Limerick Panto Society is busy preparing for the society’s 34th annual production, Alice in Wonderland, which will be staged at the Lime Tree Theatre from Friday December 28th to Sunday January 6th.
Limerick Panto Society was founded in 1985 with the purpose of creating and keeping Panto tradition alive in Limerick.
Tim Cusack will again play the Dame and this year he plays The Queen of Hearts. Tim promises to enthral both young and old with his comic antics in what promises to be an outstanding production. Tim has written an exciting new script which he says was inspired by our dear friend John Finn.
Emma O’Driscoll is our very special guest star – Emma needs no introduction to Panto patrons and has appeared many times with the Society. Emma has worked as a presenter on Children’s TV for RTE. Emma is currently involved in many varied Projects and runs a successful Limerick based stage school Gem Stars. The Society is delighted to announce that Emma will play the title role of Alice in this year’s much anticipated production.
Jason Ronan makes a welcome return to the Panto boards after his baptism of fire last year as Aladdin. Jason is widely known in local amateur dramatic circles and has worked with many societies and groups in the area. He is currently PRO of the Cecilian Musical Society and is looking forward to this year’s panto adventure. Jason plays the Caterpillar with a twist.
The story will as usual contain many surprises and promises many a twist and turn along the way. The talented, Stuart Mackey, is back in the iconic role of the Mad Hatter. Stuart, as always, will bring massive energy to this role as he makes it his own.
The society is delighted to announce that this year’s show will once again be in association with the Crescent Shopping Centre. The Crescent has always supported the group and the Traders Association will be the main sponsors of the production this year. The society have also secured Corporate Sponsors Mr Binman, Limerick City Hotel, McGettigan’s, Shannon Airport, Quirke Shaw Cleaning Supplies and McDonalds, and indeed the group are delighted and grateful to all their Sponsors, Patrons and Supporters.
The Society continues its policy of supporting children’s charities and this year the Charity Night is in aid of St. Gabriel’s School and Centre. The Society has raised thousands of euros over the years in support of local charities and is delighted to be associated with St. Gabriel’s.
The Panto Society has had the support of local stage and
Panto veteran Damian Shaw will play the highly confused White Rabbit and Damien as always will bring his unique sense of comedy to the role. Panto Stalwart Keith McGuane will play the Queen of Heart’s evil side-kick Strain using his Singing Detection Device Thingy to find out Alice and her friends. Natasha Coughlan plays the 'White Queen' while panto newcomer Danielle McCarthy takes on the role as the hapless 'Mouse' trying to steer the White Rabbit in the right direction.
This Panto is full of fantastic characters including Twiddle Dumb and Twiddle Dee played with great enthusiasm by Ronan Mitchell and Aoife Gleeson. Eoghan Cantillon Mann plays the March Hare while the Cheshire Cat is the wonderful Jessica Bourke.
The Panto will include many contemporary songs from the Charts and hit shows and promises something for all tastes. The outstanding choreography in the show is by the talented Lisa Hogan and our Dance Director is Carol Cusack. Morgan Roughan is the Chorus Master with musical direction in the capable hands of Michael Hinchy. The Society boosts a Chorus of over 50 local talented performers who will perform a number of fantastic chorus numbers accompanied by a live orchestra – all being performed live on stage. Sandra Finn is Wardrobe Mistress ably assisted by Imelda Cusack. The Society would like to thank Pat McGann for his advice and support in the provision of costumes for the show.
Tony Cusack who has vast experience in the Light Entertainment field will lead the production team for Alice. Tony has assembled a talented and experienced group to ensure that this year’s production will maintain the standards of past performances. Damian O’Brien will be the Stage Manager while Malachy Cusack and John Corr will be looking after Production Management for this show. Mike O’Brien is the Lighting Director for the Production.
This year’s Panto experience at the Lime Tree Theatre with all your friends in the Limerick Panto Society promises fabulous entertainment for all the family.
Click here for more information about dates and times of shows.
