If audience participation is a sure sign of a successful panto, then Largs Players' Beauty and the Beast certainly excelled as the crowd was hanging on every word of this rip-roaring gag-packed production.

Even when the villain of the piece asks herself if our young heroine Bell would be the one who loves the beast, and a young child immediately shouts out 'No',  you know you are on to a sure fire winner!

Barrfields Theatre was packed for the show which was written by Alan McHugh but given a fresh local edge by Laura Edison, familiar to many in Largs for her Pint Size Productions adult pantos, and 'Scrubbers'.

But Laura showed that she could turn her hand to family fun with consummate ease too, and you could tell too that the cast were having a ball, and so were the crowd who lapped it up.

Largs Academy fifth year pupil Katie Bell was our heroine Bell, and she displayed great confidence on stage with a beautiful singing voice.

The Beast, with some top notch special effects, and brooding voice, was brilliantly played by Matt Wilkin, and certainly pulled at the heartstrings.

However, he was largely hidden from view as 'Chewbacca', as he was nicknamed by Boaby Brisbane.

Largs and Millport Weekly News:

Boaby, played by Matt Carnegie, and mum Betty, starring Jon Wilkin, were a first class double act, providing plenty of mirth and merriment, and even some big words including 'ingredients'. Where did you learn that from?" barked panto dame Betty. "The script!" replied Boaby to hoots of laughter from the crowd.

Largs and Millport Weekly News:

Of course, other crucial ingredients are the wretched villains, and there were some real rotters to boo and hiss in this extravaganza with Stephanie Caldwell leading the way in style as Evelina, almost channelling Batman's Catwoman in her dark outfit, while Andy Lambert's brilliantly zany Jean Claude reminded me of Rik Mayall's Lord Flashheart from Blackadder 2. Woof! 

It was an excellent cast with many established Largs Players regulars including Miles Schofield as ShaunDeLier (geddit?!), Mrs Teacake (Pat Nicol), Willie Mullen (Pierre), and many more. 

Largs and Millport Weekly News:

From swashbuckling sword fights, to some explosive effects on stage, Largs Players once again pulled out all the stops a fantastic fun evening for all ages, even a former Wren in 92 year old Jean Watson sitting in the audience, showing that you are never too young to enjoy a Largs Players panto!

Largs and Millport Weekly News:

Cast: Fairy - Kim Margery, Beast - Matt Wilkin, Evelinia - Stephanie Caldwell, Belle - Katie Bell, Pierre - Willie Mullen, Betty Brisbane - Jon Wilkin, Boaby Brisbane -Matt Carnegie, Jean Claude - Andy Lambert, ShaunDeLier - Miles Schofield Madame Ikea - Linda McMurray, Chanel - Daisy Wilson, Mrs Teacake - Pat Nicol, Hundreds: Derren Milligan, Thousands: Anya Milligan, Sadie: Alison Goldie, Moany Lisa; Christine Ann Spitoni, Fork: Dot Gosling, Spoon: Kathleen McKenna, The Dustettes: Fiona Carruthers, Lynne McCabe, Kim Margery,

Chorus: Karen McKinlay, Angie Kelly, Morag Douglas, Soloists: Laura Newton and Joshua Garrod, Dancers; Anne McCarron, and Abbie Ducat. Youth ensemble: Megan Wigzell, Lara Morrison, Anna Wylie, Louise Russell, Ruby McGill, Mairi Cameron.

Director: Laura Edison, Production Assistant: Maggie Telfer, Musical Director: David Edwards, Keys: David Edwards, Chris Kelly, Colin Young, Guitar/Mandolin Al Black, Bass; Stuart McArthur, Drums: Gavin Lidbury

Largs and Millport Weekly News: