Panto has three times the 'ladies'
Sarah Saunderson • Published 12 Jan 2012 13:00
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Tonight (Thursday) the much anticipated production of Sleeping Beauty bursts on to the Ardhowen stage for a riotous run.
The audience at the forthcoming Lakeland Players' pantomime of Sleeping Beauty will be seeing triple when not one but three dames take to the stage in the company's 25th year of bringing a laugh-a-minute panto to the local stage.
It will be treble the fun with panto laughter and mayhem in the muchanticipated production of Sleeping Beauty.
Three dames taking to the stage will be Mark Allen, who has been involved in Lakeland Players' performances for 15 years, stalwart Barry Gibson and Robert Fitzpatrick, who has been appearing with the panto for the last two years.
The script has been written by a Dublin-based script-writer Killian Donnelly who has impressive writing credits to his name including productions performed at the Cork Opera House. The script, as always is full of fun.
Director Stephen Kettyles said there are plenty of "modern contemporary gags" to keep the audience amused.
Michelle Kerr, who last appeared with the Lakeland Players when they performed Dick Whittington, takes the role of Sleeping Beauty.
Marion Haggins plays the evil Shakra and her two sons Graham and Norton are played by Niall Greene and Joey Burns.
King Krisp is played by Stephen Watson and Queen Bea is played by Ashling McCaffrey. The Fairy Godmother is played by Allison Lappin. Rory Rafferty plays Seymour.
"Everyone is working very hard and everything is happening in the background. The chorus is practically ready. The choreography is being done this year by six of the older girls from the chorus who are actually looking after it themselves. They are with us long enough to know exactly what is required. And set construction is under way," said Stephen.
The cast has been busy with three rehearsals a week. Up to 100 people are taking part with a 50-plus cast and in addition the members of the orchestra. Ticket sales have been brisk with hundreds expected to be delighted and entertained at the matinee and evening shows at the Ardhowen. As well as the humour and songs, the audience can expect the use of technology and special effects which should create a great visual experience.
This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 12 Jan 12
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