THE stage is set for the Beacon’s annual Christmas pantomime ahead of its launch tomorrow night.

Excitement is building for the Greenock theatre’s production of Snow White, starring Still Game duo Jane McCarry and Mark Cox.

The three-and-a-half week, 31-show run starts tomorrow and the cast can’t wait to get started.

Mark, aka Craiglang miser Tam, said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be back in panto at the beautiful venue with the best audience in Scotland — the mighty Beacon Arts Centre in Greenock.”

TV co-star Jane, who plays gossiping pensioner Isa in the hit BBC show, is equally excited about returning to the waterfront theatre for her third stint in panto — and second year alongside her Still Game pal, who was also in Aladdin in 2015.

Jane said: “There isn’t a more beautiful spot in Scotland to be doing pantomime.

“Looking out onto the Clyde every morning makes my heart sing.”

The cast have been busy in rehearsals this week ahead of Friday’s curtain-raiser.

Jane is playing the role of the ‘Wicked Witch, Mark as her sidekick ‘The Duke of Argyll’ while funnyman Jimmy Chisholm is back as the panto dame with another familiar face in Lee Samuel, who is also returning to Greenock as ‘Muddles the Jester’.

Completing the line-up are two new faces with Stephanie Falls taking on the title role of ‘Snow White’ and Blair Robertson as the dashing ‘Prince Calum’.

David Goodall, who returns to the director’s chair, said: “I’m delighted to have so many of the cast from last year back again as they were a huge hit with the audiences.

“It has also been a pleasure to meet our new cast members who are all fabulous.

“The rehearsal period is always both great fun and a lot of hard work as we have just one week in the rehearsal room before we move in to the theatre for tech and dress rehearsals ahead of opening on Friday.

“Last year’s show proved to be a massive success and so expectations are high for Snow White, but I am confident we have a stunning show in the making.

“The script has been written by Alan McHugh once more, and with the comedy being led by Jimmy and Lee it is hilarious and I do spend most of the day with a smile on my face, which is a good sign!”

Snow White runs from Friday until Sunday December 31.
For full listings and to buy tickets call the box office on 723723 or visit www.beaconartscentre.co.uk