Presentation Secondary School Castleisland Presents ‘Cinderella Into The Woods’

Evan Greaney, St. Patrick’s Secondary School pictured at rehearsals for his role as ‘Buttons’ at Presentation Castleisland for the latter school’s first ever pantomime which will be staged on Thursday and Friday nights this week at 7:30pm on both nights. ©Photograph: John Reidy

Millie Hughes, Presentation Castleisland and Thomas Keane, St. Patrick’s Secondary School in their roles of Griselda and Lucretia (respectively) in preparation for the school’s first pantomime at St. John’s Hall. ©Photograph: John Reidy

Students, Aoibhinn Broderick, Presentation Castleisland with pantomime musical director, Ailish Walsh-O’Connor and Ciaran Murphy, St. Patrick’s Secondary School. Ms. Walsh-O’Connor and fellow Pres teacher, Mairéad Lane have colaborated on the script for the pantomime. ©Photograph: John Reidy

“It is with great anticipation we await the first ever Christmas panto to be held in Presentation Secondary School Castleisland this week. Excitement has been building for months and this week all will be revealed,” according to a spokesperson for the production.

Back in September, the directors Ailish O’Connor and Mairéad Lane who are both teachers in the school, held auditions for primary and secondary school students.

Along with this, members of the community also auditioned. The auditions were a huge success with the decision being made to have two casts, since there is such amazing talent in the schools locally.

Rehearsals with Fun

The fun began with rehearsals taking place every Wednesday night with both primary and secondary school students. Students from St.Patrick’s Secondary School are also involved in this show as they have been in previous years for dramas and musicals.

It is wonderful to see the confidence grow in so many students as they take centre stage and enjoy the buzz at every rehearsal.

The social aspect is fantastic for students also and the atmosphere is always lovely on an evening together in the hall for both students and teachers.

New Stage Lights

“We are very proud of everyone and the commitment they have put into this to make it a success.

The Panto is called ‘Cinderella Into The Woods’, with a lot of the script being written by Ailish and Mairéad. Every moment of this process has been enjoyed by everyone and we are very lucky to have St.John’s Hall for all performances.

The hall will come to life even more on the night, not just because of the wonderful acting, singing and dancing ahead but the hall now also has new stage lights. This has given an extra touch of

magic to our stage and we are delighted to have this addition.

Thursday and Friday Nights at 7:30

The panto will take place on Thursday, December 14^th and Friday 15^th at 7.30pm in St. John’s Hall. Tickets are €10 for adults and for students and OAPs.

The matinee shows will take place for the primary schools in the locality only on these days also. It is a ticket only event.

“So if you would like a golden ticket please visit the school office anytime from 9am to 4pm during the week ahead of the show. We are very excited to welcome everyone and we look forward to people experiencing a touch of Christmas magic in our school hall. We hope you can join us,” said an excited spokesperson.

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