The start of the 80's saw a resurge of interest in live stage shows in Castlebar which was largely due to the No Name Club & The Tops of the Towns competition. But by the mid eighties, The No Name Clubs melted away & interest had waned in entering teams into "The Tops". This fact was being discussed during a rail journey shared by Stephen Burns who was involved in the Davitt House Tops of The Towns team & one Fr. Desmond Fahey. Stephen Burns spoke about the old Pantomimes of the 1950's & 60's & suggested, that to revive the Pantomime tradition would be a good way to incorporate all talents from the different groups in Castlebar. Fr. Fahey who was no stranger to directing shows, among them a Pioneer Association production of "Cough Water, agreed with the idea but, an idea it stayed. Well, that is Until November 1984, when he met up with Sean Lyons with the intention of discussing a new framework for a "Tops" show. Once again the conversation repeated itself, but this time with Sean Lyons suggesting that a revival of Castlebar Pantomime could open many new opportunities for local people to again enjoy being involved in a live stage production.
Little did the people of Castlebar think, that when they left the Castlebar Pantomime production of "Aladdin" in 1965, that they would have to wait 21 years before the red curtains of the Town Hall would once again drift open to reveal the wonders of Pantomime with "Dick Whittington" in 1986. But, little did anyone involved with that production realise, that with the forthcoming "Panto At The OK Corral", Castlebar Pantomime would be celebrating its 20th Anniversary in 2005. For a local, live, amateur tradition it is a remarkable achievement.
"Dick Whittington" was naturally Produced by Fr Des Fahey & Sean Lyons who left nothing to chance & enlisted Kevin McNicholas as Assistant Producer. Not only was our Kevin a talented musician, but was no stranger to Producing shows with many a Davitt College musical under his belt. Ann Tobin temporarily left her vocation as Beautician & was drafted as Choreographer, Frankie Forde-Waldron became Musical Director, Reg Smyth of Davitt College displayed his skills as Set Designer which Dave Murphy, Tony Donegan, Des Byrne, John Joe Goggins, Des Hennelly, John McHugh & Norma Gibbons converted into the most magical of stages. Members of Castlebar & Westport Bands provided a joint venture into top class musical performances. Children as Rats, Teddy Bears & Indians joined the more mature Ladies & Gentlemen of the Chorus on stage with Mary Donegan & Nan Monaghan performing as Soloists. |
The cast introduced the magic of Pantomime to a generation of children of which few, had experienced anything like it before. Not only did the children enjoy the show, they became completely involved. They became involved to the point where pandemonium broke out... Dick Whittington played by Adrian Gavin was being banished due to a missing necklace being found in his possessions but really it was the King Rat played by Margaret Igoe who had stolen it. The children in the audience went wild! Most of them were standing on seats roaring their defence of the injustice done to Dick Whittington to the Principal actors on the stage. The script was continued almost in mime form while the children shouted "It was the rat" until; King Rat (Margaret Igoe) frightened the kids so much that for weeks later they used to shy away from her on the street.
Monica Masterson also left her mark on the 1986 production when she appeared dressed as Dolly Parton. Holding nothing back, she did a number called "Hey Big Enda" while singing to a life-size doll in a well cut Gentleman's suit, with a curiously familiar well groomed head of fair hair! Thanks to Monica Masterson & Delia Queenan, so began the Castlebar Pantomime tradition of "The Parody". Adrian Gavin, David Tuomey, Seamus King, Clare Kenny, Bernie Igoe, Frank Forde, Michael Devanney, Mary Kelly, Pat O'Donnell, Joe O'Grady, Padraig Larkin & George Lally completed the cast of Dick Whittington & many of them actually returned year after year discovering there is no cure for the Panto Bug.
Following the success of "Dick Whittington". Fr Fahey knew no fear. That was until the carefully rehearsed script for the 1987 production of "Cinderella" nightly dissolved in the hands of Sean Lyons & Frank Forde as the Ugly Sisters Bedelia & Beducky (pictured left). But whatever effect this had on poor Fr. Des, the effect they had on Cinderella played by Geraldine McHale was infinitely worse. The fact that Geraldine knew the script, had little bearing on the show as she nightly headed into unknown territory with lines being changed constantly by the very Ugly Sisters! Overlooking this, the Ugly Sisters were an amazing team who caused a riot on stage as audiences applauded their wit or booed their treatment of the poor Cinderella. The hall descended into a frenzy of booing when the large frames of the Ugly Sisters tore up the dainty Cinderella's invitation to the ball.
But, when you consider Cinderella won the heart of Prince Charming played by Adrian Gavin, had a Fairy Godmother played by Bernie Igoe, also had good friends played by Clare Kenny & Marina Rice, could always confide in Buttons played by Liam Connell, got to know Dandini played by Michael Devanney & did eventually get the ball, we all know she did alright in the end!
Also involved in 1987 were 91 members of the Chorus which included an array of Villagers, Gingerbread Men, Fairies, Ballroom Guests & Gypsies. Choreography as devised by Paul Kilcoyne, Frances Lally & Ms Monica Masterson. It is claimed that "Reet Petite" featuring Monica, Paul Kilcoyne & Siobhan Everard could be claimed to be the liveliest dance preformed of any Pantomime before or since!
There was a changing of the Guard in the 1988 Production of "Aladdin" with Kevin McNicholas & Mary Lenihan taking over as Producers. Sean Lyons appeared as Widow Twankey while Fr Des Fahey wanted to be more involved with the fine work of the Stage Crew who was over seen by Des Byrne. Tom Burke became Musical Director, assisted by Louise Donlon, Frankie Forde-Waldron obtained the fancy title of Choral Director & Choreography again was in the hands of Paul Kilcoyne & Monica Masterson. Dave "The Rave" Murphy as he was fondly christened by Clare Kenny illuminated the Panto stage & transformed the cold, dark Town Hall stage into a bright tropical island or magical cave full of glittering treasure.
Monica Masterson also left her mark on the 1986 production when she appeared dressed as Dolly Parton. Holding nothing back, she did a number called "Hey Big Enda" while singing to a life-size doll in a well cut Gentleman's suit, with a curiously familiar well groomed head of fair hair! Thanks to Monica Masterson & Delia Queenan, so began the Castlebar Pantomime tradition of "The Parody". Adrian Gavin, David Tuomey, Seamus King, Clare Kenny, Bernie Igoe, Frank Forde, Michael Devanney, Mary Kelly, Pat O'Donnell, Joe O'Grady, Padraig Larkin & George Lally completed the cast of Dick Whittington & many of them actually returned year after year discovering there is no cure for the Panto Bug.
Following the success of "Dick Whittington". Fr Fahey knew no fear. That was until the carefully rehearsed script for the 1987 production of "Cinderella" nightly dissolved in the hands of Sean Lyons & Frank Forde as the Ugly Sisters Bedelia & Beducky (pictured left). But whatever effect this had on poor Fr. Des, the effect they had on Cinderella played by Geraldine McHale was infinitely worse. The fact that Geraldine knew the script, had little bearing on the show as she nightly headed into unknown territory with lines being changed constantly by the very Ugly Sisters! Overlooking this, the Ugly Sisters were an amazing team who caused a riot on stage as audiences applauded their wit or booed their treatment of the poor Cinderella. The hall descended into a frenzy of booing when the large frames of the Ugly Sisters tore up the dainty Cinderella's invitation to the ball.
But, when you consider Cinderella won the heart of Prince Charming played by Adrian Gavin, had a Fairy Godmother played by Bernie Igoe, also had good friends played by Clare Kenny & Marina Rice, could always confide in Buttons played by Liam Connell, got to know Dandini played by Michael Devanney & did eventually get the ball, we all know she did alright in the end!
Also involved in 1987 were 91 members of the Chorus which included an array of Villagers, Gingerbread Men, Fairies, Ballroom Guests & Gypsies. Choreography as devised by Paul Kilcoyne, Frances Lally & Ms Monica Masterson. It is claimed that "Reet Petite" featuring Monica, Paul Kilcoyne & Siobhan Everard could be claimed to be the liveliest dance preformed of any Pantomime before or since!
There was a changing of the Guard in the 1988 Production of "Aladdin" with Kevin McNicholas & Mary Lenihan taking over as Producers. Sean Lyons appeared as Widow Twankey while Fr Des Fahey wanted to be more involved with the fine work of the Stage Crew who was over seen by Des Byrne. Tom Burke became Musical Director, assisted by Louise Donlon, Frankie Forde-Waldron obtained the fancy title of Choral Director & Choreography again was in the hands of Paul Kilcoyne & Monica Masterson. Dave "The Rave" Murphy as he was fondly christened by Clare Kenny illuminated the Panto stage & transformed the cold, dark Town Hall stage into a bright tropical island or magical cave full of glittering treasure.
All things were fair on the Panto stage & that included politics! A pretend issue of a local paper was drafted for the show of which its headline read - "Kenny weds pop star Madonna as Flynn suffers cut back". This included a photo of Enda Kenny & Madonna with a second photo of a caricature of Padraig Flynn. Due to the fact that Padraig Flynn was a Castlebar Pantomime Dame during the 60's (& by all reports an excellent one at that) & that Enda Kenny regularly to this day attends Pantomime productions (& takes all that is thrown at him in the best humour), these two Political Gentlemen took this piece of Panto slagging in the manner it was intended - pure jest. In fact both Padraig & Enda bravely accepted an invitation to join Frank Forde & Sean Lyons & Mary McHale on stage while attending the show that year. Enda Kenny made it back to his seat (Town Hall one that is) unscathed but, it's a matter of opinion how Padraig Flynn fared. Mr Flynn (pictured right) While on stage & clutching the handle of a brush was asked by Frank Forde at gun point (pretend of course - it is Panto), did he renounce Charlie Haughey & all his evil ways? The former Panto star replied "Yes Francis" & years later perhaps he did.
Aladdin that year was played by Evelyn Galvin Byrne with Stephen Guthrie as Wishee Washee. Siobhan Everard brilliantly played the evil Abanazar while Stephen Burns played a very unhelpful Vizier with a very spoilt son Prince Pekoe played by Marina Rice. Clare Kenny & Lar Davis played the Emperor & Empress with Mary Donegan as their daughter Princess Say Wen. Mary McHale & Frank Forde appeared as bungling police types Bamboo & Typhoo. A mention must be made of Frank Forde's pet hen Patricia, who was decked out in an absolutely tiny Garda hat for her passing out parade from Templemore as part of a typically unscripted Castlebar Panto performance. |
1989 saw Sean Lyons exchange the view of the sun descending behind Croagh Patrick to a different view of the world from Australia & Fr Fahey's duties led him to Knock but, not before helped audition the cast. Although their support was sorely missed, the show did go on with another production by Kevin McNicholas & Mary Lenihan with "Little Red Riding Hood". Title role was played by Panto new comer Alison Ruane. New to Panto & at the time the youngest person to take a principal role, but not new to the stage. Alison had like so many others appeared in the Davitt College Musicals. One of the bravest appearances by any man in Castlebar was made by one Mr Seamus King who appeared as The Dowager Fairy Dutiful. Words alone could not describe this star of the local rugby team bedecked as a fairy so that's why we have included a picture (left).
So we will move on to mention Panto newcomers Colette McGinty who played Demon Sheerspite & Loretta Morris soon to become O'Malley, who played Baa The Sheep to Brian Murphy's Baa Baa The Sheep. Of course what good Panto sheep would be seen without her nibs Little Bo Beep played by Clare Kenny.
The Squires Banquet gave the Chorus a wonderful opportunity to appear in formal dress that would be worthy of any period drama, Ball gowns & ruffled cravats ruled supreme. The Junior Chorus were not to be out done as they preformed an extremely high kicking version of the Can- Can but in keeping with their age - in Minnie Mouse cheer leader attire. What Panto would be complete without the bad guys? These in 1989 were provided by Stephen Burns as Sir False Hood, Siobhan Everard as Hardy Hood & Stephen Guthrie as Foolhardy Hood. On the good guy's side was Liam Connell as Prince Florizel, Dave Tuomey as Poppet, Margaret Igoe as The Grandmother & Bernie Igoe as Lupe The Wolf wasn't too sure whose side she was on.
So we will move on to mention Panto newcomers Colette McGinty who played Demon Sheerspite & Loretta Morris soon to become O'Malley, who played Baa The Sheep to Brian Murphy's Baa Baa The Sheep. Of course what good Panto sheep would be seen without her nibs Little Bo Beep played by Clare Kenny.
The Squires Banquet gave the Chorus a wonderful opportunity to appear in formal dress that would be worthy of any period drama, Ball gowns & ruffled cravats ruled supreme. The Junior Chorus were not to be out done as they preformed an extremely high kicking version of the Can- Can but in keeping with their age - in Minnie Mouse cheer leader attire. What Panto would be complete without the bad guys? These in 1989 were provided by Stephen Burns as Sir False Hood, Siobhan Everard as Hardy Hood & Stephen Guthrie as Foolhardy Hood. On the good guy's side was Liam Connell as Prince Florizel, Dave Tuomey as Poppet, Margaret Igoe as The Grandmother & Bernie Igoe as Lupe The Wolf wasn't too sure whose side she was on.
In 1990, "Ole King Cole" was produced by Adrian Gavin who celebrated the success of the show by being dressed as a Roman Emperor at the after show fancy dress party. Credit where credit was due it was a marvellous show including Guest appearances from Sean Lyons (he couldn't stay away), David Duffy & Tanya Morahan. Again, the Choreography was a major strength of the show with Monica Masterson, Michael & Toni Devanney putting the Cast through their paces. While the Chorus was down in numbers compared to previous years, the quality of their performances made up for the quantity of Chorus members. The Man in the Moon was played by Padraic Murray (right) who literally hovered above the rest of the cast as a cut out of a half moon. He wore an inflatable costume which the cast thoroughly enjoyed deflating at every opportunity causing the encased smoke to be squirted straight into his face. Needless to say, his feet never had to leave the ground! Tony Donegan finally escaped from Aladdin's cave where he played the Mummy & left the safety of the Back Stage Crew to go on stage as Windbag, The Lord Chamberlain.
New comers to the Principal roles included Fiona Cashin as Viola, Tom Howley as Robin, Pat Farrelly as Melancholy, Joan Howley as The Demon King, with Vincent Gillespie & Tom McGrath as The Guards. The Bank of Ireland give Tony Hiney a short release to play Ole King Cole while his 3. Wives were played by Mary McHale, Clare Kenny & Colette McGinty. These ladies sang an inimitable version of the 12 days of Christmas which included references to the then "new" Library, "new" ring road & the famous Mr Willie Joe Padden also had got a mention. |