Desert island disco with Careline

It is panto season and Careline Theatre is serving up its annual show with a tropical cocktail of fun with Robinson Crusoe at the theatre group’s Alcalali base.

Young Robinson is shipwrecked and makes a whole bunch of new friends and a heap of treasure; audiences will also get to meet mum Mrs Crusoe, Captain Cuttlefish and his motley crew, and all the colourful characters from a muchloved story.

There is also the evil pirate Blackbeard who has an eye on the treasure but sails into trouble and is thwarted by Mermaid Miranda and the plucky hero.

There are six performances of Robinson Crusoe the Panto from Thursday, January 17 and backstage is already a hive of activity ahead of opening night.

Jan Walker is wardrobe mistress – and a key member of the crew despite resigning several years ago – and has to kit out a cast including 11 little girls and three little boys who are joining four adult ladies to complete the chorus.

Director Dorothy Fish and stage manager Sonia Crabb are also managing team members to create the scenery, with Andy Crabb providing painted back cloths and props while others create set pieces for the show.

The panto is performed every evening from Thursday, January 17 to Sunday, January 20 at 8pm with matinee chows on Saturday and Sunday at 3pm.

Tickets are €12 for adults and for children under 10 are €8. There is a reduction for groups of 10 and above for prepaid adult tickets. To reserve seats call the Box Office on 605 181 726 or email carelineboxoffice@ gmail.com.

Careline always raises money for good causes, this year ticket sales are to help provide new seating for the theatre.

And Careline president Candy Wright said: “Unless we find replacement seating soon, we will all be sat on cushions on the floor.

“Careline Theatre has raised and donated thousands of euros over the years to good causes – however, this year Careline is the ‘charity in need’ to be able to continue with this work.

“We hope people will support us and help raise as much money as possible to keep panto alive and, excuse the pun, put bums on seats!”