Santa Claus the Pantomime

Irish Theatre Players have decided to combine two of our favourite parts of Christmas, Santa Claus, and Pantomime, for this fun little panto. Creating a complete experience, audiences can meet Santa Claus and have a photograph before the show, and popcorn is available, creating a lovely aroma in the space.

Performing on a bright set, constructed by Tallan Campbell and painted by Claire Wynn, the show features colourful seasonal costumes by Merri Ford, a fun sound design from Josie Hacking and some magical lighting from Fiona Reid.

Audiences are encouraged to get involved, and the smallish opening night audience was only too happy to boo, cheer and yell “it’s behind you!” with gusto.

After a slightly shaky start technically, the show proceeded with lots of energy. Principal Girl and our plucky heroine, is Santa’s adopted daughter Crystal, played by Sienna Daly making an impressive pantomime and community theatre debut. Object of her affections is a Snowman, Simon Snow, played with a sweet smile by Alfie Fraser, also making a solid double debut. Our man-of-the-moment is Santa Claus and veteran performer Ron Arthurs gives us a believable performance as this very famous man. 

We all love a Good Fairy, and Amanda Walker does not disappoint as the pink clad Gloria the Good. We are blessed with two bonus (apprentice) fairies, with Karen Baker strong in her first ever performance as the gloomy and pessimistic Muriel the Miserable (especially impressive having come into the production midway through rehearsals), while Lisa Divall has lots of fun with the bumbling Doris the Fairly Incompetent.

It isn’t pantomime without someone to boo, and Shannon Murphy is a fabulous villain as Beatrix the Bad, with this experienced actor relishing her first pantomime, and working the crowd with ease. Her offsider, Agnes the Disgusting is great fun as played by Pamela Chang - yet another pantomime newbie. Our other baddie (of sorts) is Big Foot, with Lee Baker having great fun in his first ever acting role.

It’s always great to see children on stage in pantomime, and we have a fabulous team of elves lead by a confident Tom Baker as Bookshelf. All the elves are either related to other cast members or are the children of known Irish Theatre performers, and their experience and pedigree is clear. Great work from Teagan Chang (Selfie), Sienna Murphy (Helfie), Sophia Lindsay (Welfie), Ciara Walsh (Twelf), and Alex Baker (Belfry). Reindeer, Puddle, is endearingly played by Stephen Walsh. 

Heather Marshall is lovely as sweet domestic Nanny, usually a Dame role. Joe Purcell, completes the cast well, having stepped into the role at the last minute.

Lots of excited buzz in the audience, and it was clear that all ages were having a ball. Lots to enjoy for all ages.

Kimberley Shaw