GREENOCK Players are preparing to serve up classic family fun with their fabulous panto Jack and the Beanstalk.
Port Glasgow teacher Claire Scott has written and directed the show and says it has been a 'great experience'.
The team have been rehearsing since August and the cast has a good mix of new faces and old favourites.
Claire, who works at St John's Primary, said: "We're just putting everything together, we're all very excited.
"We have people in the show who have never done a panto before, and veterans. We've all had a brilliant time and are looking forward to putting on a great show for the public."
The drama club, which is in its 80th year, says the show is bigger and better than ever.
The cast includes Graham Campbell who plays Jack's mum Dame Dolly, Laura Murdoch as Lady Malaria and Steve Gorman as the giant and Claire's own daughter, Charley, 20, as Jack.
Claire said: "Charley first went on stage when she was four years old when she played mini wishy-washy and it is the second time Graham has played her mother."
Claire is no stranger to the limelight, having performed with the players several times, and this is the fourth time she has written the festive show.
She said: "I love writing the panto. The players are so talented, I know how the lines are going to be delivered and how the jokes will be told as I am writing it. The players never fail to inspire me."
Claire says there is something special about the Greenock Players pantomime.
She said: "It was the longest-running amateur pantomime in Scotland. Then the run had to be cut down because of the Beacon's own pantomime and then there was Covid but we still put on a show online and in smaller venues, we never ever miss one.
"It is an important part of the culture of Inverclyde.
"There will be classic comedy, a bit of slapstick and getting wet. We always like to involve the audience. There will be all the music, colour and getting people into the Christmas spirit."
The show runs from Thursday November 30 until Saturday December 2 at 7.30pm with a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm.
Tickets cost £18 , concessions £16.
Block bookings are available on Wednesday November 29, all tickets cost £12. Contact Margaret Hoey 01475 792745 or visit www.beaconartscentre.co.uk
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