PUPILS at a Wee County secondary school are once again gearing up for a side-splitting Clacks pantomime.

The school community is being invited to Alloa Academy to boo, hiss and cheer as pupils under the direction of principal teacher Jamie Jack perform their pantomime Little Red ant the enchanted Red Rose.

Performances for the school community, as well as feeder primary schools, will go ahead over two evenings on Wednesday and Thursday, December 14 and 15, from 7pm.

The panto extravaganza will incorporate the tales of Little Red Riding Hood as well as Beauty and the Beast in a fun and energetic manner.

In the story, Little Red is highly concerned with wolf sightings and her friend, Eva (Beauty) has her own problems as she has just met Prince Clackmannan, who has been transformed into a beast.

Eva's mother, Ariana Twinkle Star, is just beside herself as the dastardly villains Edna Inglewood ,the local witch, and Count Damian Dunmar, the newly appointed head judge of the Alloa Town Hall Christmas Contest, plan to spoil Christmas forever in the Alloa Pantosphere.

Those heading along will find out whether good will prevail over evil on the two nights of the show.

Jamie Jack, principal teacher of the creative and aesthetic subjects at Alloa Academy, has been running successful pantomimes at the school for years.

He said: “I am really excited once again in my role as the writer, designer and director of what will be our fifth school Alloa Academy pantomime production.

“I have had the pleasure of working with a talented cast of S1-S6 students, who are super excited about doing a production to the local community and raising festive spirit.

“There are lots of backstage roles where the students are equally excited.

“This experience means the world to them and I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved through rehearsals every Thursday and Friday evening since August 2022.”

Auditions originally started in June and Mr Jack has had the pleasure of working alongside former student Libby Rodger who has been helping out when her drama college schedule allows.

Jamie Smith, another former student, has been taking photographs to support the production team as well.

Mr Jack added: “I would like to thank Nancy Smith, parent council treasurer, the Alloa Academy school office team and the Alloa Academy Parent Council for all of their support leading to this special event also.”

Thanks also go to sponsors Indigo Sun, Stirling Valet Service, Clackmannanshire Third Sector Interface, Alloa First, McMichael's Electronics Ltd, Buchan's Taxis and West End Skoda Garage in Stirling.

Tickets, £4 per adult and £2 per child, will go on sale on Monday, October 31, and are available during the school day – alternatively, call 01259 214979.