Cinderella returns as Buncrana Pantomime turns 50

It's that time of year again! Oh yes, it is!

This year’s production of Cinderella is especially significant, as it coincides with the 50th anniversary of Buncrana Pantomime Society.

Chairperson and producer Willie Doherty, who has been producing the pantomime since 2007, says the show will blend tradition with fresh talent. “We have a young, vibrant cast this year, along with some of our senior members. The experienced people help guide the younger ones.”

The cast includes 60 performers, and when backstage crews are added — including makeup, hair, catering, and technical teams — almost 150 people are involved in the production.

Treasurers Paula Fletcher and Sally McDaid admit that getting everything ready is no small task. Sally focuses on sponsorship and groundwork, while Paula sources costumes, materials, and “any odds and ends that are needed”.

“The pantomime is like a swan,” Paula says. “On the top, it looks easy and lovely, but underneath, there’s a lot of flapping.”

Rehearsals began in September, starting with one night a week and increasing to two shortly before Halloween. The group rehearses mainly in Scoil Mhuire, with local organisations stepping in when space is needed — including Buncrana Golf Club, which recently facilitated rehearsals at short notice.

Cinderella was last performed by the society in 2014, while the very first pantomime staged in Buncrana was Sleeping Beauty. Willie, who has been there from the first day, says the society prides itself on presenting pantomime in a traditional style. “We’re very particular about music; it has to suit the scene. We don’t just throw in popular songs for the sake of it.”

Paula agrees, adding that while trends change, the Panto remains committed to quality. “A lot of pantomimes just love a popular song; they just throw in whatever. We would do that if the song suited, but it has to suit the occasion that we're playing in.”

“We have a great mixture of ages this year, and it's great to see because some of the young people bring so much talent and confidence.”

The show runs for two weeks, from Sunday, January 25th, with a matinee at 3pm, until Saturday, ebruary 7th, in St Mary’s Hall, Buncrana. Both Sundays include 3pm matinees, with evening shows at 8pm. Matinee tickets cost €8, evening shows €12, with €8 concessions on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Tickets are available at St Mary’s Hall each evening from 6pm to 8pm, or online at https://www.ticketsource.com/buncrana-pantomime-society

READ NEXT: Oh Yes It Is! Buncrana Pantomime Turns 50

All proceeds from the shows go back into the parish. Last year’s production of Aladdin raised over €6,000, with previous years raising money for a new lift at St Mary’s Hall.