Westport all set for New Year Panto at Town Hall Theatre

THE team at Westport Town Hall Theatre are all set the biggest community production on their programme - the annual Pantomime.

'Dick Whittington and the League of Villians' will take to the stage for seven shows from tomorrow Monday, January 1 to Saturday, January 6.

Written by Brendan Williams, this year’s Panto promises lots of twists and laughs to thoroughly entertain young and old alike. The story centres on the meddlesome character Junior played by Adam O’Brien, the son of the evil Vill.I.an who is intent on taking over the world. He recruits the baddest baddies ever assembled such as Darth Vader (Patrick Mulchrone) Voldemort (Alice Burns), Cruella de Vil (Phillip Murphy), Captain Hook (Sharla Greenway) and The Wicked Witch of the West (Sabrina McHugh).

World domination seems inevitable until they reach London and bump into a poor cockney called Dick Whittington (Eliza Carr) and his ever-so-posh girlfriend, Alice (Ruby Lyons). All the while we have the Good versus Evil narrators (played by Grace Donovan and Zoe Flannery) both trying to out-smart one another as they navigate the unfolding story throughout! The vibrant and animated chorus are a mix of quirky Cockneys and Villians that whisk the cast and the audience on an unforgettable journey. Chorus include: Mai Doherty, Katherine O’Malley, Mella Ní Mearáin, Mia Herron, Emma McNamara, Uisce Kelly Duffy, Tara Horkan, Laura Heraty, Emma Mongey, Clodagh Fitzgerald, Úna Ní Dhonnabháin, Darcey Duffy, Cathal Heraty, Serena Walsh, Brady Girling-Moore, Grace Kelly, Mia Needham, Cara Mongey, Kate McCool, Rebecca Fitzgerald, Saba Alsoeaadi, Aimee McNamara, Marion Moran, Myles Girling Moore and Clara Dunleavy.

Rehearsals for this year’s production began in September following public auditions last August and the large cast and crew have been working hard each week to ensure that this year’s show will be an absolute cracker! Having directed over 30 Pantomimes and Musicals across Mayo, well-known theatre enthusiast Marina Rice has joined the team this year in Westport and has put a refreshing spin on this year’s show. Musical Director Catherine McGlinchey returns in the role for her third Production with the Town Hall along with gifted choreographer Colette McGinty who reigns in her fourth production to put the cast through their paces and places on stage with the ever-important dance moves. The live band also comprises of Anthony McNamee, Mick Buckton and Kevin Tolan, all of whose expertise in the field of music and performing are a welcome addition to the frontline of this locally-produced community event. As per previous years with shows selling out early, advanced booking is strongly advised. Check out www.westporttheatre.com or call 098 28459.