‘Sign’ of the times for accessible panto

IRELAND’S only Irish sign language interpreted pantomime, Jack And The Beanstalk, at the University Concert Hall in Limerick, has been extended due to overwhelming public demand.

With a choice of video streams, with or without signing, panto enthusiasts can now purchase and view the show until midnight on Sunday.

Speaking about this year’s show the director of UCH, Sinéad Hope, said: ‘We have always explored ways to make our live panto more accessible and have had a sensory version of the show, which included an ISL interpreter, for a number of years. It was therefore really important to us, and to producer Robert C Kelly, that this year’s online version of the panto was still accessible to the deaf community.’

To book tickets for the stream featuring the ISL interpreter, families should select the ‘with Sign Language Interpreter’ ticket type when booking tickets.

Jack And The Beanstalk features long-time UCH panto favourite Richie Hayes and the irresistible Dame Myles Breen. And Liam O’Brien, of Emmerdale fame, makes his UCH Panto debut as the baddest of baddies!

Dayl Cronin is back as Jack, with Aisling Breen returning as the faithful, baddie sidekick. Also making their UCH panto debut this year are Ruth Berkeley as Fairy Ella and Waterford native Julie Power who plays Jill.

The project has been partfunded by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht Sport and Media from the Live Performance Support Scheme

Tickets are €15 and are on sale now from www.dice.fm.