New Athy Panto Group is looking for members
This photo is for illustrative purposes only
A NEW community pantomime group is set to launch in Athy, with organisers hoping to bring the magic of live theatre back to the town this Christmas.
The Athy Panto Group will hold an information evening on Thursday, September 3, inviting adults aged 18 and over to learn more about getting involved in its debut production, Aladdin.
The project marks the first dedicated pantomime group in Athy and is being led by a team of experienced theatre enthusiasts, including Isobel Brady, who runs the local Athy Shooting Stars Stage School.
Speaking to the , Isobel said the idea has been in development for the past couple of years.
"This is a brand-new group. There's never been a panto group in Athy," she said. "We decided we'd give it a go and see what the response from the community would be."
While Athy has a long-standing musical society, Isobel said there has not been a major musical production in the town for many years, with the last staged production dating back to 2012.
The group already has an experienced production team and a script secured, with the current focus on recruiting performers.
"The feedback so far has been really positive, even though we've only recently started getting the word out,” she said.
The information evening will take place at Ardscoil na Tríonóide at 7.45pm on Thursday, September 3. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the production team, learn about audition and rehearsal schedules, hear more about performance dates and get a taste of the creativity, fun and community spirit that pantomime offers.
Organisers are looking to recruit around 30 adult cast members, including 10 to 12 principal roles and a chorus, although they would welcome even greater interest.
The group's debut production of is scheduled to take place during the week beginning December 28, offering families a festive entertainment option closer to home.
"There's lots of pantos in surrounding towns and many people travel to Dublin every Christmas," Isabel said. "We thought it would be lovely to have something here in Athy so people can come along and support a local production instead."
Adults aged 18 and over, whether they are experienced performers or complete beginners looking to try something new, are encouraged to attend the information evening.
