The Beacon Arts Centre in Greenock is celebrating a record-breaking year for its Christmas pantomime.

The venue welcomed more than 17,000 audience members to its unique production of Aladdin.

Families packed into the theatre across 40 performances to join in the fun and see Still Game favourites Jane McCarry and Mark Cox spread some festive cheer.

Aladdin, also starring River City’s Jimmy Chisholm as the panto Dame, took audiences on a magic carpet ride to the fairy tale kingdom of Greenock.

They watched as love blossomed between Aladdin and Princess Jasmine, played by James Dawoud and Shannon Swan, and as Lee Samuel’s Wishee Washee became his brother’s right-hand man.

The panto, which ran from 9 to 31 December, was produced entirely in-house for the first time since 2014. It was written by Alan McHugh and directed by Beth Morton.

Annual ticket sales in the years before the covid pandemic were around 16,000.

Pauline Kane, director of ICC Member, Beacon Arts Centre, said: “This year’s pantomime was a huge success and we were delighted to see a record number of people turn out at the Beacon during the run.

“It was made even more special knowing that the show was produced in-house and we are extremely proud of our talented creative teams and staff for all of their hard work.

“This year’s cast, including Beacon regulars Jane McCarry and Mark Cox, outdid themselves and thoroughly deserved every round of applause they received.

“As we kick off 2023, we want to say thank you to our audiences for their continued support.”

Beacon Arts Centre