OUR dastardly recession is proving a timely back drop for Limerick Panto Society’s outing, ‘Beauty and the Beast’. Talking to director Tony Cusack at its launch party in Lime Tree Theatre, he tipped it is “designed to appeal to all ages. ‘Beauty and the Beast’ has the strength of a Disney show, a known story and music and it is a rags to riches tale. Our writer John Finn has set it in a village called Austerity, so we are bringing Belle, played by Emma O’Driscoll, from the past into present life. The script is not finished yet [this interview was in October, folks] so it is going to be very topical and current”.
Given that this Mr Cusack has directed 26 out of 28 Limerick Panto Society pantomimes, it’s possible that he knows his onions from his elves. His brother Tim is cast as an eleboarate Dame, Mícheál O’Dubhghaill should give sass to his parts as Prince and Beastie in one. At least eight Cusacks have their mitts all over this show and three or four Finns, including Catriona, John’s daughter.
John Finn, himself a fine actor, has knocked out half a dozen scripts for Limerick Panto Society. This will be their first try-out in Limerick’s new Lime Tree.
“The greatest kick I get is setting it on stage and seeing the voices you heard when writing it, seeing them say lines that were rattling around in your head a couple of months ago,” he says. “As usual we are keeping pace with our times now, with relevant adult and political gags. When the actors are rehearsing the characters, they bring something to it as well. It’s a work in progress, evolving as it goes on”.
And tell me, will Mícheál be a rich prince or is that unthinkable after December 5’s budget? “…mmm. As princes go, he rates about average princely wealth”.
Darling Belle, sponsors John Davitt of Crescent Shopping Centre, Limerick’s Live 95fm, Mr Binman and most all, darling dear chairman of Limerick Panto, Bart Kiely, don’t cry. When the crowds arrive in droves for the fun unfurling in Mary Immaculate College’s venue, love will conquer all. Even Austerity.
Book from Friday December 28 to January 6 on www.limetreetheatre.com
