Laughs ahead as cast put final touches to 'Beanstalk'

Christmas is just around the corner which means that familiar faces from the theatre stage are ready to tred the boards once again at the Mullingar Arts Centre for this year's Mullingar Panto Group's production of Jack and The Beanstalk.The group return with a new twist on the story which begins on Tuesday, December 9 and features the ever-popular local comic duo John 'Banjo' Quinn and Paul Doolin as Mrs. Black and Mrs. White, who are always a big draw for young and old alike.Jack and The Beanstalk is the age old story of good versus evil with good witch Glinda played by Joanne MacDonagh, an evil witch called Elphaba (Maedbh Hughes), a flying fairy called Conscience (Niamh O'Shea), and a very bad baddie known as Lord Snipe played by Aidan Ennis.When Lord Snipe decides to rob the world of Christmas, children and even colour a stand must be taken and so enter comic duo Mrs. Black and Mrs White.A panto would be no good at all without a little romance and there is one budding love affair in the form of Jack and Jill, played by Aaron Purcell and Jemma McNamee alike, but when Jill is kidnapped by the evil Lord Snipe, Jack must sell his precious cow for a few beans in order to try and rescue his beloved.And so the tale of Jack and The Beanstalk begins with the appearance of the singing harp, a friendly giant, Santa and many more familiar faces.This a technically challenging show with scenes as diverse as any seen in modern panto history and promises to be an all singing, all dancing extravaganza that will both delight and enthral, with the odd sprinkling of comedy thrown in to make sure there is something for everyone to enjoy.With modern songs and an original script written by Paul Doolin, director Sean Lynch has added his inimitable touch to this production, with musical director Angela Lynch ensuring that everyone will be singing in the aisles, while choreography Siobhan Murphy will be sure to have everyone dancing.Full of memorable songs, Jack and The Beanstalk promises to be a show for all the family this Christmas.Jack and the Beanstalk runs from December 8 to 20 with matinees on the 12, 13, 19 and 20. For more info and booking details contact the Mullingar Arts Centre on 044 9347777.