In Pictures: Babes in the Wood delights and dazzles Pettigo audiences

Audiences packed into the Termon Complex in Pettigo on Wednesday evening, April 3 for the opening performance of Borderline Players’ production of Babes in the Wood.

Although pantomime is not traditionally associated with this time of year, Borderline Players have a long tradition of Easter holiday pantomimes, going all the way back to 2001. Babes in the Wood is the group’s 14th pantomime, and the 14th directed by their chairperson and founder, Siobhan O’Brien. 

Siobhan explained that putting together the show which features a cast of 100, with performers as young as three taking to the stage, was a mammoth task, but had high praise for all the on-stage and background talent. 

Siobhan added that the stage crew and production team have been putting in countless hours over the past few weeks to ensure the lavish sets and hundreds of costumes were ready for the opening night and hopes that the audiences over the four nights will appreciate the effort that goes into making the magic happen. 

A dazzling performance by the senior dance ensemble kickstarts the show and then it’s over to Borderline’s Grand Dame, Joseph Walsh, starring as Nurse Nitwit to bring some big laughs! 

Joseph is a seasoned performer and has starred in most of the group’s pantomimes over the past 24 years. Joseph is always a firm hit with the Pettigo audience as are Frances McGloin and Aideen Casey who played the comedy duo, Sheriff's bodyguards, Mole and Wart.

Returning to the stage after a number of years in retirement, Aidan Gilroy who travels all the way from Kinawley in Fermanagh to join the Pettigo cast had the audience booing and hissing from his debut appearance as the villain of the piece, the Sheriff of Nottingham. 

Later in the show he was joined by Liz Smith who for the first time this year stars as the wickedly evil, Nausea Nightshade – quite the transformation from her usual role as leading lady. 

Following her recent headlining performance in Ballyshannon Musical Society’s performance of Carole, Erin Christina Ryder returned to her roots starring as Maid Marian. Erin has been a member of Borderline Players since the age of six and has been part of the youth ensemble in a number of previous pantomimes, all the way back to 2012. 

Erin’s leading man, Robin Hood was portrayed by a newcomer to the stage, Daire Moss and this pair are destined for great things, as are the Babes themselves, Belleek duo Arthur McManus and Caitlin McGlone, both pupils at St John the Baptist Primary School in Roscor who won the roles of Billy and Milly, and audiences could quickly see why they were chosen for the parts. Arthur and Caitlin had one-liners a plenty along with a number of song and dance routines and they handled it all in their stride at just 10 years old. 

Robin Hood’s Merry Men, Friar Tuck, Will Scarlett and Little John were portrayed by Borderline regulars Donal Monaghan, Alison Lappin and another newcomer to the stage, Siobhan O’Donnell, while Pettigo’s PJ McAndrews was back on stage as King Richard.

The fun continues at the Termon Complex until Saturday, April 6 with nightly performances at 7pm. Tickets are available to book online at www.facebook.com/borderlineplayers or by contacting the Termon Complex on 071 98 61111.