Fears costs could scupper future of Letterkenny panto

There are fears that the curtain could fall on the annual Letterkenny Pantomime.

A meeting of the Letterkenny Milford Municipal District heard that the Letterkenny Pantomime Society and bosses at An Grianán Theatre are at ‘loggerheads’ over the cost of hosting shows at the Port Road facility.

Due to Covid-19, the pantomime has not taken place since 2020. Then, a production of Cinderella ran for five nights at the Aura Leisure Complex.

Letterkenny Pantomime Society was 70 in 2020, but there are now concerns that the annual panto, which raised money for charities and clubs, could be lost.

Councillor Kevin Bradley called on the Council to engage with both parties ‘as a matter of urgency to resolve the current issues and look forward to working together in 2024’.

An Grianán Theatre

“Prices went through the roof,” he said. “This is a charity run organisation and money goes out to all parts of the community. If we let this run for another year, it’s gone.”

Councillor Bradley said there is a ‘wealth of knowledge that you couldn’t pay for’ involved in the annual running of the pantomime.

“The theatre is our’s and it should be there,” he said. “As a matter of urgency, we need to sit down and get both sides talking to get the show on the road again for 2024.”

Councillor Bradley said there were real fears that the pantomime would cease to exist if it is allowed ‘slip’ for another year.

He said: “The show is nearly over if this is not sorted. Even if we could give them the place for a year just to get them started up again. Remember, this isn’t a money making situation.”

The motion was seconded by Ciaran Brogan who said the pantomime was ‘one of the greatest community events that anyone can be a part of’.

“We need to send out a strong message,” he said. “It shouldn’t take a motion from a Councillor to sort this. These people are people who put their heart and soul into what they do best. It is important that we get this back into the heart of the community.

“Someone, somewhere has dropped the ball, but we all want to see the panto back.”

Councillor Gerry McMonagle, who is the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of An Grianán Theatre, said the Pantomime Society was ‘cherished’ by the theatre.

“We want to work with them,” Councillor McMonagle said.

“The pantomime was charged €500, which was a reduced rate from that charged to other groups. That, unfortunately had to change due to rising costs and to bring it on a par with other groups. That went to €600 and then €700, to bring it on a par.”

Councillor McMonagle told the meeting that ‘every other group’ accepted the price hike.

“We acknowledge and admire the work that they do,” Councillor McMonagle said. “It is a great outlet for young people. Unfortunately, to date we have been unable to resolve the issues.”

Councillor McMonagle stressed that ‘it’s not about overcharging’ and outlined that the theatre was willing to speak to organisers again in a bid to solve the problem.

Councillor Bradley said the rising costs meant that the pantomime’s costs could stand at €10,000.

“We need to get both parties to get this on again,” he said. “There’s no money in a pot ever because everything goes to charity.

“You look at young boys on street corners and then this is a start of a new career for so many. It is a no brainer. We should actually be giving them the theatre.”