The curtain may have just come down on one very successful play – but the actors at Dumbarton’s People’s Theatre are already turning their attention to their next big production.

Secondary Chances, the first play from the pen of Ally Priestley, completed its run on October 6, delighting audiences with its comedic insight into a school reunion.

But there was little break for those hard at work behind the scenes at the theatre as they held auditions for their Christmas pantomime last Tuesday evening.

And after nearly 40 actors descended on the club hall in Glasgow Road to read for the various roles, all of the main characters were cast.

Janette Barnes, who wrote this year’s panto along with Ally, Siobhan McCulloch and Andy Allan, told the Reporter: “Secondary Chances went really well and we had really good audiences who were most appreciative and enjoyed it, so I’m sure Alan must be thrilled.

“It’s always sad to finish a play, but we are ready to move onto something new - the panto is always a big thing and very well supported by the people in Dumbarton.

“The audition was very well attended by some very talented people and we could have cast it several times.

“We are still looking for someone to play Maizie the cow though, but I don’t know who that will be.”

Directed by Debbie Chalmers, this year’s production, called Freezin, sees a spell cast over Dumbarton, or Drumcarton, as it’s known in the panto, by the wicked queen, which leaves the town frozen over.

The dame will be played by John Maltman, while Sharon Rowatt will take on the role of the wicked queen.

There will be two heroes and a heroine, played by Robbie Hail, Ben Miller and Louise Brodie respectively, as well as three elves adding some extra comic value.

The pantomime will take place on Saturday December 8 and on December 10 to 15.

Tickets, which usually sell out on the day, will be available from McDermid’s Key Store on the High Street from November 10.