Cinderella – a rip roaring show to take you on an adventure
Preparations are well in hand for one of the best, most action packed pantomimes, ‘Cinderella’, written and directed by Kells man John Grant.
John also wrote the song ‘Cinderella Girl’ especially for the show and audiences will hear it when the society present their 45th annual pantomime from Friday March 4 to Sunday March 13 (over two weekends) at Kells Theatre.
A lot of new talent will be on show in this year’s cast of 70-plus. The Kells society have a tradition of giving new talent a chance to perform in the annual pantomime, and in all the shows during the year. They says that keeps the organisation fresh and the spirit of enthusiasm alive.
This year, the beautiful singing voice and acting talents of Ciara O’Neill will feature as Cinderella; Barbara O’Neill plays the vain and wicked bully Salmonella, stepmother of Cinderella, who is so mean and selfish he makes Donald Trump look like an angel; and Seamus Ennis shines as he plays the hero, the dashing Prince Charming.
Louise Rogers plays the lovable and lively Buttons, and equally funny, the hilarious comic team of The Ugly Sisters, Diarrhoea (Stephen Stafford) and Verruca (Phil Bowden) steal the show with their wisecracking jokes and comedy routines.
The talented Crystal O’Doherty and Kathleen McGovern share and play The Fairy Godmother and their singing is amazing. Thomas Glynn plays the funny, henpecked King Clumbsy; Paige Luddy plays the bossy Queen Faultless and Alyssa Maypotter plays the old Granny.
In role of Lady Caroline is Alanagh Gavin. The Prince’s best friend is Dandini played by Zuzanna Houdor. The talented Gill Ash plays the hilarious role of The Chamberlain, and the Royal footman is played by Bridget Glynn.
Other roles in the panto are The Villagers and senior dancers – Zoe Ashe Doherty, Caithlin White Delaney, Erin Werisma, Conor Reilly, Ciara Byrne, Katherine Sweeney, Leon Conlon / Diare Graham and Aimee Gibson.
All of the performers have come up through the ranks to take vital roles in the production and, judging by rehearsals, audiences won’t be disappointed, and there will be a few surprises along the way in this great modern fairytale of adventure.
No show would be complete without dancers and this year’s troupe, under the direction of Helena Sheridan and Chantelle Neary, have been working hard and will explode on to the stage with routines that will enhance the panto yet again.
There are the panto children too – The Pie kids / Dancers, Robyn Molloy, Shannon Thompson Elliot, Christy Brennan, Sophia Reddin, Holly English, Karla English, Holly Dardis, Patrick Reilly, Eoghan Brooks, Noah Eogan and Ella Fitzsimons.
The Village Faries / Dancers are Hannah Rose McEntee, Amelia Rogers, Charlotte English, Darcie English, Isobel English, Andrea English and Emmanuelle Griffin Coveney.
The Courtiers /Dancers are Layla Musolo, Emily Rose Brennan, Hollie Gartland, Corenna Byrne, Ruby Sheridan, Josh Reddin, Mark Fitzsimons, all waiting to entertain.
The costumes are made by the experienced Linda Sheridan, who works tirelessly to make sure they are top class, while the stage crew team of Paul Rogers, John Curran, Derek Booth, Jim Kieran, John McDonnell and Jason Cahill are working away on the sets.
Brian O’Neill and his team are busy assembling the lighting; Mary McInerney, Sandra McDonnell and Gaye Grant and her front of house team, along with Alanagh Gavin and her makeup team, and cast managers are all ready and prepared. Spot operator Ben Devine is spot on, and the committee are working hard putting under the watchful eye of director John Grant.
The booking office is open from Monday February 21, 11am-6pm daily; phone 087 7101671. Family ticket (two adults and two children) €35. Block bookings taken at 087 207 9557.
Telephone bookings by Laser and credit card; admin charge of €2 on all credit and laser card bookings.
Book your group seats early with very special rates – ring John at 087 207 9557.
Find Kells Musical and Dramatic Society on Facebook.
The public car park will be open for every performance just 50 metres ufrom the theatre in Kenlis Place.