Gary: Tank Commander returns to entertain the troops!

The SEC Armadillo have announced that the legendary Gary: Tank Commander is back by popular demand to entertain the troops in this year's wish-filled family pantomime, Aladdin!

Article Source: SEC
Last Updated: 28 June 2021 15:41

Joining him will be Still Game comedian and actor Gavin Mitchell, with comedian and singer Leah MacRae.

Packed with all the traditional pantomime ingredients SEC audiences know and love, Aladdin will feature laugh out loud comedy, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and plenty of boos and hisses in a production packed with flying carpets, a wish-granting genie, an evil sorcerer and a plate or two of Gary’s much-loved cheesy pasta.

The creator behind Gary, Scottish-born Greg McHugh, trained at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. Alongside writing and starring as Gary: Tank Commander, for which he was nominated for a Scottish BAFTA, he also reprised the role live on stage at The SSE Hydro for three sold out nights. Greg is also well-known for playing Howard in Fresh Meat, Eddie Scott in The A Word and David in Traitors for Channel 4. Gary will be swapping the 104th Royal Tank Regiment for the Armadillo stage, starring in the title role of Aladdin.

Proving he’s “Still Game” for the world of pantomime, Gavin Mitchell stars alongside Greg as the evil Abanazar. Best known as Boaby the barman in the popular sitcom, Gavin has also appeared in Monarch of the Glen, in the sketch show Velvet Soup and the BBC Scotland series Empty.

Joining them as Aladdin’s fabulous mother, Mrs Twankey, will be River City star, comedian and singer Leah MacRae, who also co-starred with Greg McHugh in Gary: Tank Commander. Leah has been a regular on River City for over four years, additionally appearing in episodes of Rab C Nesbitt, Comedy Lab and Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps. She also starred as Jenny in the BBC sitcom Grownups opposite Sheridan Smith.

The pantomime will once again be produced by Jonathan Kiley for Crossroads Pantomimes. Jonathan said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be back at the SEC Armadillo this Christmas and have been using the last year to plan for our biggest and best panto yet. Alongside the amazing returning cast we’ll once again be working with special effects company The Twins FX to create a truly memorable experience for our SEC audience.”

Speaking of the cast announcement, Debbie McWilliams, Director of Live Entertainment at the SEC said: “We are so excited to welcome Greg, Gavin and Leah back to the Scottish Event Campus. It’s been a challenging year for everyone, and we can’t wait to see audiences return to the SEC Armadillo for their much-missed dose of family festive cheer. We know we’re in for an extra special, magical and hilarious show!”

Aladdin will be produced by Crossroads Pantomimes, the world’s biggest pantomime producer and the Olivier Award winning team behind the SEC’s festive production.

Running from Saturday 11 December to Wednesday 29 December 2021, audiences should point their magic carpets towards the Clyde and book seats for a high-flying family pantomime adventure.

Tickets are priced £13.50 - £39.50 (inc. admin fee) are on sale now >>

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest East Renfrewshire News

SAY Award opens submissions for eligible albums

Scotland’s national music prize – the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award – has opened submissions for 2025’s £20,000 prize.

Great value summer holiday activities at Dobbies Garden Centres

This summer, gather the whole family and head to Dobbies Garden Centres for a day of fun-filled activities that will keep costs down.

FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores returns on 5th and 6th July

Summerfest, the FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores, is back on the 5th and 6th of July with lots of things to see and do!

Flag raised to commemorate Armed Forces Day in East Renfrewshire

East Renfrewshire Council raised the Armed Forces Day flag today to mark Armed Forces Day which will be held on Saturday 28th June.

Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show

The biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!

July events at Dobbies Garden Centres

Check out July at Dobbies with it's Little Seedlings Club on rainforests and Grow How on pest control and healthy gardens!

Historic Environment Scotland calls for public stories for national wellbeing exhibition

Historic Environment Scotland is calling for people across the country to connect with heritage to boost their wellbeing as a part of a national campaign, Historic Places, Breathing Spaces.

Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 adds two new categories and voting deadline extended!

Scotland's hospitality industry and customers have spoken, and the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 has listened!

Busby pub celebrates triple award success

A Busby pub is one of six locals to have been selected from 2,400 around the UK to receive a prestigious Recognition Award from Heineken-owned Star Pubs.

Just Announced: Stars Set for the Stage at Eastwood Park Theatre

Eastwood Park Theatre has announced a whole host of brand-new shows featuring well-known faces.

25th year of Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway

Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway today, kick-starting nine days of dance performances, film screenings, visual art and photography exhibitions and community events across the country.

Exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland

Tickets are on sale for an exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland, with fans in for an extra special treat to take home.

Acclaimed debut Only Here, Only Now from Tom Newlands chosen as Waterstones Book of the Month in Scotland

The paperback edition of Only Here, Only Now by Tom Newlands has just been released - and is already making waves.

East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure launches search for sports supporting superstars

East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure has launched a search for local sports supporters in the community to recognise at its annual Sport and Physical Activity Awards.

Funding Boost for Charities at Scottish Building Society AGM

Scottish Building Society marked its Annual General Meeting (AGM) by announcing funding to support eight local charities and good causes across the country.

Classic car enthusiasts set to visit Loch Lomond Shores

Visitors are invited to come along and get up-close to some amazing cars, set against the beautiful backdrop of Loch Lomond, as part of a great day out.

Paws, play and heritage on parade

Bark by popular demand, the Gordon Setter Parade returns on Saturday 5th July as part of the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair, held at the stunning Scone Palace.

Dobbies hosts brand new Fairy Garden Tea Party

Dobbies Garden Centres are inviting families across the UK along to its stores on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th of June to spend a magical afternoon filled with fun activities and good food.

How to train your Dad in 4DX Cineworld enlists Gerard Butler

Cineworld is launching a brand new 4DX Father's Day gift experience, containing two 4DX tickets and ponchos, perfect for experiencing the new live-action "How to Train Your Dragon" film.

Summer of Roses: Free gardening workshop at Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a free Rose-themed Grow How workshop this June, sharing top tips for caring for this beloved flowering plant.

Cheers to 30 years: Scottish Bar and Pub Awards celebrate with public voting now open

Scotland's longest-running hospitality awards turn 30 - and they want you to have your say!

Loch Lomond Unplugged is coming this weekend!

Loch Lomond Unplugged, our FREE showcase of talented buskers and singer/songwriters, is this weekend and we’re super excited to welcome great acts from across Scotland and beyond!

Veterans celebrate Health for Heroes Award at VE Day event

East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure invited veterans for afternoon tea at Barrhead Foundry to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.

Dig into summer fun at Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting children to come along to its free-to-attend Little Seedlings Club, taking place across the country this June.

Aldi to gift year supply of free beer to biggest beer lover in Scotland

Aldi Scotland is on the hunt for the nation's biggest beer lover, as it revamps its popular Best Home Bar Competition by expanding the criteria.

Milestone year for Refugee Festival Scotland

Refugee Festival Scotland has officially unveiled the programme for its highly anticipated 2025 edition, running from 13 – 22 June.

Aldi Scottish Sport Fund offers Glasgow and West of Scotland clubs the chance to access funding

Aldi's Scottish Sport Fund 2025 has returned for its tenth year, giving local sports clubs in Glasgow and the West of Scotland the opportunity to receive a share of £50,000 in funding.

Vue to host marvellous superhero season welcoming classic X Men films back to the big screen for 25th anniversary

Film fans, families and comic book enthusiasts are invited to rediscover the original big screen superhero team as a series of classic X-Men films return to the big screen at Vue this month.