Celebrities line up for charity panto

More than 50 celebrities have agreed to take to the stage this year in a special panto production for charity.

Singer Brian Kennedy, TV presenter Glenda Gilson, model Andrea Roche and a host of RTÉ and TV3 stars will be among the famous faces in 'Beauty and the Beast' in Dublin’s Tivoli Theatre in aid of Cari.

Producer Alan Hughes revealed politicians, sports stars and international names have even been asked to support the children’s charity.

“There’s a couple of people, huge international names, who are still deciding but we’re 99% there,” said Hughes, who will return to the stage as Sammy Sausage.

“It’s very exciting. We’ve our fingers crossed for them.”

A different celebrity makes their panto debut at each of the 53 shows, which begin on December 14.

Collections will be held for Cari at every show, with the producers also making a donation to the charity.

Hughes said while the planning will be a logistical nightmare, he hopes the initiative will raise a lot of money for the cause.

“It’s something different and will be a bit of fun,” he added.

“They’ll all come on as themselves and will be get a slagging and have a bit of banter with the audience.

“We won’t be taking it seriously at all.”