A QUIRKY tale about a legendary warrior is being brought to life by talented actors this week to kick off the festive season.

Members of Kilmacolm Dramatic Society are staging their own version of King Arthur The Panto at the Kidston Hall.

Following their very successful show Habeas Corpus in the spring, the actors are raring to go for the Christmas spectacular, which features a whole array of colourful characters including a dragon, a dame and a wizard.

Society president John Gilchrist, who plays Dame Sarah Spendapenny in the production, said although King Arthur The Panto - written by Archie Wilson - is perhaps one of the lesser-known festive shows, it features all the ingredients of a good panto.

He added: "We have all the standard characters and all the usual fantastic costumes, silly jokes and shoutalong songs.

"It's a really participative production and we've got a live band playing songs that the audience will definitely know.

"It will kick off the festive season for us and for the whole village."

The dramatic Society recently received two grants - one from Kilmacolm Community Council and one from Inverclyde Council - and the money is being put to good use in the production.

The cash boost has covered the cost of new costumes and sound equipment which will make the performance brighter and sounding better than ever before.

John added: "We can't really afford to make big capital spends so this money made a huge difference to us.

"If we can improve our sound and our costumes, we'll have more people coming along."

Some of the characters in this year's festive feast of fun include Sir Laughalot, Evil Morgana and Duke Miserly of Camisole.

The production is being directed by Mandy Robinson, who directed the last three pantomimes, and the society is already planning for its spring 2023 show, The Steamie.

John said KDS could not make the shows happen without the support of the local community.

He added: "They give us fantastic support.

"It was great to see so many people turning up in the spring and it was hugely appreciated by all of us.

"At last year's panto we could only have the hall two thirds full due to social distancing but we're hoping for a full house this year."

*King Arthur The Panto runs on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening from 7.30pm and limited tickets are available for the Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. To book online visit kilmacolmdramaticsociety.co.uk/box-office