BEACON bosses are casting their net far and wide for aspiring young Inverclyde actors to star alongside Still Game duo Mark Cox and Jane McCarry on stage.

The waterfront venue will once again be holding open auditions on Friday August 26 for children aged nine to 16 to be part of the junior chorus for their annual Christmas pantomime, which this year is an adaptation of Disney classic Beauty and the Beast.

This year’s show will run for seven weeks, starting on Friday December 9.

Those children who are successful in gaining a place in the show will star alongside Still Game actors Mark, aka miserly Tam Mullen, and Jane, better known as Craiglang gossip queen Isa Drennan.

Both are familiar with the Greenock theatre after Mark played baddie Abanazar in Aladdin in 2015 while two years ago Jane was the Fairy Godmother in Cinderella.

This time round Jane will star as wicked fairy Nightshade with Mark taking on the role of loyal and dedicated servant Angus.

But panto bosses are keen for local talent to share the limelight.

Steve Boden, from show producers Imagine Theatre, said: “We feel the open auditions are a really important part of the pantomime process as it is a wonderful way for the local community to get involved and it gives any child who wants to be part of the panto the opportunity to do so.

“For any youngster who is thinking of going into the entertainment business it is a great chance to work on a professional production.

“Live theatre is a lot of hard work but great fun as well.”

For more information and to download an application form visit www.imaginetheatre.co.uk

Forms will be available to fill out at the open audition but people are asked to complete them in advance to minimise waiting times on the day.