Right from the off, 'Cinderella' at Corrin Event Centre, leaves us in no doubt that we are in for a healthy portion of what pantomime should be all about, and that’s fun, fun, fun!

Director Kevin McCormack’s name is synonymous with pantomime and watching this show come together, it’s plain to see why. It would be unfair to say that he has gone for substance over style with this production and perhaps more accurate to say that yes, the show is very creatively presented, but its content and the delivery absolutely shines through. 

At the heart of any panto is comedy and this show is loaded with it, giving audience members of all ages plenty to laugh about! The mixture of live action with the hilarious video footage on the big screen will have you rolling in the aisles. The children’s chorus numbers are bouncy and infectious, with all of the kids getting their chance to shine, and it’s obvious that all of these boys and girls worked hard for their choreographer, Fermoy native, Jenny Hoare. 

The tiny tots' chorus certainly brings the ‘aaaw’ factor and their leaders Sarah Cloney and Ali McCormack are to be credited for getting this group to perform with such confidence.

Cinderella features a strong local principal cast whose acting talent is fittingly complimented by a technical crew who produce breathtaking lighting and sound as well as the aforementioned video scenes.

Everyone is familiar with the evergreen rags-to-riches tale of Cinderella, and this production tells that story in true fairytale style. Well,  that is, until the arrival on stage of Cinderella’s ugly step sisters! The comedy duo, played with gusto by Kevin McCormack and Sandra Donegan really ratchet up the fun factor and it goes without saying that once they arrive, the mayhem and hilarity starts and continues to the show’s exciting and heart-warming climax.

The transformation of the arena at Corrin Event Centre into Pantoland has to be seen to be believed. I’ve been to concerts and reported from several events at the centre over the last two years, and as I sat in on last Tuesday night’s dress rehearsal of 'Cinderella', I found it impossible to visualise the space as I had previously seen it. Great credit is due to all involved for their creativity and vision on that front. The tiered seating too means that every seat in the house is a good one.

My colleague Sandra Quinn, recently interviewed Kevin McCormack about his retirement from panto and if this is to be his last, the man is certainly going out on a high note.

'Cinderella' runs at Corrin Event Centre for six performances only, beginning this weekend on Friday (Jan 17) at 7.30pm, Saturday at 7.30pm and Sunday at 2.30pm and continuing on Friday 24 (7.30pm), Saturday 25 (7.30pm) and Sunday 26 at 2.30pm.

At the time of writing, this Saturday night’s performance is sold out and the other five shows are selling quickly. Tickets are €12, available from Hanley’s Newsagents in Fermoy and from Corrin Event Centre. You can also book by credit card with Corrin Event Centre on 025-31611.

Get your tickets while they’re still going, I predict that it'll be hard to find as much fun for €12 again in 2014!

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