history of Castlebar pantomime 1991-1994
"Jack & The Beanstalk" was the 1991 production, produced by Adrian Gavin; Choral Director was Netta Kennedy & Choreography by Monica Masterson, Jason Guthrie, Toni & Michael Devaney. Panto legend has it that, Jason Guthrie watched his first Pantomime in 1986 on his Mother's knee & swore as he left "Dick Whittington", that next year he would be on stage. Never one to break a promise, Jason joined the Chorus from 1987 to 1990 but, 1991 saw him step into his future role as Pantomime Choreographer. A role, which he has annually continued to the present day, in an unending array of dance moves patiently, taught to 100's of members of the adult & junior chorus alike. Of course you could not mention Jason without also mentioning, his friend of many of many years, Rowena Gillespie who also joined Castlebar Pantomime in 1987. Rowena like Jason has been in each Pantomime since 1987 except of course, for exam years where it is a Castlebar Pantomime policy that those members taking part in exams are excused for that year. There will always be another Pantomime but you only get one shot at the Junior or Leaving Cert, has always been the rule!
Frank Forde (pictured above) dived into his role as Dame Durden with his usual enthusiasm & many a principal on stage was left wondering where the script had disappeared to as Frank ad-libbed at speed before them. Some people never knew how to bring him back to familiar lines. But not so Clare Kenny as Fairy Evergreen, who one night on stamped her foot & yelled "Shut up Frank!" which silenced the usually vocal Mr. Forde mid ad-lib.
Even Frank Forde could not compete with the unexpected star of "Jack & The Beanstalk"; Daisy The Cow stole the show. But, when you consider that he was up against the joint if disguised talents of Tony Hiney & Brendan Heneghan, what hope did poor Frank have? No doubt they showed him how to milk the system financially & how to live the health shop way of life as an act of compensation.
The second duo to provide a larger than life role, were Tony Varley & Sean Mulroy as The Two Headed Giant Blunderbore. Tony has still maintained his role as Islandeady N.S. Head, while Sean headed off to the brighter theatre lights of the big city following their close association in tormenting poor Jack played by Liam Connell. The WHB's finest speech therapists found a new outlet for their skills, when Colette McGinty & Loretta O'Malley appeared as Sir Bertram Bubble & Sir Sydney Squeak. Their own parents would have had difficulty in identifying these two lovely lassies on stage due to their well fitting beards!
Frank Forde (pictured above) dived into his role as Dame Durden with his usual enthusiasm & many a principal on stage was left wondering where the script had disappeared to as Frank ad-libbed at speed before them. Some people never knew how to bring him back to familiar lines. But not so Clare Kenny as Fairy Evergreen, who one night on stamped her foot & yelled "Shut up Frank!" which silenced the usually vocal Mr. Forde mid ad-lib.
Even Frank Forde could not compete with the unexpected star of "Jack & The Beanstalk"; Daisy The Cow stole the show. But, when you consider that he was up against the joint if disguised talents of Tony Hiney & Brendan Heneghan, what hope did poor Frank have? No doubt they showed him how to milk the system financially & how to live the health shop way of life as an act of compensation.
The second duo to provide a larger than life role, were Tony Varley & Sean Mulroy as The Two Headed Giant Blunderbore. Tony has still maintained his role as Islandeady N.S. Head, while Sean headed off to the brighter theatre lights of the big city following their close association in tormenting poor Jack played by Liam Connell. The WHB's finest speech therapists found a new outlet for their skills, when Colette McGinty & Loretta O'Malley appeared as Sir Bertram Bubble & Sir Sydney Squeak. Their own parents would have had difficulty in identifying these two lovely lassies on stage due to their well fitting beards!
Marina Rice (above) played the part of Jumping Joan which involved her spending the entire show (or as much of it as she physically could) literally jumping around while delivering her lines in the professional manner only our Marina could achieve. While researching this, Marina looked back on the role with mixed memories. Although she was never as fit in her life, her aching muscles were a tough price to pay for getting rid of the Christmas pounds....
Another lady who survived the Panto stage was one Joanne Kyne who played Princess Felicia. There may have been no Prince Charming in "Jack & The Beanstalk" but Joanne landed herself a Prince of a Saw Doctor who "used ta love her" singing on the "N17". Joanne & her Saw Doctor got married & lived happily ever after in the Kingdom of Tuam. Other principals in 1991 included Dave Tuomey as Simple Simon, with Lar Davis as yes you guessed it, the Pie Man (left) & Michael Devaney who played Demon Pestblight with his usual flair for being the bad guy in the finest of costumes which he created himself. There was never an end to Michael's talents!
1992 saw Tony Hiney leave his role as Daisy the Cow behind him as he & Marina Rice "moooved" into the roles of Producers of "Sleeping Beauty". The title role of "Sleeping Beauty" was played by Orla Healy who proved that having a Doctor in the house was a great cure for any thirteen-year-old, who was juggling school with a principal role in Pantomime. It was commented by many a Damsel in the Chorus of "Sleeping Beauty", that Brian Murphy as the King of Palladia (also known as Rathbawn), possessed the finest pair of legs ever seen to grace a doublet & tights. Ann Melvin followed her dreams to appear on stage & in only her second year of Panto secured the role of Tilly the Royal Nurse. Another brave soul to leave the security of the Chorus was Pat Jennings as The Herald. Little did Pat consider in 1992, that he would progress from treading the boards of the Town Hall, to having world class acts tread the boards of his very own Royal Theatre.
Two Panto veterans took on the roles of An old Villager & A very ancient villager. Nothing unusual about that, but only in Panto land could Stephen Guthrie & Lar Davis (pictured above) carry off the roles of 700-year-old villager & his youngster son of only 500 years. Darina Molloy carried on a Panto tradition started by her uncle Mat Armstrong in the Panto's of the 50's & 60's & threw herself into her first principal role as the Dame. Darina as Mother Broome fends off the jealous Royal Nurse to secure herself The Lord Chamberlain himself, Mr. Michael Devanney. Mary McHale & Clare Kenny played the bungling guards Pip & Pop with Emer Gillard & Louise Cresham as their adoring girlfriends Lola & Lila. An Oscar winning performance by Emer & Louise considering the material they had to fall in love with!
1992 saw Tony Hiney leave his role as Daisy the Cow behind him as he & Marina Rice "moooved" into the roles of Producers of "Sleeping Beauty". The title role of "Sleeping Beauty" was played by Orla Healy who proved that having a Doctor in the house was a great cure for any thirteen-year-old, who was juggling school with a principal role in Pantomime. It was commented by many a Damsel in the Chorus of "Sleeping Beauty", that Brian Murphy as the King of Palladia (also known as Rathbawn), possessed the finest pair of legs ever seen to grace a doublet & tights. Ann Melvin followed her dreams to appear on stage & in only her second year of Panto secured the role of Tilly the Royal Nurse. Another brave soul to leave the security of the Chorus was Pat Jennings as The Herald. Little did Pat consider in 1992, that he would progress from treading the boards of the Town Hall, to having world class acts tread the boards of his very own Royal Theatre.
Two Panto veterans took on the roles of An old Villager & A very ancient villager. Nothing unusual about that, but only in Panto land could Stephen Guthrie & Lar Davis (pictured above) carry off the roles of 700-year-old villager & his youngster son of only 500 years. Darina Molloy carried on a Panto tradition started by her uncle Mat Armstrong in the Panto's of the 50's & 60's & threw herself into her first principal role as the Dame. Darina as Mother Broome fends off the jealous Royal Nurse to secure herself The Lord Chamberlain himself, Mr. Michael Devanney. Mary McHale & Clare Kenny played the bungling guards Pip & Pop with Emer Gillard & Louise Cresham as their adoring girlfriends Lola & Lila. An Oscar winning performance by Emer & Louise considering the material they had to fall in love with!
1993 saw Michael Rice appear in the title role of "Mother Goose" under the direction of Ms Marina Rice. Panto is just one big family but the Rice's appeared en mass that year with Pauline Rice, Aoife Rice & Aishling Rice also getting involved. Not only did Marina Rice produce "Mother Goose" but somehow she found time to write in three extra characters of Norma Jean, The Fairy Queen & The Demon Reprobate.
Ann Melvin's performance as Norma Jean (right) was effortless, as Ann appeared to have been born to play this larger than life character based on Marilyn Monroe. It is retold in the Book of Panto that it was with great reluctance that Mrs. Melvin returned that scarlet dress. Counselling sessions in Coady's après Panto did seem to ease her loss however. Stephen Guthrie's costume as the Demon Reprobate appeared to be a copy of an escaped Royalist from the English Civil war, but our Stephen never looked so good. It probably would not have helped vegetable sales down in Cannon's, but rarely have the forces of good & evil shone so brightly in scarlet as Ann & Stephen did in 1993. Gertie the Goose was played, silently but effectively by Catherine Denning who followed the Panto tradition started by her famous Aunts Nan Monaghan, Angela Casey & Irene Smith in the 1960's. Garry Wynne appeared as her Father the King Goose of Geese-ala who carelessly lost her to the evil Jasper Jason played by Michael Devanney. Garry is another person to have inherited Pantomime fever as in the 1950's another Wynne Uncle Gussie, graced the Panto stage. Also Garry's Mother, then Ita Whelan & his Uncle Eamonn Whelan also appeared in Castlebar Pantomimes in the 1960's with sister Deirdre appearing in "Sinbad & the Vampire". To complete this Goose family portrait was one Karen Conway, as the Queen of Geese-ala. Again there is a Pantomime tradition running in the Conway household with, Aunt Beatrice Conway appearing in Pantos during the 1950's, son Mark in 2004 "Beauty & The Beast", Sister Denise in 1987 "Cinderella" & her poor Parents Pearse & Kathleen have had to sit through every Pantomime since 1993 - God bless them! |
Family is always a large part of Panto tradition with many families annually attending. On stage, there are frequently many relatives shinning under the same spotlight. Paddy Gannon for instance appeared in "Mother Goose" with his daughters Lisa & Fiona Gannon, nephews Tommy Corley, Justin Guthrie, Jason Guthrie & niece Caroline Guthrie. Other years saw Deirdre Guthrie & Elaine Gannon also on stage with Robert Guthrie holding the fort in the Pantomime shop. Indeed Jason Guthrie left the Panto folks with gaping mouths in 1993. Jaws fell to the floor as Jason displayed a much hidden talent, oh boy, could that dancer sing! His recently revealed talent secured him the role of principal boy Jack with Lorraine Cusack (right) as Jill - a very "Creditable" performance from the pride of Mountdaisy.
Playing the roles of their lives, were Padraig Diskin & Lar Davis who stole many a scene when they appeared as Cutie & Fruitie. Padraig did have a few problems with his blond wig until Michael Devanney administered some hairdresser's magic to cure it but other than that took to his female role with alarming ease. Lar Davis being the true professional he is, declined to stay in his costume gown, as he perambulated into Coady's at half time just to see if all was well with the world outside or to see if he could assist Sir Arthur Guinness in any way.
All things being fair in Panto, if you had two guys dressed as women, then naturally you had to have two gals as guys! 1993 saw Darina Molloy & Kathryn Fitzmaurice play Baron Jasper Jason's henchmen Debit & Credit. This trio was responsible for evicting Mother Goose & her son Simple Simon played by Ann Timothy out of their house & off onto their tale of woe. This tale took them to Scotland & Holland with many wonderful chorus numbers to keep them company. Adrian Gavin was notable in this Panto with his version of the "Dutchman" & although it seems unlikely to put this in the same sentence, the Juniors rendition of the Frog Chorus was absolutely the sweetest thing to witness in "Mother Goose" that year. The "Black Hills of Dakota" is on the other hand a number, which the Chorus have no desire to remember - definitely NOT a Panto favourite!
Playing the roles of their lives, were Padraig Diskin & Lar Davis who stole many a scene when they appeared as Cutie & Fruitie. Padraig did have a few problems with his blond wig until Michael Devanney administered some hairdresser's magic to cure it but other than that took to his female role with alarming ease. Lar Davis being the true professional he is, declined to stay in his costume gown, as he perambulated into Coady's at half time just to see if all was well with the world outside or to see if he could assist Sir Arthur Guinness in any way.
All things being fair in Panto, if you had two guys dressed as women, then naturally you had to have two gals as guys! 1993 saw Darina Molloy & Kathryn Fitzmaurice play Baron Jasper Jason's henchmen Debit & Credit. This trio was responsible for evicting Mother Goose & her son Simple Simon played by Ann Timothy out of their house & off onto their tale of woe. This tale took them to Scotland & Holland with many wonderful chorus numbers to keep them company. Adrian Gavin was notable in this Panto with his version of the "Dutchman" & although it seems unlikely to put this in the same sentence, the Juniors rendition of the Frog Chorus was absolutely the sweetest thing to witness in "Mother Goose" that year. The "Black Hills of Dakota" is on the other hand a number, which the Chorus have no desire to remember - definitely NOT a Panto favourite!
Politics creep in every where & when Jimmy Murphy was not playing a Garda evicting poor Mother Goose, he doubled up on roles & played Pilib O'Ceallaigh T.D. But, for once it was not only the local politicians like Eamon Joyce, Padraig Flynn & Enda Kenny who were ribbed from the stage. Bishop Michael Neary & Fr.Gerry Needham arrived for the Friday show to be met with the traditional Panto jokes from the stage at their expense. Both men of the cloth however, took it all in their stride as they sat back & continued to enjoy the rest of the show. Other victims picked from the audience that year were Paul Heverin, Tony Grimes, Mick Byrne, Michael Parsons, Josephine McCann & Ernie Sweeney, all in the spirit of jest of course!
Nan Monaghan uncovered the script for the 1994 show "Babes in the Wood". This script was unique in the fact that it was the same script that she had used in 1964 production of "Babes in the Wood" while playing the part of Robin Hood. Nan's daughter Michelle Monaghan played the role of Maid Marion, which her Aunt Angela Casey had played before her. Pantomime new comer Richard Heneghan played Robin Hood; with his & Michelle's version of "True Love" becoming a Panto classic by the end of the week.
Also, by the end of the week, another classic was born. In 1994 Frank Forde played the role of Dame Martha to the point where his antics that year has become legendary. A certain scene which contained Mr. Forde using a metal bucket on stage as a replacement for a bedpan had to be both seen & heard to be believed. His interpretation of "Dear Frankie" almost required oxygen masks to be handed out to the audience who could not breathe from laughing. But the crème de la crème was during the Friday night show when Monsieur Paul Claffey (he of Mid-West Radio) appeared with Frank in a cameo role as The Matron (below). Any remaining caution was thrown to the wind as Frank dressed in a pink nightie was reprimanded by Paul Claffey in a Matrons uniform in a completely unscripted & believe me, an unrehearsed scene.
No "Babes in the Wood" production would be complete with "The Babes" who were played by Charlie Davis & Katrina Roughneen. Young as he was, Charlie Davis was no stranger to the Panto scene being the son of the famous actor Lawrence J. Davis. While Katrina Roughneen had moved through the ranks of the Junior Chorus to win her first principal role as Jill. The Babes spent most of the show dodging the Sheriff of Nottingham played by Michael Devanney who managed to squash in some acting between painting sets, creating costumes, performing coiffure miracles & transforming Darina Molloy from your friendly local reporter into the evil Witch Sly-Eye. Michael's talent with make up was outstanding & the children in the audience were terrified of the vampire-ish looks of Witch Sly-Eye. She was absolutely detested by the young audience, a true tribute to Michael's costume & make up genius combined with Darina's flawless acting style.
Of course in Pantomime, where ever there are bad witches there has to be a good fairy. This role was given to Anne Kerrigan as Fairy Goodheart who in theory, was supposed to magically arrive on stage within a series of rotating mirrors which it was hoped would confuse the audience as to where she had arrived. In practice however this did not always work. The audience was often left with a view of the petite Anne pushing the large mirrors away from her, while the twinkly fairy music was over shadowed by Des Byrne in a Dublin accent colourfully commenting on the fact, that there was an error in the proceedings...
The Chorus had a ball that year & all thoroughly enjoyed the choice of songs & dance routines. Certain members of the audience also enjoyed the Chorus when the Senior Chorus dressed as French Maids appeared with Liam Connell as the Butler, in the "Hurry Up" number. Sharon Lavelle was enjoying her first year in Pantomime until she found herself to be the only dancer on stage when the rest of the Chorus misjudged the length of a chocolate break. Sharon hid behind Garry Wynne who played Friar Tuck & waited while the chocolate culprits sneaked onto the stage hoping that no one noticed their absence! Garry, totally thrown by the change in proceedings, mixed up the words of "In the middle of the night" leaving the tightly choreographed dancers hands high in the air for "river deep" & the dancers hands down on the ground for "mountain high". Ah well, did anyone except for the Chorus really notice the error - I doubt it!
Nan Monaghan uncovered the script for the 1994 show "Babes in the Wood". This script was unique in the fact that it was the same script that she had used in 1964 production of "Babes in the Wood" while playing the part of Robin Hood. Nan's daughter Michelle Monaghan played the role of Maid Marion, which her Aunt Angela Casey had played before her. Pantomime new comer Richard Heneghan played Robin Hood; with his & Michelle's version of "True Love" becoming a Panto classic by the end of the week.
Also, by the end of the week, another classic was born. In 1994 Frank Forde played the role of Dame Martha to the point where his antics that year has become legendary. A certain scene which contained Mr. Forde using a metal bucket on stage as a replacement for a bedpan had to be both seen & heard to be believed. His interpretation of "Dear Frankie" almost required oxygen masks to be handed out to the audience who could not breathe from laughing. But the crème de la crème was during the Friday night show when Monsieur Paul Claffey (he of Mid-West Radio) appeared with Frank in a cameo role as The Matron (below). Any remaining caution was thrown to the wind as Frank dressed in a pink nightie was reprimanded by Paul Claffey in a Matrons uniform in a completely unscripted & believe me, an unrehearsed scene.
No "Babes in the Wood" production would be complete with "The Babes" who were played by Charlie Davis & Katrina Roughneen. Young as he was, Charlie Davis was no stranger to the Panto scene being the son of the famous actor Lawrence J. Davis. While Katrina Roughneen had moved through the ranks of the Junior Chorus to win her first principal role as Jill. The Babes spent most of the show dodging the Sheriff of Nottingham played by Michael Devanney who managed to squash in some acting between painting sets, creating costumes, performing coiffure miracles & transforming Darina Molloy from your friendly local reporter into the evil Witch Sly-Eye. Michael's talent with make up was outstanding & the children in the audience were terrified of the vampire-ish looks of Witch Sly-Eye. She was absolutely detested by the young audience, a true tribute to Michael's costume & make up genius combined with Darina's flawless acting style.
Of course in Pantomime, where ever there are bad witches there has to be a good fairy. This role was given to Anne Kerrigan as Fairy Goodheart who in theory, was supposed to magically arrive on stage within a series of rotating mirrors which it was hoped would confuse the audience as to where she had arrived. In practice however this did not always work. The audience was often left with a view of the petite Anne pushing the large mirrors away from her, while the twinkly fairy music was over shadowed by Des Byrne in a Dublin accent colourfully commenting on the fact, that there was an error in the proceedings...
The Chorus had a ball that year & all thoroughly enjoyed the choice of songs & dance routines. Certain members of the audience also enjoyed the Chorus when the Senior Chorus dressed as French Maids appeared with Liam Connell as the Butler, in the "Hurry Up" number. Sharon Lavelle was enjoying her first year in Pantomime until she found herself to be the only dancer on stage when the rest of the Chorus misjudged the length of a chocolate break. Sharon hid behind Garry Wynne who played Friar Tuck & waited while the chocolate culprits sneaked onto the stage hoping that no one noticed their absence! Garry, totally thrown by the change in proceedings, mixed up the words of "In the middle of the night" leaving the tightly choreographed dancers hands high in the air for "river deep" & the dancers hands down on the ground for "mountain high". Ah well, did anyone except for the Chorus really notice the error - I doubt it!
The long time achievement award for the most costume changes in any Pantomime, goes to Ms Donna Ruane & Ms Karen Conway. In 1994 they had the troublesome task of changing in & out of six different costumes within one show, with one or two repeats I might add. Tweed jackets were borrowed from Nat Ruane, Bacon Factory coats were borrowed from Pearse Conway, scarecrow outfits, robber's attire (left), 1920's swim suits & Russian costumes were drafted in from Limerick to keep the girls busy as The Sheriff of Nottingham's henchmen, Smash & Grabbe.
During the show Donna Ruane as Smash was supposed to be pushed gently on stage from the wings in a shopping trolley to stand & deliver her lines before scrambling out for the rest of scene. A certain individual playing Grabbe could not resist the temptation on the last night to push poor Smash out into the stage with such force that the audience were but a flash of faces to Donna as she careered onto the far side of the Town hall stage. The only thing that stopped her from heading out to Coady's were the back stage crew as they held each other up while laughing at the shock in her face. Back then you could do those kinds of things & the amazing thing is that no one was hurt - they just got you back |