It is that time of year again, Gowran’s Pantomime Society will take to the stage to showcase their talent and entertain the people of Gowran.
This year is no different as the Gowran Pantomime Society presents Pinocchio, a story that will be familiar to all, young and old, and guaranteed to make you laugh.
Pinocchio has many different elements within the story and will appeal to all age groups.
Gepetto, the old toymaker, has never had children of his own. But one night he wishes on a star and, thanks to the Blue Fairy, his puppet, Pinocchio, is brought to life. But that is just the start of it. To become a real boy Pinocchio must resist temptation in favour of doing what is right.
However a devious fox and his tricky sidekick Cat try to lure the unsuspecting puppet with the promise of a showbiz lifestyle.
The loveable Jiminy Cricket is on hand to try keep Pinocchio on the straight and narrow. But what ensues is a riotous, side-splitting, journey done like only Gowran Panto knows how.
The team that brought you the hugely successful Snow White and the Several Dwarves, Peter Pan, and the stunning Little Mermaid are back together with this new take on the classic Carlo Collodi tale. Andrew O'Leary is back in the director's chair after a two year hiatus.
Also back in the saddle is the inimitable Pat Walsh who returns to the role of Dame. All the regulars are still on hand and there are several newcomers to the cast to spice up proceedings.
Why Pinocchio? “It's a story I've always loved and always wanted to tell,” says writer/director Andrew O'Leary.
“The original story is a simple tale of a cheeky wooden puppet who must amend his ways if he is to become a real boy. But the story works on so many levels - it explores themes of virtue and conscience, of misdeed and redemption, and so much more.” Needless to say Gowran Pantomime Society has flouted much of the morality elements in favour of a highly charged action/adventure story.
Chairman Paul O'Donnell says: “We always try to surprise our audience; catch them off guard and give them something special. And this year's show will do that in spades.”
New cast member, Trevor Anderson, who has directed and performed with Dreamstuff Youth Theatre, tells us: “It's amazing what they do here in Gowran. It's a small parish hall yet when the curtain goes up, you're transported to far-flung magical places. And you go along with it.
“It's impossible not to. When I saw their production of The Little Mermaid it just blew me away. I've been in theatre since I was a kid and I'd never seen anything like it before.”
Trevor was so impressed that he has joined Gowran cast for this year's show as the fox's eccentric and mute sidekick, Cat.
The show runs in Gowran Parish Hall on February 15, 17, and 18 at 8pm. There is a matinee show on Sunday February 19 which starts at 3pm — tickets for this show sell out quickly so to avoid disappointment call Eileen on 056 7726117.
Tickets €12, children €8, OAPs and students €10.
