An Alloa stage school's much anticipated annual pantomime kicked off last week at Alloa Town Hall.

Forefront Stage School is performing Aladdin and characters in this year's production include So-Shy, Su-Shee, Widow Twanky, the evil Abanazer, and more! All of the cast have dazzling and vibrant costumes, which bring some colour to the panto stage.

Forefront Principal, Amber Clark, said: "The cast of 83 have been fantastic. Many of them are in principle roles for the first time, while every year brings in a fresh intake of youngsters age six plus who will be the principles of the future.

"It's so encouraging and rewarding to see this continual progression. For example, Erin Aitken (plays Wishee Washee) joined Forefront at three years old and is now playing her final principle role aged 17."

The panto has received numerous positive comments on Facebook praising the show and the young performers.

"The cast feed off the energy of the crowd and they all really are having such a great time," added Amber. "Even with two shows a day, which we had on Friday and Saturday, they still maintain great energy levels.

"This Saturday, it's our closing two shows, and the Saturday night always ends on a high. The energy on that night is something else!"

This panto has been running since Friday, January 5 and will have its last performance on Saturday, January 13. Tickets are still available to purchase on TicketSource.

Speaking on her favourite part about this year's show, Amber said: "I've loved seeing the progress of a few principles that have really stood up and challenged themselves to take on these roles this year, with the progression continuing show by show. It really excites me about what we can do next year! I have big plans"

Once the pantomime is over, Forefront has several exciting plans lined up for the coming months. Twenty four senior pupils will be heading to New York City in July and they have been fundraising for their trip.

"We've raised a lot of money, people have been so generous," said Amber. "The kids are really excited about this fantastic opportunity. But before this, we have ballet exams in February, then four performances of our summer show in June, so plenty to focus on in between times.

"At Forefront we don't stop there's always something really exciting to work towards around the corner I just love it!"