‘Red Riding Hood’ brings a host of new talent to Kells stage

Preparations are well in hand for one of the best action packed spectacular pantomimes around - ‘Red Riding Hood’ - presented by Kells Musical and Dramatic Society.

The panto is written and directed by renowned Kells troubador, John Grant, who also wrote the song ‘Chariot of Dreams’ especially for the show.

The 46th Kells pantomime will take to the stage from Friday 17th February to 26th February over two weekends, in Kells Theatre.

A lot of fine new talent will be on show in this year’s cast of over 80. 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 McKenna will feature as she plays Red Riding Hood. Crystal O'Doherty plays the vain and wicked Black Ice, the evil Troll Queen, who is so mean and selfish he makes Donald Trump look like an angel. Seamus Ennis shines as he plays the hero, the dashing Boy Blue. John Grant is back on stage playing the wise cracking and funny dame Granny Grewsome. The lovable and lively Nutty Nora is played by the funny Louise Rogers.

The hilarious comic team of Slap and Tickle, Stephen Stafford, and newcomer, Katie Ford, steal the show with their wisecracking jokes and comedy routines. Pat Byrne plays the blood thirsty big bad wolf, while Phil Bowden is in a stingy mood as the skinflint Lord Looney who wants the Granny evicted from her cottage.

Barbara O'Neill is Inspector Gadget who spends her time trying to arrest Goldilocks -Paige Luddy for breaking and entering. Ciara O'Neill glides across the stage on roller skates as Fairy Selfie and saves the day with her selfie wand. Alanagh Gavin plays Bo Peep who never can find her sheep and when she does find them they leave her and break her heart.

Other roles in the panto are The Senior Villagers of Caroline Devine, Lynn Byrne, Faith Bowden and Shannon Kelly. All of these performers have come up through the ranks to take a vital role in the production and judging by rehearsals, 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 who have been working very hard on their top class dance routines, which will enhance the panto yet again.

The KMDS senior dancers are Erin Werisma, Layla Musolo, Hollie Gartland, Ruby Sheridan, Corena Boland, Aoibhinn Duffy, Leon Conlon, Daire Graham and Evan Curran.

The children in the cast have also bee working very hard and they include Sunni Moran, Skye Eogan, Emma Tevlin, Eilish Tevlin, Imogen Byrne, Emma Kenny, Alison McGuirk, Louise Dunne, Alice Gernan, Shona Elliot Thompson, and Jessi Grogan.

They are joined by Calvin Travers, Hayden Maguire, Mollie Mulholland, Demileiye Mulligan, Brooke Mulholland, Sophia Olszewski, Freya Maguire, Isla Rodriguez, Bronna Curran, Bonnie Curran and Tyler Maguire.

The trolls ae played by Hannah Rose Mc Entee, Aisling Monaghan, Joel Gernan, Colleen Tevlin, Erin Rose Halpenny, Katie Kenny, Emmanuelle Griffin Covney, Frayea O'Loughlin, Rufus O'Loughlin, Daniel O'Loughlin and Gloria Conaty, as well as Alexandra Reid, Amelia Rogers, Inydah Mulligan, Isabelle Mulholland, Andrea English, Darcie English, Isobel English, Charolette English, Micheala McLoughlin, Harry Devine and Rosita Dunne.

The wolves are played by Noah Eogan, Josh Reddin, Sophia Reddin, Kallun Ford, Shannon Elliot Thompson, Emily Farrell, Karla English, Hollie English, Vivienne Tevlin, Oisin Curran, Halle Mae Mulligan, Killian Olszewski, Jessica Magorian, Amelia Rodriguez, Eimear Dunne, Madison Mulholland, Holly Dardis, Lucy Jarratt, Emily Volosina, Daire Duffy, Ruadhan Duffy and Grace Harrington. The costumes are designed 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, Ben Devine, and Daire Gavin 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 her front of house team along with Alanagh Gavin and her makeup team and cast managers are all ready and prepared. Spot operator, Ben Devine, and cast manager, Shanice Ennis, will make sure the show runs smoothly. MC Alan Grant will be in action at every performance and the committee are all working very hard putting in place all aspects of the production under the watchful eye of director John Grant.