BY MICHAEL O’LEARY
Gowran Pantomime Society hosted Snow White and The Several Dwarfs as this years production in Gowran Parish Hall, with record attendances for all five shows that provided superb entertainment for the packed audience.
The Gowran Panto has always been one of the Winter highlights in the parish since it began in 2000(Millenium Year), and it was the second time that Snow White and The Several Dwarfs took place having previously been staged in 2006.
This years cast included a mixture of familiar faces who have been involved previously, and also new additions who were making their pantomime debut.
Snow White was played by Mary Dreelan who got a rather unpleasant surprise on her Birthday, when she finds out that her father King Edward (John Kennedy) has remarried to Queen Sylvia Blackheart (Rachel Bawle) who played the role of Evil Queen to perfection.
The relationship between Snow White and the Queen is tempestuous to say the least, and matters become complicated when the King is suddenly taken ill.
Snow White has to react quickly to find a cure without knowing that it’s a plan by her stepmother to assassinate her.
The Holland brothers Michael and Matthew were Prince Dan and Prince Charming respectively, while Derek Lawler who is a long serving member of Gowran Pantomime made his Dame debut this year as Dame Nana Polly.
Princesses were played by Nicole Kirk who was the Princess Daphine, Margaret Walsh who was the Princess Rose and Jessica Kirk who was the Princess Petunia, Kate Mulrooney was Princess Belle, Avery Hayes was Princess Aurora, while Sarah Phelan – Her twin brother Mark played Fred – played the part of Princess Charlotte.
Meanwhile, Cora Carter was the Queen’s evil henchwoman playing the role of Fester and she was ably assisted by Boyle played by Michael Brown as another of the Queens evil henchpeople.
Nurse Gretchen was played by Kirsten Neale, while the mystery crew was made up of Stella Langton (Velma), Bronagh Curran (Daphne), Mark Phelan (Fred), Stevie O’Leary(Shaggy) and Eamon Heaver (Scooby Doo) who was also the Chairperson of this years Pantomime committee.
The Squirrels were played by Lauren Haire (Mother Squirrel), Linda Ni Dubhshlaine (Linda Delaney) who was The Mammy Squirrel, while three of the Squirrels were making their Gowran Pantomime debut.
Gemma Haire played Shelly Squirrel, while Sadie Murphy and William Hennessy were Hazel Knutt Squirrel and Wally Knutt Squirrel respectively.
The Queens Guard trio of Donal Twomey (Bish), John Walsh (Bash) and Rhys Nolan(Bosh) were responsible for taking Snow White deep into the heart of the enchanted forest where they encountered plenty of dragons, while the Dwarf cast members were Clodagh Corrigan(Head Dwarf), May Timmins (Serious Lee), Oscar Langton (Kidding) and Sarah Mulrooney (Honest Lee).
Finally, the back-up was provided by the wonderful variety of choruses featuring the Squirrels, the Princesses, the Dwarfs, the Soldiers and the Demons.
Another superb production by Gowran Pantomime who have come back stronger than ever following the COVID hiatus, and it’s a huge testament to the cast, committee and backstage for their dedication and committment in been able to stage a top class show every year.
Next year in 2025 will be a very special year as it will mark 25 years since Gowran Pantomime staged their very first Panto with Cinderella in 2000, and on the evidence of another highly successful show this year, they can expect to host further productions for some time to come.
