Rehearsals to begin next week for Carrick-on-Suir Musical Society's autumn panto

Carrick-on-Suir Musical Society has kicked off preparations for its autumn pantomime - SHwREK’d - an original show based on the famous green animation film character Shrek.

Details of the upcoming show that will be staged at the Strand Theatre between Wednesday, October 23 and Sunday, October 27 were announced at a launch event for the production hosted by the Musical Society at the theatre last Thursday evening.

Members of the production team were on hand at the launch event to provide information to existing Musical Society members and prospective new members about the show and auditions.

SHwREK’d is an original script jointly written by Carrick-on-Suir Musical Society President Sandra Power and her husband Conor Power. This is the third panto the couple have scripted for the Society.

Sandra, who is also the panto’s director, said the show is loosely based on the famous Hollywood animation Shrek films with the fun filled fantasy plot centring on Shrek’s daughter and two sons who live in the town swamp of a fairytale version of Carrick-on-Suir.

The Shrek family heroes of the show will be up against a Donald Trump like baddie with plenty of laughs also provided by the panto dame and her side kicks.

The cast will include 20 lead and 20 chorus members and about 90 children and teens from the Musical Society's Academy of Performing Arts whose song and dance performances are among the highlights of the annual pantomimes.
Auditions

Auditions for the lead roles, cast and chorus took place at the Strand Theatre this Wednesday, September 4 at 8pm and rehearsals begin at the theatre next Monday, September 9.

The other members of the panto production team are Siobhan Grace-Regan, who is Chorus Mistress and Musical Director; Nicole Breen, who is the Choreographer and Claire O’Hara, who is Production Manager and Assistant Director.

Sandra pointed out the annual pantomime is Carrick Musical Society’s biggest annual fundraiser with the proceeds used to help pay the Strand Theatre’s loan debt and for its ongoing upkeep.

She urged the people of Carrick-on-Suir and surrounding areas to support the show’s six performances that will include two matinee shows on Saturday and Sunday, October 26 and 27.

The Saturday matinee will be a special sensory friendly performance suitable for children and adults with special sensory needs.

Tickets for the pantomime will go on sale in early October. Check out Carrick-on-Suir Musical Society’s Facebook page for updates.