Drogheda Pantomime Society writer Fiona O'Connell tells how their shows are all about the local community

Drogheda Pantomime Society is an organisation with community at its heart. Celebrating 75 years this year, 2025’s show brings local budding actors, singers and dancers to the stage for a spectacular performance of Beauty and the Beast.

Fiona O’Connell has been the society’s resident writer since 2017, but her history with the group spans all the way back to 1979.

“They were looking for children to go on the show,” Fiona reminisces. Since then, she has remained a dedicated member of the society, taking on the role of Principal Boy, and then moving into production before becoming the show writer in 2017.

“I write the whole thing,” she says, “and the beauty of writing your whole thing is you can do what you want.”

For Fiona and the dedicated members of the Drogheda Pantomime Society, it’s all about local.

From involving the community to shouting out local businesses in the production, the people bring the heart.

More than that, the pantomime acts as a social outlet, giving the kids and adults of Drogheda alike the chance to make friends and seize the opportunity to try something new.

Fiona delights in the joy that the cast and crew take from the pantomime every year.

“I'm looking forward to seeing the old faces again,” she says. “It's just so much fun, even the things that go wrong!” she admits.
“The community and opportunity to get involved is just incredible.”

More than just a hobby, the Drogheda Pantomime Society creates a space for belonging.

“Sometimes,” Fiona says, “ people just need an outlet. It’s an escape for them, something that gives them value and something to look forward to every week.”

“Nobody sits on their own,” Fiona continues. “It’s like emotional and social support as well as everything else.”

Beauty and the Beast will bring its own magic to the stage of the Barbican this Christmas, but the true magic lies in the strong foundational community that lives and breathes within the Drogheda Pantomime Society.

A happy place for many after 75 years, the Drogheda Pantomime Society continues to shine a light on local talent and bring together those who may otherwise have never stood on a stage in solidarity and festive fun.

Drogheda Pantoime Society's production of Beauty and the Beast will take place in the Barbican Centre in Drogheda from January 23rd to February 1st at 7.30pm Fridays and Saturdays plus 3pm Saturdays and Sundays.