience interviews and on social media it has obviously been a success.

“We particularly enjoyed working with sponsors Oak Mall, who helped spread the Aladdin word and a particular high point was when our panto cast helped X Factor’s Jay James switch on their Christmas lights.

“The cast also made two little girls’ Christmas even more magical when they came out to meet them personally.

“Organised by Dreams Come True, Hollie Watt and Emma Mackintosh posed alongside the cast for photos after enjoying the show.”

The Beacon panto not only impressed families from across Inverclyde and beyond but also the sponsors from the shopping centre, who were impressed with the show.

Mall manager Claire Jefcoate said: “We had a wonderful time at Aladdin, the standard of performance was extremely high and the hospitality provided by the Beacon was fantastic.

“It was lovely for Oak Mall to have an event to attend which allowed families to experience such great entertainment.”