Ballina to host a fantastic festive panto

Oozing with witty one liners, energetic colourful choral scenes, powerful duets and popular solos, this is local panto at its very best. A ‘first’ for Ballina Dramatic Society (BDS) – but a perfect opportunity to get back into the post pandemic driving seat.

Having explored several options to re-group and recruit, Shane Loftus of BDS felt it necessary to think outside the box and the response to his suggestion of pantomime has certainly been overwhelming.

Standard ‘off the shelf’ scripts were not sparking any fuses, and just when there was a temptation to revert to traditional drama, along came a fairy godmother with a cunning plan. Paul Cunningham, director of Ballina Arts Centre, had already approached esteemed local panto scripter Elaine Tighe with a view to staging a panto. Elaine, together with Carmel Tuffy and Trisha Browne, all members of BDS, have previous experience of staging four successful pantos in conjunction with Ballina Stephenites Supporters Club. With the clever intervention of an observant genie, Elaine’s niece Lynda Browne, swiftly brought all interested parties together and, hey presto, staging Snow White became a reality.

It was obvious that this project was going to require much more than the core group of Ballina Dramatic Society could offer and following a brief recruitment campaign on social media, they literally came in their droves. The eagerness to take part and get involved, not only on stage but in all areas vital to any production, was instant. 

BDS has gathered an exciting diverse group of creative and talented people of all abilities who beaver away together sketching set designs, making props, learning lines, sourcing costumes, whilst forging new bonds and friendships during weekly rehearsals. Yes, there has been and still is lots of work to get through – lines, dance moves, new songs, costume fittings, voice coaching, mask adjustments, trees to make, a set to construct, lighting cues, sound effects etc. - but the group is on schedule to bring this vivacious, witty and fun show to Ballina. 

Lavinia Gilmartin generously offered her experienced valuable advise while Paddy O’Hora of Ballina Community Clean-Up saved the day when he heard the group needed a space to build a set. Offers of help arrived weekly and the reality is that this is truly a community production that has reached beyond the membership of Ballina Dramatic Society.

BDS and Ballina Arts Centre are excited to bring this panto to the doorsteps of our local community and encourage families to enjoy a typical Christmas tradition. As this show is locally scripted it offers an immediate familiar setting.

The show runs over two weekends at Ballina Arts Centre and opens on Friday, December 1, so why not start your family Christmas festivities early.

Dates: December 1st, 2nd and 3rd at 8pm nightly - Doors open at 7pm; Matinee show on December 3rd at 2pm - Doors open at 1pm; December 8th and 9th at 8pm nightly - Doors open at 7pm; Matinee show on December 10th at 6pm. Doors open at 5pm. Bookings online at www.ballinaartscentre.com. Telephone 096-73593. Tickets are priced at €20 or €70 for a family of four.