Christmas panto stars in the making

It can be a big commitment for both kids and their parents but the lure of a chance to appear in the Christmas panto is irresistible, writes Jo Kerrigan

THE festive season is once more upon us, and theatres are happy in the anticipation of packed houses throughout the traditional annual pantomime. Part of that tradition has always been the inclusion of youngsters taking their first stage steps. All over Ireland, thousands can look back with happy memories to their days as tiny tots or fairies. Many have gone on to make their careers in theatre, thanks to that first festive introduction.

“It’s where I started myself,” says Trevor Ryan, who is directing Cinderella at Cork Opera House this year. Catherine Mahon-Buckley, directing Little Red Riding Hood at Cork’s Everyman Palace, can point to several of her own who have gone on to success — among them Sarah Greene, who starred in Penny Dreadful among other TV shows.