The curtain is set to go up on the Greenock Players' annual pantomime - and the cast and crew are promising that this year's show will be bigger and better than ever.

The club is in its 80th year, and as well as retaining the traditional fun, slapstick and local jokes of past performances, members are also hoping to reach out to youngsters in the audience.

Director Karen Henry, who starred in her first panto in 1983, told the Tele they have introduced some social media references to get down with the kids.

The Players' panto is at the Beacon from November 28-30. (Image: George Munro)

Karen said: "We will have a bit in the programme for kids on 'brainrot' - a bit of social media.

"We also have a TikTok number, and we have a new screen to try out some new technology featuring people of local interest.

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"We are basically throwing everything at it. We have more than 40 cast members and 100 costumes."

Karen says there will also be eighties music for the mums and dads, a Harry Potter scene, and a messy scene with slime.

Graham Campbell and Chris Gavin play the Ugly Sisters. (Image: George Munro) The cast is a mixture of young actors who have come through the Players' youth section and veterans who have been with the club for 40 years.

Karen said: "There is something for everyone. We've had so much fun, so many laughs at rehearsals.

The role of Cinderella will be played by Ailee Gray, 20, who is performing in her 12th panto after joining the Players when she was eight.

"It's been a load of fun," Ailee said. "I feel excited about bringing the show to an audience and getting their reaction."

And Amanda Potter, who takes on the role of the Handsome Prince, said she is looking forward to having some banter with the audience.

The Players promise plenty of laughs at the show, with Mary Goodwin as the wicked stepmother conniving with her daughters.. (Image: George Munro) She said: "We've had lots of giggles. I'm looking forward to the stage, light, make-up and costumes and seeing the show all coming together."

Graham Campbell has built up a bit of a following over the years as the Players' 'panto dame', and this year plays one of the ugly sisters, Chardonnay, alongside another veteran, Chris Gavin, as Chantelle.

Graham said: "It's been great. Over all the years we've been doing this, the is the first time Chris and I have done this together.

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"It's been great fun, I've been so lucky. I've been with the Players since 2006 and Chris Joined in 1995."

Mary Goodwin, who is a class act as the wicked stepmother, has clocked up 40 years on the stage.

Ailee Gray plays Cinderella alongside Amanda Potter as the Handsome Prince. (Image: George Munro)

Karen said: "We are like a family. People have made life-long friendships and even met their partners through the Players."

This year's pantomime runs at the Beacon Arts Centre from Thursday, November 28 to Saturday, November 30, with performances at 7.30pm each night and a matinee at 2.30pm on the Saturday.

To book tickets visit beaconartscentre.co.uk/events.