Halo Arts brings Glasgow's only non-profit community panto back to Maryhill

Oh yes it is. Halo Arts, the Glasgow-based community arts organisation, is bringing back its much-loved non-profit pantomime this winter with Wee Jock and the Beanstalk, a show designed to keep the magic of panto within reach of every family in the city.

From 30 November to 18 December 2026, the show will tour schools and community venues across Glasgow, aiming to visit up to 50 venues and reach up to 18,000 people, many of whom might not otherwise be able to afford to see a panto at all. The tour brings a fully staged, interactive show straight into school and community halls, with no travel needed for audiences.

The run then culminates in public performances at Maryhill Community Central Halls from 19 to 23 December, and there will also be a charity fundraising performance at the Kelvin Hall with WestFest on 9 December.

As a non-profit, Halo Arts' mission is to remove financial barriers. Founder and artistic director Brendon McIlroy, who writes and produces the show, said big city centre pantos can charge 35 pounds or more a ticket, which is too much for many families. Halo Arts tickets start at 13 pounds, and a family of four can go for 50 pounds. The panto, he said, is also one of Glasgow's biggest community projects, which is exactly what Halo Arts is about: affordable, accessible events for the whole community.

This year's cast stars River City's Jasmine Main as Sammy, with Megan Gall as Wee Jock, Mori Christian as Poison Ivy and Maw Nature, and Duncan Macleod as the Lord Provost. Lyell Walker returns as the dame, the bonkers Senga Spott. The show is directed by long-time Halo Arts team member Kelly Davie.

The organisers promise all the glitter, laughs and sing-alongs of a traditional pantomime in a friendly community venue, describing it as a panto made for the community and by the community.

With the cost of a family day out rising, it is a festive tradition that many local families will be glad to see return.

Tickets for the Maryhill performances are on sale at wearehaloarts.com, where schools and community venues can also book the touring show.