Portlaoise Panto is bringing Jack and the Beanstalk to Laois - oh yes it is!

It's time to brighten up these dull winter days thanks to Portlaoise Panto's vibrant 40th Ruby Anniversary production of Jack and the Beanstalk this January 2025.

This refreshing new take on an original tale has been written and directed by the very well known Laois playwright Frances Harney, long time director of the Ballyfin Players.

The Panto runs in the Dunamaise Arts Centre from Saturday to Saturday, January 18 to 25 at 7.30pm, with extra matinee shows at 2pm at the weekends.

The committee “promises to make you fall out of your seat with laughter or possibly even jump from a fright or two. Oh yes we will.”

“Portlaoise Panto's Jack and the Beanstalk is a fun-filled show bursting with mischievous antics, heartfelt emotions and colourful song and dance.

“Will our faithful hero, Jack, earn some much needed income for his family by selling their super cow Bushie? And what are those beans that the mystical sprite Amnesia gave to Jack?

“Will the malodorous Mildred Mildew and her villainous partner Boris Blaggard wipe out the town of Port Ruby?

“Or will the Giant put them in a stew and devour them?And the most important question, will Bushie the cow find love? Will this be an unhappy ending or a happy one?

“Come along with the Portlaoise Panto and find out what happens as we spin a tall tale for you full of ups and downs. It's an age old story with themes pertinent to today's modern world”.

The stars this year include Gearoid Herraghty debuting in Portlaoise Panto as Jack. Panto perennial favourite John Keyes is Ma Goodbody.

Hilary Treacy gives a sparkling performance as Amnesia while Helen Flynn is Bushie the cow. The dark and dramatic characters of Mildred Mildew and Boris Blaggard are played by Gillian Haslam and Rory Chadwick.

Sean O'Neill and Aoife Harney give a convincing childlike portrayal of the terrible twins Push and Pull. The roles of Rip and Bip are played by the hilarious Ciara Dollard and Emma Phelan, a much loved pairing of panto audiences.

Then the Enchanting Ellen ODriscoll as Jill and the Lovely Laoise O'Connell as Susie lend a hand in making the show bloom with beauty, music and magic.

Portlaoise Pantos devoted veteran actor PJ Mulhall is Dr Feelgood and there is a special appearance by one of the Portlaoise Pantos longest running participants, Christy Bannon as the endearing Ducky Lucky. And lastly, the wonderful Derek McGinn is The Giant.

Tickets for Jack and the Beanstalk are available online at www.dunamaise.ie or from the box office at Dunamaise Arts Centre, phone (057) 8663355. Tickets €20, or €15 for matinee and group rate. Concession ticket €16.