Post-Christmas performances of an East Renfrewshire panto have been cancelled.

Gutted organisers of Peter Pan at Eastwood Park Theatre, in Giffnock, announced the news after reviewing the current Covid guidance.

Showings will go ahead up until and including December 24, but thereafter the curtain will close on the production.

A spokeswoman for the event told the Barrhead News: “We are very sorry to announce that, despite our best efforts, our panto will not go ahead from Sunday, December 26 until Thursday, December 30.

“We are deeply disappointed to cancel these performances but have done so after reviewing and considering Scottish Government Covid guidance.

“For customers with a booking between December 26 and 30, we will automatically issue a refund in early January.”

Production company Spillers Pantomimes have been staging the “show-stopping tale with a modern twist” at the theatre since Friday, November 26.

The show's experienced professional cast, featuring a host of Scottish talent, was first announced in October with organisers promising to put on the venue’s “biggest ever” Christmas spectacular.

It was welcome news for theatre fans and families alike after the festive fun was scrapped completely in 2020 as the virus led to strict lockdown rules.

After impressing directors at auditions, two East Renfrewshire schoolboys landed leading roles in this year’s show, joining the professionals on stage.

Christian Bell and Finlay Crawford have been taking turns playing John Darling.

The pair attend Stagecoach Theatre, in Newton Mearns, and were among hundreds of hopefuls who answered a casting call for talented performers looking for their lucky break.

The spokeswoman added: “We want to take this opportunity to thank our wonderful audiences, incredible cast and fantastic team of staff for their dedication, support and enthusiasm throughout our panto season.”