This year’s Everyman Panto is the magical ‘Beauty and the Beast’ with a Cork twist. The beautiful Belle, played by Marion Goggin, dreams of so much more than her simple life. When she embarks on a journey to find her mother Peggy Twomey (Fionula Linehan), she discovers a castle, think Blarney or Blackrock, frozen in time under the spell of an enchanted rose and ruled over by a terrible Beast (played by Pádraic Di Fusco), who was once a handsome prince. Will true love break the curse and save the day?
This year’s cast features familiar faces and a returning expat from down under. Marion is currently studying at Laine Theatre Arts, London will play the brainy and beautiful Belle in what will be her 14th Panto appearance at The Everyman. The award-winning actor and Panto stalwart, Fionula Linehan will play the larger than life, tea-obsessed, Peggy Twomey. Andrew Lane, currently completing his Masters at MTU Cork School of Music proved a big hit with last year’s Panto audiences as Buttons. He returns this year as Gaston’s silly sidekick Johnny La Fool that’s “Le Fou” as he’s at pains to correct people.
West End Veteran, Michael Sands will play the narcissistic Gaston aka Gasbag sporting a questionable wig and referring to himself in the 3rd person. Cormac Costello who has recently returned from Australia after 13 years will play talking clock, ‘Shandon’. No stranger to Pantos (The Gaiety Theatre, Cork Opera House, Firkin Crane) this is Cormac’s first at The Everyman though audiences will recognise him from hugely successful runs of ‘Bouncers’ in years gone by.
West End star and founder of the prestigious stage school, The Performers Academy in Cork, Irene Warren will play the infectiously bubbly Barbie. A firm favourite of The Everyman Panto, Youghal-native Graham McDermott returns from the UK again this year to play the not so bright talking candlestick, Sparky Looney. The at first terrifying, yet on closer inspection perhaps just grumpy, Beast will be played by the talented actor and singer-songwriter, Pádraic Di Fusco who returns after a successful Panto debut last year. An ensemble led by choreographer and dance captain Phil O’Callaghan, will also feature Chloe Riordan, Leah Hilton and Jamie O’Leary.
‘Beauty and the Beast’ runs from Saturday 2nd of December to Sunday, January 14 with tickets available from www.everymancork.com. The run will include an audio-described performance with touch tour on Friday 5th of January, an ISL-interpreted performance on Saturday 6th of January and a relaxed performance on Sunday 14th of January. To book your tickets for accessible performances, email access@everymancork.com, or call 021 450 1780.
Box office opening times: Monday to Saturday: 12pm – 7.30pm (5pm non-performance days).
Sunday & Bank Holidays: 4pm – 7.30pm (performance days only).
