Future of Tipperary panto society at risk due to storage woes

Thurles Community Panto Society is appealing to the local community for assistance in storing their props, set pieces and supplies.

The group was founded in 2016 by a group of friends as a means to provide children in the area to come together at Christmas and perform a show for the local community each year, strengthening the passion for and engagement with performing arts among young people in the town.

As the group has grown, however, so too has their need for storage.

The group ensures to reuse as many of their sets, props and costumes as much as possible each year, leading to an ever increasing need for a place to hold their belongings throughout the year.

A spokesperson for the group said on the matter: “We are hoping there may be someone in Thurles or the surrounding area who has a shed, warehouse, farm building, commercial unit or similar space that they would be willing to allow us to use for storage. It does not need to be anything elaborate; we simply need a reasonably dry and secure space where we can safely store our sets, props and costumes between productions. Perhaps you have a space that is currently unused, your business has some spare storage capacity, or you know someone who may be in a position to help.

“Thurles Panto has become a huge part of the lives of our members and their families and, after ten years, has also become a Christmas tradition for many people in Thurles. We would hate to see something that has grown entirely through the hard work of volunteers and the support of our local community put at risk simply because we have nowhere suitable to store everything.

“If you think you may be able to help, or know someone who could, please contact us at [email protected] or phone 085 148 0880. Even if you cannot help directly with a space, we would be very grateful if you could share our appeal. With the support of the community that has been behind us for the past ten years, we hope we can find a suitable home for our sets, props and costumes and ensure that Thurles Panto continues to be part of Christmas in Thurles for many years to come.

“We have been extremely fortunate over the years to receive help with storage from local businesses, including Lámha Beaga Preschool and Seamus Hanafin, and we are very grateful for the support they have given us. Unfortunately, the spaces available are now too small for the needs of our growing society. Commercial storage is extremely expensive and is becoming unsustainable for a voluntary group like ours, and the reality is that if we cannot find a suitable alternative, the future of Thurles Panto could be at risk. For us, this would mean losing much more than a show at Christmas.”

The group is entirely volunteer run, with the committee, production team and everyone working behind the scenes giving their time freely each year to bring our productions to the stage.

The impact the society has had on the young people of Thurles and the wider community has been felt greatly over the years, with one parent saying: ““Being part of the panto has been something truly special for my daughter and for our whole family. My daughter has Down syndrome, and watching her walk into rehearsals and productions knowing that she is accepted, valued and genuinely included means more to me than I could ever put into words. The panto has given her so much more than the opportunity to perform. It has given her confidence, friendships, happiness and, most importantly, a place where she belongs. She is never made to feel different — she is simply one of the team, and she is encouraged to shine in her own way. This is so much more than panto — it is a family, a community and a place where everyone matters.”

Another parent, whose daughter has been involved with the society since 2021, spoke about the confidence she has gained and the passion for theatre she has discovered through being part of the Panto: “My daughter has been a member since 2021 and has always been made to feel so welcome. It’s a fantastic community that builds confidence from a young age and has really helped her find her passion for all things theatrical!”

If you would like to aid the society with a solution to their storage problem, contact [email protected] or phone 085 148 0880.