The upside-down crazy world of panto is best summed up in the forthcoming Largs Players show where the leading man will be calling his dad "mammy." Oh yes, he will.

Matthew Wilkin has been cast as the 'Beast' in Laura Edison's pantomime version of 'Beauty And The Beast' and....wait for it.....his real life father Jon Wilkin is returning to festive action as the Dame!

So, there has been some suppressed and not so suppressed chuckles at Players' rehearsals for the December show as Matthew has to call his dad "mother" with lines that are already a hoot.

Talented director Laura Edison, who also writes and performs in her 'Scrubbers' shows, has collaborated with Alan McHugh, the professionally acclaimed 'King of Pantos' in Scotland to come up with an hilarious script. Anyone who has seen the blockbuster Disney movie of 'Beauty And The Beast' will also be entranced at the way the cartoon characters are brought to life on the local stage.

Laura is delighted to be back leading the traditional Players' pantos, which have been running for 45 years, and has attracted one of the biggest casts in the country.

However, she is particularly happy to have signed up Jon Wilkin who is returning to the funny Dame role after years of absence.

She said:"Undoubtedly, Jon is the best amateur dame on the west coast and are delighted that he will once again be donning the frock as Dame Betty Brisbane! Come and see what hijinks he gets up to this time!"

Tickets for the four shows from Thursday, December 7 to Saturday, December 9 (with matinee) are available at www.ticketsource.co.uk/largsplayers