Review: Everyman Panto... a tale as old as time, for a Cork audience

HOW do you take a tale as old as time and turn it into something wonderful for a Cork audience? Well you look no further than the panto queen that is Catherine Mahon Buckley and you get her to wave her magic wand again – for the 28th time, to deliver yet another stunning CADA/ Everyman panto.

This is two hours of great fun for all the family to enjoy - with some new faces and some old favourites.

Fionula Linehan is superb as Peggy Twomey (Belle’s mum) and she had the audience in the palm of her hand, from when she scooted on stage in a blaze of colour. 

A twerk and a fart and the audience thought she was the best thing since a cup of Barry’s tea! It was with her arrival on stage that the magic of panto began – lots of interaction with the audience members, as young voices made their opinions known. Panto gold.

Another stalwart, Michael Sands was wonderful as Gaston – memorable was the scene of him dressed in a cream fur coat, singing a version of ‘I’m just Ken’, from the recent Barbie movie (giving Ryan Gosling a run for his

money). 

The number one film of the year, it was no doubt that the movie was going to feature big time. And so Barbie herself also appeared, as the ‘feather duster’ at the castle, played by Irene Warren. This woman can rollerskate! We absolutely loved her.

Also superb was Graham McDermott as Sparky Looney - the candle stick. He wore what had to be our favourite costume of the night – and his strong accent reminded us that we were not just enjoying a theatrical delight – but a home-grown Cork one at that!

Belle was played by Marion Goggin, the perfect fit for a wholesome role, with some stunning vocal performances, including ‘ Flowers’, by Miley Cyrus.

Beast, played by 

Padraic Di Fusco was at his best when he was singing too – with his versions of ‘ Find me Somebody to Love’ and ‘ I’ll Be Waiting’ . His costume was scary, but not terrifying, and he gave a performance that left the audience full of empathy.

Other characters of note were Andrew Lane as Johnny La Fool, Gaston’s side kick and Cormac Costello as Shandon (the clock in the castle – after all we are in Cork, boy!)

There was some fabulous choreography, the dancers were fantastic, the live music as always was energising. I loved the sets – especially the backdrop featuring the rose. The sets seemed simpler this year, but that worked perfectly, as the lighting was where the magic was at, especially the scene where Belle and the Beast danced together - it was mesmerising.

My favourite scene was when the Beast turned back into the prince - dancers dressed as rose petals enveloped the injured Beast on the ground, as Belle ran to him and declared her love. A gorgeous scene that left a lasting impression.So many other magical moments too, I could go on... The show runs until January - so as the Everyman would say there’s still lots of time to ‘Be our guest...’

Booking on  https://everymancork.com/