Families can look forward to some festive fun as the Johnstone Phoenix Theatre Group stages its first panto since the start of the Covid pandemic.

Those who go along to see Cinderella at Johnstone Town Hall will be able to enjoy lots of singing and dancing, as well as audience participation.

Curtain goes up this Saturday, with the panto embarking on a week-long run following many rehearsals at local community hub Station Seven.

Jennifer Scott, who is playing Cinderella, said the cast and production team have been working hard since August to put together their take on the classic tale.

She told The Gazette: “Rehearsals have been going amazing. It’s such a positive environment to be in.

“It’s like coming back again as a big family for our first panto back in the town hall.

The Gazette:

“We are all super excited to show our audiences what we have been working on since August.”

Performers with Johnstone Phoenix were only able to organise a small Christmas concert – A Not So Silent Night – last year as their normal venue was being used as a Covid vaccination centre.

The group also had to cancel their production of Jack and the Beanstalk in 2020 due to lockdown restrictions.

For this year’s panto, the cast also features Daniel Inglis McDonald as Buttons, with Ross Adam and Craig Inglis McDonald as the Ugly Stepsisters.

Jennifer said: “Our tale of Cinderella is a traditional storyline with a few twists and surprises along the way.

“There will be a lot of audience participation, so we hope that our audiences have their voices ready to join in with the goodies and boo the baddies.

The Gazette:

“We hope they take away some panto magic, with a bit of festive Christmas cheer along with it.

“It’s not one to be missed. Our panto has something for all ages – fun and shenanigans for the young ones, as well as the mums and dads, along with some great musical numbers and upbeat dance numbers.”

Performances take place at 7.30pm each night from Saturday, November 26, until Saturday, December 3.

There will also be 2pm matinee shows on both Saturdays.

Tickets cost £15 (standard) and £12 (concessions).

To book or for more information, visit seaty.co.uk/jptgcinders or send an email to johnstonephoenixtickets@gmail.com.