LETTERKENNY Pantomime Society are making their annual return to the stage with their eagerly-anticipated new show.
This year they will perform family-favourite, The Wizard of Oz in the wonderful An Grianán Theatre, with a few twists in the tale.
The curtain opens on Saturday, January 18, and the show runs until Saturday, January 25 with performances nightly at 7.30pm. There are three weekend matinees to suit little theatre-goers at 2pm on Saturday and Sunday, January 18 and 19 and Saturday 25.
The creative team of Paul Doherty, Patrick Doherty, Tina Garry, Donna Ponsonby and Dáithí Doherty, with a committee of eager volunteers have been busy for many months to bring you a week of pure joy.
Musical Director, Paul Ward and Choreographer, Katriona McNamee have weighed in to guarantee you a spectacle of laughter, music and audience participation.
Lead director, Paul Doherty returns after a lengthy absence. His meticulous attention to detail and creative vision have brought the show to a whole new level.
“I’m delighted to be back on board working with old friends and new,” Paul said. “It has been a great experience and we hope audiences will enjoy what we are bringing forward: traditional panto with modern innovation but plenty of fun and craic for good measure.”
Ciara Herity who plays Dorothy in Letterkenny Panto’s production of The Wizard of Oz. Photos: Brian McDaid.
As always, the show includes a magical children’s scene where many a budding Letterkenny thespian first experienced life on the stage. Huge credit goes to Donna Ponsonby and her team for the co-ordination of the littlest cast members, whose participation is a long-standing Letterkenny tradition.
“It’s a joy to have returning cast members as well as being able to introduce some new faces to the society – it’s a great show building on the success of Aladdin last year,” Tina Garry, Chairperson of Letterkenny Pantomime Society, says.
Among the cast is Garry Coll, a pantomime veteran with his own brand of classic timing and easy audience rapport, who plays the demanding Wizard. The effervescent Ciara Herity, will capture your hearts as female lead, Dorothy. Indeed, Ciara looks like she was born to play this role and the ruby slippers are in safe hands!
Making a welcome return to the stage is Ciarán Doherty, who is so versatile, he has been cast twice! Watch Ciarán and show regular Tina Garry interrupt the show with regular updates as Oz News hosts!
Louise Flanagan, Donna Peoples and Shauna McDonnell.
Speaking of versatile, familiar faces include Adele Evans, Dáithí Doherty, Mark Mills, Karina Boyle, Brí Carr, Donna Peoples, Rosemarie Gildea and Chloe Borland who will bring the fun, the tunes and much mirth to the stage.
This accomplished, experienced group of performers know how to deliver the goods and audiences are in for a treat, though some cast members will be seen as they have never been seen before!
In terms of pantomime villains, Louise Flanagan and Shauna McDonnell’s witchy characterisations will have you booing in the aisles! Shauna joins Ciara Herity and Kitty Pereira as panto debutantes this year and what fab additions they are to the society.
Members of the chorus from The Wizard of Oz.
The panto society would like to thank Brian Gallagher of the Station House Hotel, Alma Kavanagh, Scoil Mhuire Gan Smál, Geraldine Burke, Letterkenny Community Childcare Group and Enda Nicholls, Arena 7 for providing venues in which to rehearse.
They also appreciate the support of their friends at Kilmacrennan Men’s Shed who work so diligently in preparing the excellent props you will see at the show- it really is a fantastic community effort.
Assistant director Patrick Doherty added: “Everyone is very excited to get the chance to kick things off after a lot of rehearsals and we’re appreciative of all who helped in any way and if anyone ever wants to get involved, volunteers are always welcome.
Adele Timoney, Brighdín Carr and Chloe Borland.
“We hope you enjoy the show.”
As the panto society returns profits made to the community in support of a number of host clubs.
When purchasing a ticket for the show, you will be supporting the following groups: Scoil Mhuire Gan Smál (Saturday 18), Letterkenny Community Childcare Development Group (Sunday 19), Scoil Mhuire Milford /Milford Parish Fundraising (Wednesday 22), Drumoghill FC (Thursday 23), Bonagee Utd (Friday 24), Letterkenny Rovers FC (Saturday 27).
Tickets are available from An Grianán Theatre, and are priced at €20/€15 each, and will each incur a €2 booking fee.
Related posts:
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere
SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT EDITION TODAY
and get access to our archive editions dating back to 2007(CLICK ON THE TITLE BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE)