Limerick Post plucked Dustin The Turkey out of panto rehearsals for a grilling… Eric FitzGerald – eric@limerckpost.ie
DUSTIN The Turkey will join the cast of Cinderella at UCH this Christmas starring alongside Ireland’s Panto Queen, Twink, and Richie Hayes (Voice of Ireland). Dustin The Turkey first appeared on our television screens on the Den in 1989. He was supposed to last four weeks to feed Zig & Zag and a hungry Ian Dempsey for their Christmas dinner.
He lasted 21 hugely successful years in which time he had three number one albums and eight number one singles including duets with Bob Geldof, Boyzone, the Irish football team, Joe Dolan and Chris De Burgh. In 2008, as a nationwide private joke, Dustin represented the country at the Eurovision in Serbia.
Dustin’s longtime nemesis Twink (Adele King) has spent over 30 years in Irish panto with hugely successful runs at the Olympia and Gaiety Theatres. However, it was only the lure of returning to Panto in Limerick, which ignited her interest once again!
Limerick Post plucked Dustin out of his extensive rehearsals for panto and grilled him on some pressing issues.
Limerick Post: Limerick is famous for its ham which goes very well with turkey at Christmas time. Have you arranged extra security for yourself at this very dangerous time for a turkey to be out in public?
Dustin: “Security is very important and I am taking a chance leaving RTE this Christmas. You see RTE has so many Turkeys in it there (mainly presenters) we stick together, I think I might try and promote vegetarianism and if that fails I will set Richie (the Voice) Hayes after them.”
Limerick Post: What presents do you hope to get at Christmas? Is Twink’s new book ‘Twink Unzipped’ on your wish list?
Dustin: “No Twink’s new book is on my presents list. The same way getting a box of Paxo stuffed inside me bum would be.”
Limerick Post: You have represented Ireland at Eurovision, you were a popular candidate for president, What is your next big ambition?
Dustin: “To see December 26!”
Limerick Post: Have you a message for all the boys and girls in Limerick?
Dustin: “I do indeed. Have a Happy Vegetarian Christmas and make sure you come and see myself, Twink and Gang at the best panto ever (oh, yes it will be) at UCH – GO, YA GOOD THING!”
Cinderella opens on Friday 21. Matinees and evening performances run until Sunday January 6.
