It will be Christmas but not as we know it.
And for stage stars at the Gaiety Theatre in Ayr, that means taking their annual festive panto on the road.
Instead of playing to packed houses at the famous auditorium, cast and crew have scripted their own version of a show currently being filmed throughout South Ayrshire.
Five short episodes will air between now and Christmas of the mini-panto named ‘The Scunner That Stole Christmas’.
The first episode, which airs tonight (Thursday), features children from Ayr’s Newton Primary playing a starring role as they bid to help find some festive joy.
The scenes were shot in the school’s playground and, as our pictures show, cast and children had a fantastic time.
Panto director, Ken Alexander, said: “We had a brilliant experience working with Newton Primary.
“The pupils threw themselves unreservedly into the filming with Dame Hylda and Jock the Joker.
“The staff were also really great in helping us to make it happen, with some of them featuring in special ‘not-to-be-missed’ onscreen roles.
“We can’t wait for people to see the episode when it’s broadcast.”
Newton headteacher, Fiona McAvoy, added: “It was an amazing experience for the children.
“They loved being so actively involved and seeing how the actors and a film crew carried out their work.
“It made everyone smile and laugh and sent the Christmas vibes very loudly through our local area.
“We cannot wait to see the final production.”
To view the show, visit the https://thegaiety.co.uk/savechristmas/ from 6.30pm tonight.
