But two amateur companies – The Apollo Players and the Eaglesham music and drama group – have beaten the bigger theatres to the punch by staging shows this week.

Aladdin at the Mitchell Theatre is Apollo's very first panto.

Barry McGillion has a very important role – the dame, Widow Twankey.

Barry (27) told Extra Live: "Widow Twankey is Aladdin's mum, and all through the show I try and look after my wee boy".

Barry – who hopes to become a full-time performer – is an old hand, having been in more than 20 shows and worked with Scottish Opera.
But pantomime is a new challenge.

He said: "It's something quite different for the whole cast. But it's been very relaxed in rehearsals and we've all been enjoying ourselves – the show is really good fun.

"There are about 45 children in the cast, who are getting steadily more hyper as the first night approaches".

Meanwhile over the river, the Eaglesham music and drama group is rehearsing for Peter Pan.

Drama student Jennifer Mackenzie (20) has the title role.
She told Live: "When I found out that the group was doing Peter Pan I knew I had to take part.

"It was my favourite Disney movie and I love the story.
"My best friend Hannah is playing Wendy, and my mum is playing Smee.

"We've all been in the Christmas spirit since rehearsals began in October.

"It's really good fun for me as I get to skip about and be a pest. Also of course, Peter Pan flies – but that's all done by magic, so I can't tell you how".

Like Barry, Jennifer will also be swapping gender for the role. She said: "When JM Barrie first wrote it, he actually asked that a female play Peter Pan, because he wanted the character to look youthful and didn't think a man would look right".

ALADDIN is at the Mitchell Theatre from Tuesday to Saturday at 7.30pm, matinees Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30pm. Book tickets, £6-£14, on 569 9469 or via sbrussell@ntlworld.com.

Peter Pan is at Montgomerie Halls from Tuesday to Saturday, 7.30pm. Tickets are available from the Movie Cafe in Eaglesham.