Longford Drama: Panto time for Mostrim Players

Mostrim Players will stage their 2024 panto Hansel and Gretel go Walkabouts in the Ardagh Community Centre.
The story of Hansel and Gretel go Walkabouts starts on the edge of a great forest with a poor woodcutter, his wife and their two children.

Pauline Flood has taken the traditional Grimm Brothers fairy tale and adapted it for the panto format.
Pauline explained to the Leader how the Panto came about: “Mostrim Players are a very active group. We also have the Mostrim Youth Players which gives many local children a taste for the stage. We noticed that there was a bit of a gap where teenagers feel they have outgrown the Pouth Players, but were not old enough for many of our adult productions. We decided to do something that would accommodate all ages.”

The Mostrim Players Panto is very much a fun production: “It's a hilarious comedy about Hansel and Gretel and all the interesting characters they meet on their walkabout. I don't want to give too much away but they will encounter some very familiar names, including one local councillor!” Pauline tells,
This year the show will be directed by Setata Flood and Samantha Lynch.

The granny is played by Josephine Lynch. In the show granny is mom, dad and granny all rolled into one. She raises the kids because mom and dad are busy working. She equips Hansel and Gretel with a fool proof plan.
The wicked witch is played by the delightful Annette Casey, who joined Mostrim players in 2022.
The Wicked Witch is out to get Hansel and Gretel.

Father of the protagonists is James Martin. James has been an integral part of Mostrim Players for over ten years. In his role as the dad he is the definition of “chill” and is sure the kids will be grand.
Playing the role of mom is Mary Killane. A Mostrim Players member since 2016 Mary is a stalwart of the troup. As a mom she is a busy woman who doesn't have time for the kids and their shenanigans.
Taking on the role of Gretel is Caoimhe Connell, a17 year old who has been a member of Mostrim Youth Players for many years. She is following in her fathers, Jimmy, footsteps. Gretal is quick witted and clever.

The other half of the titular duo is Ciara Kelly, another 17 year old former Youth Player. Ciara will play Hansel, brother to Gretal. Hansel is adventurous and protective and one half of our star duo.

The choreography for the panto is by Oonagh O'Ferrall and the show will feature the talents of local singers and storytellers.
The decision to stage the production in Ardagh was a logistical one: “We held previous pantos in the Park House, so we had to come up with an alternative. We needed a bigger venue than the community hall, Ardagh have been so good to help us out.”
Hansel and Gretel go Walkabouts will be staged on February Friday 16, Saturday 17 and Sunday 18. The Friday and Saturday shows are at 7pm and the Sunday matinee is at 3pm.

Tickets for the show cost €10 for adults and €8 for children. They are on sale at Lyons' in Ardagh and A&M Spores in Edgeworthstown. Tickets will be available on the door on the night of the shows.