Inishmacsaint Church of Ireland recently performed its latest pantomime, ‘Ruth’, to four sell-out evenings in Derrygonnelly Orange Hall.

‘Ruth’ is a play written by Rev. Stephanie Woods, rector of Inishmacsaint Church, and is based on the Old Testament book of the same name.

It tells the story of an economic migrant who accompanied her mother-in-law to her birthplace, only to be met with hostility and suspicion.

However, a landowner called Boaz took pity on her and they ended up getting married and becoming the ancestors of King David and Christ.

Those attending the pantomime came from right across Fermanagh and enjoyed a rousing performance over the four nights, thanks to the efforts of the cast and crew.

Comprising plenty of familiar faces from the village of Derrygonnelly and the surrounding areas, some characters showed locals like they have never been seen before.

One hilarious section of the pantomime featured the ‘Dairy Girls’ and a Mart scene where tensions arose between the young and old farmers, with the problem resolved by a dance-off using Hughie Green’s ‘clapometer’.

Rev. Woods said: “The message of Ruth is love – the love between a woman and her mother-in-law; the love between a couple; the love of God for the dispossessed; and the love of God for Humanity by providing a Saviour and using an outcast to do it.”

Rev. Woods remained tight-lipped about what could be planned for next year, but following the success of ‘Ruth’, which itself built on the success of last year’s production of ‘The Son’, based on the story of The Prodigal Son, audiences will be waiting with anticipation for news of the next pantomime.