Oh yes it is! Mountmellick Pantomime fun returns in Laois

Hillarious fun, lots of laughs and no shortage of theatrical endeavour are promised when the cast of the much-loved 'Jack & the Beanstalk' take to the stage for this year's Mountmellick Macra Pantomime.

The Mountmellick Macra team also hopes the community comes out in force for this year's show as they are trying to raise funds for repairs for the hall, which is the hub of their many activities that have benefited the club and the community in many ways over the years.

Staged for four nights from Thursday to Sunday, February 13 - 16, the 2024 edition, produced and directed by Brian Brady, is an adaptation of the children’s much-loved fairy tale with a few twists and turns along the way that will entertain audiences of all ages.

Adult cast: Back: Alannah Conroy, Sorcha Harnett, Ellie Fitzpatrick, Front: Nathan Flanagan, Micheal Kilheeney, Conan Kirwan.

Choreographed by Louise Ahern, the story is set in a local village with Jack played by Fionn Kelly, the son of Dame Trottie played by Michéal Kilheeney along with their beloved cow Daisy played by Amy Strong/Alanah Conroy struggling to pay the Giant taxes to local Mayor (Aoife Oxley) and the Hark (Ellie Fitzpatrick).

When a new tax is announced, they are desperate and face having to sell Daisy. Along comes the Fairy (Sorcha Harnett) who gives Jack magic beans.

This isn’t the first time the Fairy has been involved with Jack as she is also helped Jack meet the lovely Jill (Amy Strong/Alanah Conroy) the Mayor’s Daughter.

With only beans and no money to pay the taxes, Jack and Dame Trottie are in despair. Enter the gormless duo of Smash (Conan Kirwin) and Grab (Nathan Flanagan). Will they be able to help Jack? MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Some of the junior cast members at a dress rehearsal.

Who will climb the beanstalk and meet the Giant (Cathal Kenny) and Mrs Giant (Andrea Cashin). What happens when they do, who will be the hero’s and villains…. While we mightn’t get all the answers, one thing is for sure when Smash and Grab are around, it can only mean chaos and confusion and a belly full of laughter.

This year's show features a mix of new and familiar faces are taking to the stage along with a cast of 80 children from various schools in the locality.

The pantomime will start at an earlier time of 7.30pm sharp each night (Thursday – Saturday) with a matinee at 3pm and 7pm on Sunday. Tickets are €15 for adults, €10 for children and are available from O’Gormans Newsagents (cash only).

Family rates available on the door. There will also be a card facility for anyone wishing to pay by card on the night.

Mountmellick Macra would like to thank the community for their continued support of the club which they say will be especially important this year.

"The club has to carry out extensive repairs on the roof of the hall which includes replacing a section of the roof and all proceeds of the pantomime will be ringfenced for the running of the hall and for this project," said Macra.

The main sponsor for this year’s pantomime is Mountmellick Credit Union.

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All are welcome to Mountmellick for what promises to be great family fun!