Future Of Popular Ennis Panto Hangs In The 'balance'

Lightholler

Rising production costs and a lack of sponsorship have led to fears that the hugely successful Ennis Panto may not go ahead this Christmas. The Ennis-based Pantaloons group has cast doubt over its production of ‘Mother Goose’ despite having attracted crowds of over 5000 people to last year’s production of ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’.

“It is just not feasible for an amateur dramatic society to exist when it is faced with a lack of sponsorship opportunities, rising production costs and the expense associated with maintaining over 50 production crew members”, stated Pantaloons Producer, Maeve Fox.

Numerous pantomimes are held during the festive period throughout county Clare but it is commonly recognised that the annually held Ennis production is the most popular attracting hundreds of people each day during its week-long run of performances. According to Ms. Fox, “We have a committed group of people who are totally dedicated to the panto. It is extremely frustrating for us to face the same situation year on year whereby we struggle to put on a new production. This Christmas, we are scheduled to perform ‘Mother Goose’ at Glór Irish Music Centre. However, it is uncertain if the production will go ahead as the funds do not appear to be in place.”

Each year, the panto society must raise the necessary funds to secure rights to perform any given show. Additional costs include insurance, advertising, administration, and costume and stage props hire. Pantaloons PRO, Paul Curley has appealed to the business community of Ennis and surrounding areas to pledge financial support to the panto society. “Thousands of children and their parents have attended the annual pantomime since it was first established in 2001. It would be very disappointing for them and us should we be forced to cancel this year’s production. The money accrued from ticket sales is divided up between the host venue and the panto society but, sadly, is not enough on its own to maintain the production. Last year, we were fortunate enough to receive the support of a number of local sponsors. Unfortunately, we have not received the same level of support this year”, Mr Curley stated.

He added, “Additional funds will not only secure the future of the Pantaloons group but add to the quality of performance and production provided for those who look forward to the annual pantomime. As members of an amateur dramatic society, we do not get paid and we do not expect to be paid. We do, however, want to see the best possible production provided for the people of Ennis and County Clare. The next few weeks will determine whether this year’s panto will take place.” Mr. Curley stated.

Pantaloons’ first production was in 2001 when it, under the auspices of the Ennis Musical Society, presented ‘Mother Goose’ at the Holy Family School. Since then it has moved to Glór Irish Music Centre where it has hosted productions of ‘Sleeping Beauty’, ‘Cinderella’, ‘Aladdin’ and ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’. Each year, ‘Sparks School of Hip Hop Dance’ - under the leadership of local dance teacher Lourdes O’Donoghue - assists the panto group. The remaining production staff includes actors, prop and front of house personnel, musicians, costume designers, and set designers and builders.

For more information on Pantaloons or for sponsorship enquires contact Maeve Fox, Producer, Pantaloons on 087-2060117. Alternatively you may email pantaloons1@eircom.net or maevefox@yahoo.co.uk.