Glasgow-born entertainer John Barrowman and The Krankies became shipmates to launch this year's Clyde Auditorium Christmas panto.

Robinson Crusoe and the Caribbean Pirates will be their second successive year at this venue, and they climbed aboard The Tall Ship to start the countdown to the curtain raiser on December 17.

Last year the trio teamed up for the venue's first professional panto, Aladdin, which featured a 3D genie.

John, who was born in Mount Vernon but grew up in America, said: "I'm very excited. We've got 3D again, a flying dragon, an 18ft galleon and a really fun opening sequence."

The Krankies, Janette and Ian Tough, both 64, will play Captain Crusoe and Jimmy Crusoe.

The show runs until January 7. For tickets visit www.ticketsoup.com or call 0844 395 4000.