Offaly school's musical panto delights audiences
THE Banagher College TY students buzzed with adrenaline in the lead up to and during the much anticipated return to live performance this December.
Over three performances they delivered an unknown script ‘Adrian the Alternative Pantomime’ with confidence and energy, entertaining their audiences, who enjoyed a night of panto mayhem interspersed with lively and breath-taking musical numbers.
Introducing the story were the likeable duo of Fairy and narrator, played confidently by both actors, Alex Kenny (Fairy) and Calum Moore (Narrator) who kept the audience onside with their narrative linking scene to scene. An equally likeable duo were the police ladies, Shauna Kenny and Taylor Mahon, bringing each scene to a conclusion with the elusive chase of the wolf, played with enthusiasm by Daniel O’Neill.
Taking the journey through Pantoland, were an exceptional trio of Johnny Clancy, who brought the main character “Adrian” to life, Rachel Cleary (Little Red Riding Hood) and Adam O'Rourke (Dame Drippington). Johnny was a stalwart from start to finish, performing the ever-failing Adrian with a natural ability.
Accompanying Adrian was the talented Rachel Cleary playing the unrequited Little Red Riding Hood with ease. Rachel also wowed audiences with a stunning version of the ‘Les Miserables’ hit ‘On My Own’. Accompanying Rachel with an eloquent interpretative dance were Evelyn Negrin Armas and Ainhoa Garcis Rodriguez.
The third but by no means least of the trio on the Pantoland adventure was the formidable ‘Dame Drippington’ who quickly became a hit with the audiences. Adam O’Rourke is to be commended for bringing this larger than life character to life. His comic timing, interpretation of the character and audience engagement would compete with the performance quality of a most seasoned actor. Jennifer Glynn added to the trio as the play progressed, playing an endearing Belle, with confidence and enthusiasm.
From scene to scene there was a bevy of talent on display, each actress and actor owning their roles and defining their characters with confidence. From the early appearance of Jack (Evan Mannion), the Bean Seller (Ciara Staunton) to the ‘no nonsense’ Little Bo Peep (Eilidh Bacon) ,the ‘attitude-filled’ Pinocchio (Morgan Glynn), the broken ‘Gepetto’ (Paul Cahalan) - perfect Italian accent intact – the commendable Chamberlain (Sean Daly), the Disney Princesses, Snow White, (Sarah Clancy), Cinderella (Cliona Claffey), Sleeping Beauty (Aoife Byrne) and Jasmine (Mary Curley), there was an array of energy-filled performances. The princesses played a stormer, unhinging the egotistical Prince Charming (Charlie Mahon) with memorable scenes while Charlie played a cool, unshakeable Prince.
Act 2 brought new scenes and locations with a court case for the accused Wee Willie Winkie, portrayed as a cheeky chap by Éanna Mulhare. Winkie’s case was overseen by the imposing Judge (Hazel Kenny), prosecuted with gusto by Darragh Scully defended vehemently by Anna Coughlan and Jasmine Gohery. The obedient clerk was played amiably by Fionn O Meara.
From there we travelled the seven seas to Treasure Island where we met the doddery Captain Bluebeard (John Foley) and his band of merry pirates. These were fun scenes with the hearty crew – Seagirl Sally (Enya Lodge), Black-Eyed Bill (Brooklyn McDermott), Lucky Jim (Robert Duffy), the lovable larrikin Handy Harry, played warmly by Lee Hogan, Jane Silver (Clara Doherty) and the memorable Mixed Up Mike (Ciaran Flynn). Completing this fun-filled and energetic line-up was Robinson Crusoe, played with fun by Calum Malone.
Musical numbers played a huge role in this panto as the characters, accompanied by the panto dancers, lit up the stage. From the opening ‘The Greatest Showman’ led by a superb performance from Paul Cahalan, to the fun ‘Dear Future Husband’ and finishing with the Grease hit ‘We Go Together’, the cast had audiences enthralled with their choreographed and colourful performances. Lisa Hogan, “Gravity Dance”, is to be commended for her vision and teaching of the dance numbers. They were a showpiece. The students were drilled through the dances in rehearsal time by teachers, Ms Brennan and Ms Hardiman, who can only have been proud as punch on the execution of the musical numbers on the night.
Stage construction came together under the expert guidance of Mr Boyle and his students, while the artistic team of students yet again produced top notch scenery under the brilliant leadership of Ms Kelleher, assisted by Ms McDaid. The attention to detail in the costuming and remarkable display of colour on show is attributed to the talented and creative Ms Cushen, Ms Kenny, and assisted this year by Ms Finnerty.
Props, catering, tech, lighting, programme, make up and a formidable front of house team, were just some of the other areas which came together to bring this panto to life. All areas of the production were student and teacher operated, all executed with the professional touch of a real theatre experience!
Produced and directed by Ms Laura McDowall, accompanied by Ms Gillian Dewane, the production took many risks. With an unknown script and a departure to radio mics and video walls, there were many ways in which this panto could have unravelled. However, one thing is certain, they were risks worth taking. The initial casting process, carried out over two weeks, ensured that cast and character were perfectly in synch. This was a lively, busy, engaging production, which gave a huge amount of students a performance opportunity and a lifetime of memories … oh no it didn’t … oh yes it did!!