70 years of panto with Snow Queen

THE Drogheda Pantomime will put on a platinum performance this year, in more ways than one.

Fiona O’Connell’s (right) production of The Snow Queen – running from January 10th to 12th and 17th to 19th in the Barbican – will mark the 70th anniversary of the society in the town.

Paul Henry is back in the seat as chairman, and says it will be a suitably fabulous production, to mark such a special milestone.

“As well as being one of our most lavish productions, it will be a real celebration of how long we have lasted in the town,” says Paul, who produced many of the previous pantos over the years. “We will focus on how we have survived all these decades, and pay tribute to all those who have come and gone, including a special ‘reeling in the years’ feature on the last night, with stuff from our archives from years ago to now.”

The society has indeed weathered some ups and downs in its seven decades and has been homeless on more than one occasion!

“Being back in the Barbican is like coming full circle, as it is almost on the site of the Parochial Centre, and with people like Pat Donaghy on board since the very first show, there will be a really nostalgic feel to this year’s show.”

Former chorus-girl and principal boy is Fiona O’Connell, now writer, producer and director of the panto, and has a stellar cast as always to star in her show. Familiar faces like John Kirwan as Jack Frosty, and Elaine O’Brien the Snow Queen, will join newcomer Jimmy ‘Wingman’ Byrne, as well as Conor Tolan as Granny Bubbles.

T ickets are on sale now in the Barbican. priced €15. Contact 041 9807416 for details.