A Moray dramatic group is involved in a giant undertaking as it stages its first full-scale pantomime.
The Out of the Darkness theatre company is busy making final preparations for a performance of Jack and the Beanstalk next week.
Organisers say the show is their biggest yet, and hope the event can become am annual tradition every Christmas.
The Elgin-based outfit differentiates itself from other theatre groups by encouraging performers with disabilities to perform prominent parts.
Autistic 21-year-old, Grant Christie, will take the title role in the famous fairy tale during the production at Elgin’s St Giles Church.
Mr Christie, from Miltonduff, only caught the acting bug last year, but has “worked very hard” to stake his place as one of the ensemble’s best performers.
He said: “Sometimes I get nervous on the stage, but if I do a good job, my confidence increases.
“I enjoy that feeling, and I’d like to continue acting as I get older.”
The cast of 28 performers is comprised of people with learning difficulties and Moray College students.
The technical crew began preparing for the show in September, and were tasked with creating dazzling costumes and sets.
Writer Kevin Oakes penned the script, and said he was inspired by the “magic” of the Jack and the Beanstalk story.
He added: “We have done small shows touring schools for a few years, but this is our first big public pantomime.
“There’s a huge set, and a beanstalk that’s nearly 20ft tall, so we are making it a spectacle.”
Shows will take place on Monday and Tuesday, with doors opening at 7pm for a 7.30pm start.
Elgin City North councillor, Patsy Gowans, is a firm supporter of the charity and was among the first to book her ticket for Monday’s curtain-raiser.
Ms Gowans said: “Out of the Darkness’s spirit of inclusion is something I am keen to promote, the group means a lot to me.”
The organisation has been running for 24 years and lists Elgin-born movie star Kevin McKidd among its patrons.
