Cinderella casts her magic on the New Year

RINGING in the New Year with a couple of ugly sisters and a mean old stepmother might not be everyone’s idea of a good time, but when you throw a fairy godmother into the mix, it is a dream come true for one woman.

Emma O’Driscoll of ‘Six’ fame, heads the cast of ‘Cinderella - The Panto’, which opened at the University of Limerick Concert Hall on Thursday and runs until January 9.

This is the latest production of the Limerick Panto Society, which was founded in 1985 to keep a great Christmas tradition alive in Limerick.

The bubbly 21-year-old from Carey’s Road in Limerick said she is delighted to be playing the starring role. “This is going to be a marvellous show and will wow both young and old alike.”

Emma said the interaction between performers and audience was a fantastic experience.

“It’s hard work and a huge amount of time goes into rehearsals, but the time flies and we were all looking forward to the first show,” said Emma. “It was great.”

Emma first came to national attention when she secured a place in Six, the pop band created by Louis Walsh from the TV show Popstars.

Although the band never really took off, Emma had already established herself as an accomplished singer and dancer having sung with the Dominican Choir and the Bunratty Castle Singers.

The past pupil of the Presentation Secondary School, on Sexton Street, learned her dance skills at Shape Dancing School and as a member of the Limerick dance troupe High Voltage.

She will need all of her skills to perform the gruelling schedule for the panto.

There will be seven matinee and seven evening performances and the show is expected to draw a total audience in excess of 10,000.

And the proceeds from the sale of 300 tickets on a charity night will go to the Limerick children’s charity Reach.

Every good panto needs a Prince Charming and Michel Doyle will fill this role in his panto debut.

Another newcomer, Sean Haugh, will play Buttons while Niamh Hogan will play the Fairy Godmother.

Panto Society spokesman , Dan Murphy: “This is our 20th production and, once again, it is nearly an all-amateur cast.”

Award-winning choreographer Carol Cusack has been putting the dancers through their routine in the many rehearsal sessions.

Michael Hinchy is the musical director and the onerous task of wardrobe mistress is in the capable hands of Sandra Finn.

Bookings can be made at UL Concert Hall 061 331549 and the city booking desk, Lower Glentworth Street, 061-314314.