Raheen Panto group will stage their 32nd Anniversary Pantomime ‘Cinderella’ in Heywood Community School Gym this year from Thursday January 24 to Saturday January 26 nightly at 8pm and Sununday January 27 with a Matinee at 3pm.
This is made possible by kind permission of the Board of Management and Principal Mr. Philip Bowe.
This is the Groups third year at Heywood and both Cast and Chorus are hoping to repeat the success of last year’s show which attracted record crowds to each performance.
Excitement is at fever pitch in Raheen as rehearsals continue and the finishing touches are added. This year’s production Cinderella, is a timeless classic and is one of the best loved fairy-tale of all times, adored by both children and adults alike.
The evergreen story of Cinderella is a tale of rags to riches, romance, true friendship and the triumph of good over evil with more than just a sprinkle of magic.
Cinderella’s dad Baron Hardupp marries for money in a bid to change his flagging fortunes but to everybody’s surprise his new found love Medusa has two grown –up daughters which she forgot to mention.
The Baron hasn’t mentioned his daughter either to his new spouse, so the home coming of the newlyweds is less than ideal for everyone.
The scene is set for a fascinating story and Medusa quickly asserts herself as the new mistress of Stony-broke Mansion while her two daughters Flatulence and Petulance who are ugly by name and by nature make life a living nightmare for the kind-hearted and timid Cinderella.
The story ebbs and flows and is a riot of laughter as the Ugly sisters, Flatulence played by Josh Bergin and Petulance played by Liam Oxley, give a commanding performance in these classic comic roles. Cinderella is played by Colette Fennell who is no stranger to the stage and who takes on the lead role with the greatest of ease.
Baron Hardupp her doting father is played by John Oxley who has also played various leading roles over the last few years. Baroness Medusa Hardupp is played by Stasia Kilroy who is equally comfortable with either serious or comic roles and always looks at home on the stage. The part or Buttons Cinderella’s faithful friend is played by Aaron Sheil who is no stranger to either Panto or Drama and is always sure to give a commanding performance.
Prince Charming is played by Rachel Bonham who stars in her first major role with Raheen Panto Group. Darragh Hosey takes on the role of Dandini the Prince’s Valet and has played various roles over the years both on and off stage.
No Panto would be complete without the fumbling bungling Comics and these time –honoured roles fall to Eamonn Oxley as “Touch “and Ben Barrett as “ Go”.
With this well seasoned Duo there are guaranteed to be loads of laughter and comic antics galore on offer throughout the show.
The story of Cinderella depends greatly on the intervention of her Fairy Godmother and this tale is no different except when unusual circumstances prevail “Scary Mary”, the Apprentice Fairy takes on the daunting task of securing Cinderella’s fate and this unconventional role falls to Caoimhe O Keeffe who is sure to have a surprise or two in store.
The part of Major Domo is played by Eoin Hosey who has played a variety of roles over the years.
No pantomime would be complete without a chorus-line and the twenty nine strong group consists of many young singers and dancers making their debut, included in this energetic group are Shona Phelan, Natasha Dunne, Anna Keane, Grainne Keane, Kaja McDonald, Ally McDonald, Niamh Tunney, Amy Callaghan, Catherine Butler, Lucy Donoghue, Seana Dunne, Mia Dunne, Aoife Delaney, Leah Bergin, Amy Bergin, Chloe Beere, Eabha Donovan, Caoimhe Brophy, Saoirse McInerney, Holly McDonald O’Shea, Lilly Fennelly, Molly Fennelly, Roisin Hogan, Rhiannon McEvoy, Louisa Wullich, Jane Phelan, Sive Lalor, Katie Grant and Ava Coleman.
The Choreography is under the direction of Tanya Grant who is well established with Raheen Panto and provides the Chorus-line with spectacular moves and dance routines.
The unenviable task of providing costumes for both Cast and Chorus is under the expert care of Teresa McEvoy, Mary Murphy, Bernadette Murphy and Nicola Phelan. The Scenery and Art work is by Stasia Kilroy. The make-up department is under the direction of Nicola Phelan and her team.
The magnificent Set is designed and created by Keith Mason and Raheen Panto is greatly indebted to Keith for his skill and expertise. He was ably assisted by Lar Scully and Eugene Delaney during the construction stages. The lighting of any show is a very skilled job and all the lighting, design and effects are taken care of by Lar Scully.
Taking care of all events backstage is Stage Manager Eugene Delaney ably assisted by David Kelly, Pat Phelan and Anthony Dunne. The sound will be taken care of by Michael Crowley and the overall Producer and Director is John Hosey, ably assisted by Pat Phelan Co- Producer and Co- Director.
John Hosey is also Musical Director. The Pantomime orchestra is made up of John Hosey keyboards, Ian Whelan on guitars and the talented Pit Singers include Bernie Carroll, Hilary Kelly, Catherine Keane, Anita Phelan, Amy Phelan, Amy Whelan, and Niamh Hosey. Cinderella is the ideal way to chase away those Winter Blues in the majestic setting of Heywood Community School with each nightly show starting at 8pm and the Sunday Matinee at 3pm.
Tickets for each performance are available at the door on the night – Adults €10, Children & OAP’s €8, Group and family rates available.
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