Agnes Cluskey (4) was true star of the panto

THE season of Pantomime in Drogheda was splendidly ushered in at the Gate Cinema with one of the most colourful, spectacular and ambitious shows ever seen locally, when, on New Year’s Eve, the local Pantomime and Revue Society presented “Jack and the Beanstalk “to a packed opening house.

Having made a most meritorious debut last year, the Society’s efforts on this occasion were being awaited with much interest, and there is no doubting the fact that they certainly set for themselves a high standard. If, on the opening night, that standard was not altogether reached, the effort to do so was most commendable, and the result was a creditable one.

Musically the show was most effective; good rich, rousing choruses and some really grand solos accompanied by the splendid Drogheda Light Orchestra under the baton of Jimmy Nash, did much to add to the enjoyment of the function.

In Carmel Smith the Company possesses a really talented singer and dancer. In addition to playing the role of Little Miss Muffet she was responsible for all the dance routines. In these is reflected her marked ability as an artiste of whom very much more will be heard in future years. She is usually partnered by Doreen Moore but illness necessitated her withdrawing from active participation in the show. Her part was taken by Mary Kelly as Bo Peep, and, in her first big part, this young girl did remarkably well. No doubt, a prominent place will be found for her in other productions.

The “biggest” part in the show, The Giant, was capably played by Brendan Corrigan; May McGrillen, making her first pantomime appearance, was a graceful and gracious Fairy Queen; Lilian Campbell (Gipsy Queen) and Esmonde Sarsfield (Captain of the Guard) contributed much to the success of the show.

The fine choruses of villagers, gypsies were composed of:—

Gentlemen — Esmonde Sarsfield, Jackie Fairclough, Nickie Hanlon, Hugh Byrne, Bertie Kelly, Christy Burke, Ultan Branigan, Paddy Cluskey, Tom Branigan, Jim Carr.

Ladies - Joan Gallagher, Lilian Campbell, etc., Bernie Hanlon, Kathleen Owens, Rose Murray, Maeve Clarke, Nora Breen, Nancy Rooney, Eileen McGuinness, Bernie Reilly, Dorothy Owens, Margaret Lawlor, Mary Connor.

In addition to Carmel Smith’s pupils, other dancing scenes and specialities were provided by Collette Duffy’s Ballet School and Dympna McQuail’s School of Irish Dancing.

Irish dance; Kitty Byrne, Nora Walsh. Evelyn Martin . Gemma Donnelly. Dorothy Quinn, Joan Humbre, Marie Reilly, Olive Reilly. Kay Dillon, Mary Byrne, Yvonne Jennings, Jeanette Leech.

‘ There Ain’t Nobody Here But Us Chickens” (admirably led by little Carmel McGuire) with Carmel Halpin, Evelyn McConnell . Pat Caffrey, Patricia Dunne, Marie Kelly, Etna Robinson. Vivien McKeon, Isobel Lynch. Frances Clarke, Bridie McLaughlin, Lily Cummins, Bernadette Heeney.

Two on a Tandem ( the leading soloist being Carmel Smyth)—Mary Kellly, Frances Vooren, Pauline Kierans, Estelle Leonard, Doreen McCarthy, Carmel Leech, Evelyn Morgan, Marie Bannon, Priscilla Yardley, Tina Hanratty, Mary Murphy, Emily Murray, Bridie Cummins, Marie Cluskey, Bernadette Hodgins.

Merry- Go-Round — Deta Carter Pat Leech, Carmel Halpin. Teresa Burke, Vem Halpin. Olive Bannon, Patsy McConnell, Mary Healy. Antoinette Cluskey. Olive O’Neill, Evelyn McConnell. Eileen McConnell. Mavis Doyle, Alice Cummins, Doris McCarthy. Patricia Sullivan. Stella Lamb, Olive Kierans, Carmel McGuire.

Production Manager, Jimmy Fagan; Musical Director. Polly O’Connor; Stage Director. Vincent J. Gogarty; Stage Manager, Harry Fairclough

Last year we saw for the first time little 4-yearold Agnes Cluskey of Halpin Terrace, and she immediately won the hearts of the thousands who patronised the panto last time. This year she again sings a couple of numbers with all the gusto and enthusiasm of a fully matured star. This youngster certainly has talent, and I am sure one would have to go a long way to find another who could put her stuff across with such ability. There are not many children of her age who would stand in front of a packed house and give such a performance. Her diction and singing are certainly remarkable in a child of such tender years.