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Goldilocks is just right for Limerick Panto Society from December 27th to January 5th

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Limerick Panto Society is busy preparing for this year’s production Goldilocks – the Circus Panto featuring a cast of amazing local talent.

Limerick Panto Society brings “Goldilocks” to the Millenium Theatre TUS promising fabulous entertainment for all the family

Limerick Panto Society brings “Goldilocks” to the Millenium Theatre TUS promising fabulous entertainment for all the family
This season’s offering of Goldilocks will be the 38th production from Limerick Panto Society, and the group is excited to be back in The Millenium Theatre

Limerick Panto Society was founded in 1985 with the purpose of creating and keeping Panto tradition alive in Limerick and the group is busy preparing for this year’s production Goldilocks- the Circus Panto.

Goldilocks will be staged at The Millenium Theatre TUS from December 27, 2024, to January 5, 2025.

This season’s offering will be the Society’s 38th production and the group is excited to be back in The Millenium Theatre, TUS bringing a s story which will contain many surprises and promises many twists and turns along the way.


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However, the important aspect of all the group’s productions is that it prides itself on traditional family entertainment and of course the importance of interactions with the audience. These interactions with the audience are the very essence of a successful pantomime.

Goldilocks is written by Tim Cusack and this year’s Panto is set in a Circus and is full of colour and vitality. with lots of music, song and craic.

Tim can’t wait to return as the panto Dame when he will play the part of Mrs Headlocks. Tim has a huge army of fans, and he is looking forward to renewing acquaintances with old friends this Panto season.

The title role of Goldilocks is played by Aoife Diffley, a talented young lady, who starred as Barbie in last year’s Snow White. She is delighted to be on board our Panto Circus again this year.

Limerick Panto Society said, “The Society has a massive reputation for giving young performers an opportunity to shine, so again this year there will be a number of newcomers to the group. We welcome Charlie Barry, who plays Ronnie the Ringmaster, the romantic interest for Goldilocks.

The group says, “This show isn’t just right, it promises to be the Greatest Show.”

“Charlie, while young in years, has appeared with numerous societies, including recently starring in Westside Story with Bravo Theatre Group. We welcome back a number of stalwarts with Damian Shaw back in the role of Baldilocks, Mrs Headlock’s other half.

“Keith McGuane plays the baddie this year when he takes on the role of Balthazar Black, the owner of the rival circus of Mrs Headlocks. We are delighted to have Molli-Ann O’Halloran with us this year as she takes on the role of Belinda Black. Molli-Ann is from Limerick City and is currently studying a BA in Voice at the Irish World Academy. Molli-Ann is a former Limerick Rose and has a passion for singing and recently attended West End Musical Workshops in London where she had the opportunity to work and train with West End Performers.”

The organisers say the Three Bears are back in town and “we are so lucky that we have a bear-y talented group playing these roles”.

Gareth Airey returns to the stage after playing Boss Baby in last year’s production and he will be taking on the role of Daddy Bear. This will be a very different role from his day-to-day job as a secondary school teacher. Sarah Nix returns to the stage having been in numerous shows with Limerick Panto Society previously and starred as Snivelling Suzzie last year.

The society said, “We are delighted to have her play the role of Mommy Bear. We can’t wait for you to see what she brings to the role. We have two incredible young actors sharing the role of Baby Bear. AJ McGuane and David Hinchy, these two exceptional performers are no strangers to the stage as AJ performed as the Artful Dodger in Limerick Musical Society’s production of Oliver! While David has performed as Young Shrek in both The Cecilian Musical Society and Shannon Musical Society’s productions of Shrek. They are so cute it is unbearable!”

This is just the tip of the iceberg of the talented local cast and crew bringing this year’s Limerick Panto Society production to the stage!

The society is delighted to announce that this year’s show will once again be in association with the Crescent Shopping Centre.

Goldilocks has it all, the Three Bears, a Dame, two circuses and an incredibly talented cast and chorus.

The society said, “The Crescent has always supported the group, and the Traders Association will be the main sponsor of the production this year. A massive thank you to Mr Brian O’Leary and all at the Crescent. We are delighted that Shannon Airport is again on board this year and we are grateful to Mr Declan Power and all at the Airport. The society has also secured Corporate Sponsors Mr Binman, Limerick City Hotel, McGettigan’s, Hair By Ronan, Neville’s Jewellers and McDonalds and indeed the group are delighted and grateful to all their Sponsors, Patrons and Supporters.”

The Society continues its policy of supporting local charities and this year the Charity Night will be in aid of the charity The Irish MPS Society, saying, “The Society has raised thousands of euros over the years in support of local charities and is delighted to be associated with The Irish MPS Society as it is a charity that we hold very close to our hearts. We will be having a special “Sensory Show” on Sunday, January 5th at 12 noon.”

The Panto Society has had the support of local Stage and Dance Schools all through the years. Performing the children’s chorus in Goldilocks will be Spotlight Stage School under the direction of Judy O’Connor and Margaret Hough, Expressive Arts under the direction of Pearl Kiely and Gemstars under the direction of Emma O’Driscoll and Georgina O’Driscoll.

The talented Society Chorus will perform a number of fantastic chorus numbers accompanied by a live orchestra– all being performed live on stage. Sandra Finn and Imelda Cusack will manage the magnificent costumes from Pat McGannwhich will enhance this massive production.

Star Systems will be looking after the Sound. This year’s Panto experience at the Millenium Theatre, TUS with all your friends in the Limerick Panto Society promises fabulous entertainment for all the family.

The setting in the Millenium Theatre is fantastic and for many children, this is their first visit to the theatre and the hope is that the young boys and girls will treasure the experience. Goldilocks has it all, the Three Bears, a Dame, two circuses and an incredibly talented cast and chorus.

“This show isn’t just right, it promises to be the Greatest Show,” they said, adding, “We would like to acknowledge Jennifer Broderick our Graphic Designer for all her work, Jennifer went above and beyond to support us in the promotion of our production.

“Chairperson, Gráinne McCarthy and all the Panto Committee and Panto Family are really looking forward to this year’s production so please book early to avoid disappointment.”

Group Bookings are available and can be contacted through the group’s website

This year’s panto runs from Friday, Dec 27 to Sunday, Jan 5.  

Richard is a presenter, producer, songwriter and actor. He was named the Limerick Person of the Year (2011) and won an online award at the Metro Éireann Media and Multicultural Awards (2011) for promoting multi-culturalism online. Richard says that the ilovelimerick.com concept is very much a community driven project that aims to document life in Limerick. So, that in 20 years time people can look back and remember the events that were making the headlines.