'Mother Goose' proves to be a big hit in Kells

The Kells Musical and Dramatic Society's production of 'Mother Goose' which opened in the St Vincent de Paul Theatre on Saturday afternoon has been proving a major hit with audiences. The chorus were in fine form pover the weekend with great singing and energy on stage while the dashing heroes outwitted their adversary, the wicked and ruthless Demon Doomsday. The panto romped along at great speed and panache with a host of comic characters, providing loads of belly laughs and hilarious comic situations. A captivated audience watched the 34th production by this popular company and, once again, the cast managed to encapsulate the magic of this fairytale. Written and directed by John Grant, who always finds new and creative ways to entertain Kells audiences with witty scripts and storylines, there were also great sets and dance routines. The show opened to an energetic and explosive number 'Don't Upset the Rhythm,' which set the high standard of the show, with several foot-tapping and popular songs and creative dance routines to follow. The singers were a joy to listen to and the comic moments were provided by the very experienced Alan Mongey as the polished, energetic Mother Goose. The delightful ravings of the wicked Demon Doomsday, played by John Grant, ensured a rise in the audience's blood pressure as they were bullied and goaded by the evil villian. The cast strolled through their comedy with ease and great timing. Paul Rogers as Squiddles and Gary Byrne as Diddles gave wonderful performances as these seasoned veterans held their audience in their hands throughout the show. The leads were very well played by James Reilly and newcomer, Diane Mallon, as Colin and Violet Goose. This was Diane's first major role and her singing was a delight to listen to. Pat Byrne gave a great performance, too, as the conniving and mean Baron Wasteland. Another comic role was in the very capable hands of Kevin McLoughlin as Nedser Goose, the hen-pecked husband. It was very evident that they were having great fun and kept the audience awake all the time. Playing another major role was Rosaleen Grant as Fairy Snuffles and she looked under the weather sneezing and acchooing! She had every type of decease from bird 'flu to swine 'flu. Rosaleen brings great acting skills to this role. Sarah Insley was a delight, too, as the crazed wannabe, Goldilocks, who is always over-acting and thinks she is a star. The 'aaahh' factor in the panto was undoubtedly the cute presence of the gentle and loveable magic, Goose Priscilla, who was beautifully play by Linda Nelson and her vast experience came into play in this role which she carried off expertly. Stuart Anderson got promotion this year and he did a superb job as the stupid and comical Danny Dimwit playing the role with a gentle comic touch. Sarah Van Zenten, another great find who got promotion in this panto, played Queen Goose with great authority and power. Ruth Anderson as Miss Frost gave a delightful performance as the stuck-up egg secretary. The camp executioner, Cecil, was delightfully played by newcomer Andrew Quigley and Ben Toal played the Zombie. The singing talents of Diane Mallon, James Reilly, Kathleen McGovern, Linda Nelson, Gema Heary, Marianne Fuentre, Colin McGovern, Brian Dunne, Stuart Anderson, Andrew Quigley, Sarah Van Zenten and John Grant rendered many classic songs. Other roles were capably filled by Brian Dunne, Ruth Anderson, Sarah Van Zenten. Colin McGovern, Jema Heary, Marianne Fuentre, Emer Gogorty, Ben Toal and Andrew Quigley. There were plenty of very talented children onstage, too, delivering their lines with great confidence as villagers, orphans and zombies. The 10 village children were Salomie Riva, Rachel O'Rourke, Dean Thompson, Kevin McCabe, Aoife Dunne, James Farrelly, Ellis Mollison, Sarah Clarke, Emma Matthews and Mikey Kenny. The orphans were played by Lisa Hamilton, Lauren Thompson, Emma Matthews, Ciara Curran, Erin Mollison, Amy Nelson and Jamie Leigh Feehan. The zombies were played by Ellis Mollison, Lauren Thompson, Callum McDonnell, Darren McConnell, Cian Flanagan, Mikey Kenny, Emma Matthews, Jamie Leigh Feehan, Sarah Clarke and Rachel O'Rourke. Sheila Garvey has done a superb job on the senior dancers and as this is her third time to choreograph the Kells Pantomime, she has put her creative skill to good use. The lavish sets were created by John Grant, Pat Byrne, Alan Grant, Gary Byrne and Vinnie Ginnity and were painted by Sean Kelaghan. Linda Sheridan designed the costumes while Alice Mulvany and her team were responsible for make-up. David Molloy produced the show effects, Breege McGovern was the prompter for the show and Gavin Murray was responsible for sound production, while Brian O'Neill provided the lighting. The stagemanager was James Heary and his crew were Rog Rogers, Ryan Farnahm, Alan Grant, Shane McLoughlin, Conor Heary, Aaron Byrne and James Duff. The front of house stewards and booking office staff who were led by Catherine Molloy included Mary McInerney, June Grimes, Rosaleen Grant, Gary Byrne and David Molloy. The show continues its run tonight (Tuesday) at 7pm, tomorrow (Thursday) at 8pm, Saturday and Sunday at 3pm and 8pm at the St Vincent de Paul Theatre. The booking office can be contacted on (046) 924 1844.