Purrs of praise for ’Bridge panto

The 80-strong cast has been selected, the leads assigned and the costumes fitted, because the bells are calling Dick Whittington and his cat to London.

For the past few weeks, the characters have been busy brushing up on their lines, readying themselves for curtain call for Sixmilebridge Youth Club’s pantomime adaptation of Dick Whittington & His Cat which runs over successive weekends in February.

The pantomime follows the story of Dick Whittington, played by Gerard O’Dea, as he travels to London to seek his fortune. In London he meets a magical talking cat named Mr Mistoffellees, who is portrayed by Caitriona Gallagher. Dick finds work at the home of Lord Mayor Boris Dolittle, played by Stephen O’Dea, while Loraine Haugh plays the mayor’s daughter Eliza, Dick’s love interest.

Cristel Shannon assumes the role of Fairy Bowbells, who attempts to thwart the devious activities of King Rat, played by David Carroll. Dick and his friends meet two sailors, Captain Birdseye and Biddy the Buccaneer, played by Edward Shannon and Shauna Kerin respectively.

The role of the Dame is once again taken on by Liam Togher, who assumes the guise of Mrs Brown. This colourful cook is bound to provide moments of mayhem throughout the show. Aoife Cadogan plays the part of Idle Billy, the mayor’s apprentice, and Stephen O’Dea takes on the role of the cheerful Chief Dread Lock, ruler of the Caribbean island of Rastafaria. The chief’s daughter Rihanna is portrayed by Brianna Mulligan Clarke, while Donagh Cadogan plays the part of Pitbull the guard.

The pantomime is nicely narrated by Ciara Downes, in the guise of news reporter Annie Story, while Alanna Marsh plays the part of Oliver and Shane Hayes assumes the role of Detective Sher Lock. The cast is completed by Amy Stanley, Hannah Galvin, Padraig Shannon, Aoife Downes and Kim Stephen.

Produced once again by Frances Downes, and co-produced by Grace O’Connor and Suzanne Kenny, audiences will be enthralled as the cast recalls this exciting tale in their own inimitable way. There will be plenty of colourful costumes, singing and dancing along with, as always, a great deal of audience participation. The show is expertly choreographed by Lauren Kelly and Aoife Murray.

The show runs over two weekends and the first show kicks off on Friday, February 15 at 8pm in the local GAA hall. There will be a show the following evening, also at 8pm. The following weekend’s performances – on Friday, February 22 and the final show on Saturday, February 23, both at 8pm.

Going on the experiences of previous years, co-producer Ray Maxwell said it’s a very easy decision to stay with the pantomime theme given the success of past productions. “I think it’s safe to say this time of year is pantomime season in Sixmilebridge” he acknowledged.

“The Youth Club is no stranger to stage performance and production, having enjoyed success at both local and national level over the last 30 years. The club and indeed the communities of Sixmilebridge and Kilmurry have an abundance of artistic and acting talent, the fruits of which will be borne out when audiences attend this show,” Ray added.

Of Dick Whittington & His Cat, Ray said the cast has been busy with rehearsals over the last few weeks and there is a great anticipation ahead of the off.

“The standards have been set and maintained over the last few years but this year the cast are determined to raise the bar even higher. It promises to be a very enjoyable and entertaining show and we hope the club gets the support it deserves from the community,” he added.