The Twelve Days of Christmas

One of the wonderful things about attending a pantomime with Irish Theatre Players is that the audience, hailing from a place with a pantomime culture are thoroughly involved from the outset, and that this in turn heightens the on-stage performances. The happiness of seeing this production is tinged with a little sadness, as this will be ITP’s final performance at The Irish Club - with this well-loved building up for sale.

Director Denice Byrne was at the helm of her first pantomime, but has as great grasp of the genre, which translates into the performances. In this show, siblings Suzie and Izzy and their mother, are tasked with finding twelve keys for an advent calendar, in order to secure a Christmas Day Ball for their village, while the evil Wizbad, and some council workers with their red-tape restrictions stand in the way.

The Dame role, Gertie, owner of underwear store Gertie’s Gussets, is played with flair by Peter O’Connor who works his audience well. Elissa Murday is lovely as daughter Suzie - with more spark than your average principal girl. Izzy, a Simple Simon style role is played with great comic timing by Eli Loveland.

The Principal Boy, a Prince, is played with royal bearing by Fraser Watt, with Heather Marshall bringing style to his mother The Queen. All good pantomimes need a fairy talking in rhyme, and this show has recent Russian emigre Anna Sirotkina bringing charm to the role. Santa Claus found time to make an appearance - assisted by Joe Purcell.

Adrian Mills revelled in the role of dastardly Wizbad, while the duo of Council Workers who are more officious than evil, added fun. Great teamwork from Amanda Walker as Klampit and Cathal Conlon (who shared the role with Nathan Holland) as Stampit. 

A bright and enthusiastic chorus added colour and pizazz, as well as an international flavour as we toured the world in search of keys. Special mention to Shawn Effia as a steadfast Herald, Tom Baker adding style as the Gardener, sweet and sassy elves Jeannette Nguyen and Sophia Lindsay, and a trio of adorable Leprechauns Alex Baker, Clodagh Rush and Ellen Barry.

Bright and fun costumes and set (Michael Keane and Joe Rush), and appropriately festive lighting from Fiona Reid, this show felt like a festive treat.

I was a little disappointed that we did not have live singing, but otherwise this was an impressive pantomime that was a joy to watch. A fitting farewell to the Irish Club venue.

Kimberley Shaw