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 >>
Sponsored Links
Latest Lanarkshire News
Return to Middle Earth as The Lord of The Rings Trilogy celebrates its 25th anniversary at Vue
One of the most iconic and beloved fantasy trilogies of all time, The Lord of The Rings, is returning to the big screen at Vue venues across Scotland, as it celebrates its 25th anniversary.
READ MORE
Celebrate love with your PAWfect Valentine at Dobbies Garden Centres
Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting pet parents to celebrate Valentine's Day with their beloved furry friends in selected stores across the country!
READ MORE
Primary schools in Scotland given chance to win specifically curated Burns Supper from Aldi
Aldi Scotland is giving primary school pupils across Scotland the chance to enjoy a truly traditional Burns Supper, complete with all the trimmings, including a bagpiper.
READ MORE
Glasgow International Comedy Festival launches 2026 programme with over 100,000 tickets on sale
Glasgow International Comedy Festival has announced the full programme for 2026's event with 560 shows in 40 venues across the city from 11th - 29th March, and over 100,000 tickets now on sale!
READ MORE
Celebrate Burns Night 2026 at Flight Club
If you're looking for a fun way to celebrate Burns Night this year, head to Flight Club!
READ MORE
Calling all Gingers!
The IRN-BRU Carnival is showing appreciation to any fellow fiery headed pals by offering a bonus ride voucher to anyone visiting with ginger hair on Sunday 11th January!
READ MORE
Everything you need to know about Celtic Connections 2026
The renowned festival which every year transforms Glasgow in January into a must-visit destination for music lovers is now just over a week away.
READ MORE
Zizzi launches their January Birthday Jackpot
Zizzi's January Birthday Jackpot guarantees a special gift for adults born in January, with some lucky birthday guests receiving the jackpot prize - £100 towards their bill!
READ MORE
Litter picking dog charity aims to remove 44 million pieces of rubbish in 2026
Dog owners making an environmental New Year Resolution are hoped to boost the ranks of the Paws On Plastic charity to over 30,000 in 2026!
READ MORE
Brand new craft event encourages mindfulness, creativity and relaxation
Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting customers along to an afternoon of creativity, connection, and cake this January, with a brand-new Crafternoon Tea Club.
READ MORE
Famous faces share their DofE Award memories in celebration of their 70th anniversary
Anyone with a connection to The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is being invited to celebrate the charity's 70th anniversary by sharing their fondest DofE memories.
READ MORE
Dry or Try January: Flight Club is your go to January social spot
Whether you're ditching the booze and going dry for a month or embracing Try January with the goal of experiencing new things, Flight Club, ticks all the boxes!
READ MORE
Christmas has come early! Glasgow youngster wins the entire DreamToys list in national competition
One very lucky youngster from Glasgow has been crowned the winner of an incredible festive giveaway – taking home all 15 toys featured on this year's coveted DreamToys list.
READ MORE
Christmas has arrived in Glasgow, The IRN BRU Carnival returns for its 106th year
Europe's largest indoor fun fair, The IRN-BRU Carnival, has opened to the public at Glasgow's SEC with its greatest show to date!
READ MORE
Make a date with Destination Christmas
Looking to entertain the children with schools closing for Christmas? There's time to catch the last few days of Destination Christmas, a family festive spectacular at M&D's Scotland's Theme Park.
READ MORE
DF Concerts & Events launches The DF Academy
DF Concerts launches the DF Academy to strengthen pathways between education and Scotland's live music & events industry.
READ MORE
Win your way to the IRN BRU Carnival
The Duck Hunt is back bigger and better with over 150 ducks hidden across Glasgow and beyond!
READ MORE
DF Concerts & Events celebrates a year of sustainable and inclusive events
DF Concerts & Events is celebrating the success of their sustainability initiatives delivered across their major summer events in 2025.
READ MORE
Step into Christmas at Dalmeny Park with special festive menus and afternoon teas this December
Dalmeny Park is pulling out all the stops to make this festive season truly magical, unveiling its 2025 festive dining menus and afternoon teas available until 23rd December.
READ MORE
Scottish jazz talent in tune as award winners unveiled
The Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 celebrated the cream of the crop in the jazz scene on Sunday night, honouring outstanding artists and contributors at a memorable ceremony in Glasgow.
READ MORE
Anna Campbell Jones launches small batch Scottish botanical rum distilled in Glasgow
Interior designer, BBC Scotland's Home of the Year judge and entrepreneur Anna Campbell-Jones has released her first spirit.
READ MORE
Caledonia Gladiators launches most exclusive seat in Scottish sport in aid of GCH Charity
Scotland's basketball franchise Caledonia Gladiators has launched a unique new VIP experience – thought to be the most exclusive sporting seat in the country – in aid of charity.
READ MORE
Family run Jackton Distillery unveils bumper festive programme for 2025
Jackton Distillery, the family run Lowland distillery behind the RAER whisky, spirits and wine portfolio, has announced a packed Christmas calendar for December 2025.
READ MORE
Name the Loganair Christmas puffin and win a family adventure
Loganair, the UK’s leading regional airline, has launched a new festive competition to name the puffin starring in its emotional Christmas advert.
READ MORE
Festive fun on the farm at the National Museum of Rural Life
Celebrate the season with festive fun for the whole family at the National Museum of Rural Life.
READ MORE
Loch Lomond Shores Christmas Festival is a Christmas cracker this year!
A family rollercoaster, giant snow globe, rides, stalls, street food and live entertainment makes Loch Lomond Shores FREE Christmas festival the perfect Christmas day out for all the family!
READ MORE
Zizzi celebrates a fresh era with a new menu and app, by giving 132 people free pasta for one year
Zizzi has introduced a new food & drink menu across all its restaurants, launched a brand-new Zizzi app, and is giving 132 people free pasta for one year.
READ MORE
Festive Season at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched some new offerings designed for memorable Christmas stays, spectacular Hogmanay celebrations, and cozy winter escapes.
READ MORE
Second year of Urban Forestry Programme opens across Scotland
Community groups, organisations and schools across Scotland are being invited to apply for grants of up to £100,000.
READ MORE
Find a festive backdrop in Glasgow and the West
From frosty gardens to cosy tearooms, National Trust for Scotland places in Glasgow and the West are offering a host of winter experiences and special events this festive season.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links