Picture: Keith Wiseman
SEQUINS, pompoms, wigs, fur (crikey, bears are hairy) and ballgowns filled the lobby of Limerick City Inn for the media launch of ‘Goldilocks – The Circus Panto’.
The able stewards of Limerick Panto Society, headed up by president Bart Kiely and chair Tony Cusack, welcomed all the children from Expressive Arts stage school and Spotlight Stage School who help make up the five choruses.
They joined Mayor of City and County Liam Galvin, chief sponsor John Davitt of Crescent Shopping Centre and charity beneficiary 2015, Dóchas representative Denis Doherty. The luminous Emma O’Driscoll-Cronin returns as Goldie.
‘Goldilocks – The Circus Panto’ opens in Lime Tree Theatre on December 27 and is on stage twice daily for the most until Sunday January 3. This is their 31st panto, confirmed Tony. Work began six months ago and rehearsals in early October. So, there’s more stirrin’ than porridge?
Writer John Finn was cryptic: “There’s always a sad story to panto,” he smiled, “and there is always someone in financial trouble. The circus is going down the tubes and the three bears come along to resolve it”. Keep an ear out for water charges, austerity and a new icon to ape, Milktray Man.
John Davitt and Liam Galvin took to the floor with warm praise for Limerick Panto Soc, its annual give to charities and the hard but gratifying work that goes into dazzling production numbers.
“It’s fun,” Tony Cusack admitted to Arts page, and he looked the picture of happiness. “We need an inter-generational story and this being Goldilocks, there are bears, porridge, a house in the woods and now a circus. It’s rags to riches. Mrs Headlocks is Goldilock’s mother – Tim has been playing the role of Dame for the bones of 20 years – and we are leaning on the musical ‘Barnum’, plus a few pop songs”.
Chorus director is Morgan Roughan and the Hinchys will lead a live band of five. This is going to be a big, bold, benevolent show and the creation of a first sensory room for autistic children is focus for charity night. Book at www.limetreetheatre.ie
