by Rose Rushe
Picture: Don Moloney / Press 22
‘TWAS a starry line up in regal dress for the roll out of news of ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’, this year’s pantomime by University Concert Hall and Robert C Kelly. And its mostly Queenly note has since departed: Adele King (Twink) was struck off the billboard due to “contractual and artistic differences”.
The mantle of star now drapes Keith Duffy’s handsome shoulders. He is on this rollercoaster as the Baddie and with his acting chops – Druid, Smock Alley, soaps and upward ladders – we are in for a kill.
King John’s Castle and its mighty ramparts were backdrop for the official launch with Leanne Moore (Jill), George McMahon (Jack) and Richie Hayes (Unbelievable Man) cavorting in costume alongside Limerick talent. A.D. (Adele departed) sees Myles Breen recast as Dame and Richard Lynch makes for a tall, sinister Fleshcreep. Another name, Trevor O’Connell, has since joined forces.
Another challenge is “a beanstalk taller than the roof of the concert hall – a slight issue for us,” Robert C Kelly admitted. Rare oul’ times ahead so for December 16 to January 4 with matinée and evening shows.
Leanne was in a gorgeous Bo-Peep dress as Jill, “a part I played already with George McMahon and Richie in The Gaeity Theatre a few years ago”. She describes the pace of rehearsals as “mental but great fun with a great crew. Karl Harper is a fine writer and writes the panto for The Helix as well. We are revising script and gags right up to two days before opening night”.
Arts page attends annually for this riot of extravagant sets and thwarted romance, sly digs and songs that are recrafted craftily.
General manager of the venue, Sinead Hope spoke to Limerick Post of the success of this partnership with Robert C, now in its third year: ‘It’s a winning combination for us”.
More anon on the new sensory friendly matinée and economy pricing; book www.uch.ie
