Down the rabbit hole in Sixmilebridge

The 90 plus strong cast has been selected, the roles have been defined and the costumes designed, because in a wacky and bizarre place called ‘Wonderland’ something special is about to begin all over again….
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 Alice in Wonderland which runs over successive weekends, commencing this weekend.
The pantomime show follows the familiar story line of this adventurous classic as Grace O’Connor slips into the role of ‘Alice’ as she makes a journey through the whacky and sometimes chaotic land that is Wonderland to meet the ‘Queen of Hearts’ played by Aoibhinn Gallagher and her husband the ‘King of Hearts’ played by Alan Murphy.
With so much doom and gloom around, but in keeping with tradition this year’s script will no doubt make references to both local and national issues but with a humorous slant and style.
Two ‘Jedward’ like characters to watch out for this year are ‘Tweedledum’ and ‘Tweedledummer’ played by Tara Maxwell and Caitriona Gallagher respectfully. This year Liam Togher once again steps into the flamboyant role of ‘The Dame’ , Alice’s Mother, while her husband ‘Sinbad’ is played by show favourite Mikie Corbett.
Audiences can also expect a lively and comical performance by ‘The Joker’ played by Stephen O’Dea and keeping things whacky, the Madhatter will be played by Barry Corbett.
Other characters in the show include ‘Jack of Diamonds’ played by Gerard O’Dea, ‘Rabbit’ played by Aine Freeman, ‘March Hare’ played by Kyle McAuley and ‘Ugly Betty – Princess of Hearts’ played by Aoife Cadogan. Crystal Shannon steps into the role of ‘Cinderella’ while ‘The Pied Piper’ and ‘Tooth Fairy’ are played by Sheila Larkin and James Connor respectfully.
Two other characters include ‘Puss in Boots’ played by Shauna Kerin and ‘Jack of Hearts’ played by Mark Collins.   
Produced once again by Frances Downes, audiences will be enthralled as the cast recalls this exciting tale in their own inimitable and witty way.  There will be plenty of colourful costumes, singing and dancing of the highest standard along with ,as always, a great deal of audience participation.
The show runs over two weekends and the first show kicks off this Friday at 8pm in the local GAA hall.  There will be a show the following evening with a matinee show on Sunday at 3pm. The following weekends’ performances begin on Friday, February 4 at 8pm and the final show is on Saturday, February 5, at 8pm.
“It’s hard to believe but this is our tenth anniversary of doing pantomime and I think the show just gets better and better every year ,” said co-producer Ray Maxwell.
Going on the experiences of previous years he is encouraging people to buy their tickets well in advance. “While tickets will be available on the night, these will be limited and the production team would like to avoid having to turn away disappointed patrons” he said.
Tickets are available from local shops and youth club members.
Ray said it’s a very easy decision to stay with the pantomime theme given the success of their past productions.
“I think it’s safe to say, this time of year is pantomime season in Sixmilebridge,” he acknowledges.
Ray reckons the youth club provides a window of opportunity for members to display the diversity of their artistic and acting talents and over the years, many have gone on to distinguish themselves in other entertainment spheres.
“SixmilebridgeYouth Club is no stranger to stage performance and production, having enjoyed success at both local and national level over the last 28 years. There’s an abundance of talented performers in the communities of Sixmilebridge and Kilmurry and people will see the extent of that talent if they take time out to attend the show, “Ray adds.
Of Alice in Wonderland, Ray says the cast has been busy over the last few weeks with rehearsals and there is a giddy anticipation ahead of curtain call.
“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 adds.