Kells to stage its own take on the ‘Cinderella’ story

Preparations are well in hand for Kells Musical and Dramatic Society's action packed spectacular pantomime, ‘Cinderella.’

The show is written and directed by Kells man John Grant, who also wrote the song ‘Cinderella Girl’ especially for the show.

The society will present its 45th annual pantomime from tonight Friday 4th March to Sunday 13th March over two weekends in Kells Theatre.

A lot of fine new talent will be on show in this year’s cast of over 70. The society is a very vibrant one which gives new talented people joining a chance to perform not only in the annual pantomime but in all the shows during the year.

The society loves to welcome new people which keeps it fresh and the great spirit of enthusiasm alive. The beautiful singing voice and acting talents of Ciara O'Neill will feature as she plays Cinderella. Barbara O'Neill plays the vain and wicked bully Salmonella, the stepmother of Cinderella who is so mean and selfish she makes Donald Trump look like an angel.

Seamus Ennis plays the hero - the dashing Prince Charming and the lovable and lively Buttons is played by the funny Louise Rogers.

The hilarious comic team of The Ugly Sisters – Diarrhoea, played by Stephen Stafford and Phil Bowden as Verruca - steal the show with their wisecracking jokes and comedy routines. Crystal O'Doherty and Kathleen McGovern share and play The Fairy Godmother and their singing voicers are amazing.

Thomas Glynn plays the funny, henpecked, King Clumbsy. Paige Luddy plays the bossy Queen Faultless and Alyssa Maypotter plays the old Granny.

In role of Lady Caroline is Alanagh Gavin. The Prince’s best friend is Dandini played by Zuzanna Houdor. The very talented Gill Ash plays the hilarious role of The Chamberlain.

The Royal footman is played by Bridget Glynn.

Other roles in the panto are The Villagers and senior dancers -Zoe Ashe Doherty, Caithlin White Delaney, Erin Werisma, Conor Reilly, Ciara Byrne, Katherine Sweeney, Leon Conlon / Diare Graham and Aimee Gibson.

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All of these performers have come up through the ranks to take a vital role in the production and judging by rehearsals you won’t be disappointed.

There will be a few surprises along the way in this great modern fairytale of adventure. No show would be complete without dancers and this year’s show is no exception. The dance troupe from Kells Musical Society under the direction of Helena Sheridan and Chantelle Neary have been working very hard and will explode onto the Kells stage to bring you top class dance routines.

There are the panto children too - The Pie kids / Dancers - Robyn Molloy, Shannon Thompson Elliot, Christy Brennan, Sophia Reddin, Holly English, Karla English, Holly Dardis, Patrick Reilly, Eoghan Brooks, Noah Eogan and Ella Fitzsimons.

The Village Fairies / Dancers are Hannah Rose McEntee, Amelia Rogers, Charlotte English, Darcie English, Isobel English, Andrea English, Emmanuelle Griffin Coveney.

The Courtiers /Dancers are Layla Musolo, Emily Rose Brennan, Hollie Gartland, Corenna Byrne, Ruby Sheridan, Josh Reddin, Mark Fitzsimons.

The eye-catching costumes will be made by the experienced Linda Sheridan who works tirelessly to make sure they are top class. While the stage crew team of Paul Rogers, John Curran, Derek Booth, Jim Kieran, John McDonnell and Jason Cahill are working away on the sets, Brian O'Neill and his team are busy assembling the lighting.

Mary McInerney, Sandra McDonnell and Gaye Grant and the front of house team, along with Alanagh Gavin and her makeup team and cast managers are all ready and prepared. The spot operator is Ben Devine.

The committee members are all working very hard putting in place all aspects of the production under the watchful eye of director John Grant.

The booking office opens in Kells Theatre from Monday 21st February and is open from 11am to 6pm daily and can be contacted at 087 7101671.

Special family ticket for two adults and two children are €35. Block bookings are being taken now at (087) 207 9557.

There is a €2 administration fee on all credit and debit card bookings.