'There's something for everyone in it'
'Jack and Beanstalk' Christmas panto at the Lime Tree
A well-known fairytale with a dose of modern satire thrown in for good measure, the upcoming run of ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ at the Lime Tree Theatre promises to make an enjoyable outing for all the family.
The first time for the Lime Tree to stage its own pantomime, this version of ‘Jack on the Beanstalk’ comes from the pen of Limerick playwright Mike Finn. He is perhaps best known for co-writing ‘Killinaskully’ with Pat Shortt (who voices the Giant in this production) and a slew of critically-acclaimed plays over the years, among them the award-winning ‘Pigtown’.
Now he is the man behind the Lime Tree panto, an experience that he described as being a lot a fun. He allowed his artistic licence to run wild and he is very happy with the result.
“Pantos, as we know, are for the most part based on these medieval sort of fairy stories, so it's always nice to shake them up a bit and modernise them,” Mike said.
“So you're always walking that tight line between being true to the traditional pantomime and the tradition of those kind of stories, and at the same time shaking it up. We've got a couple of different twists and modern takes on this.”
Mike's version brings in Brexit, inflation and not being allowed to sell turf, in setting the backdrop to this production. This leads to Jack swopping the family cow for a handful of beans, from which the giant beanstalk grows, queuing a family entertainment extravaganza in which the writer sought to strike the perfect balance of content that will appeal to adults and children alike.
“There is magic and some silly stuff, slapstick comedy and so on,” he said. “But then you've got for adults some social and political satire as well and an opportunity to comment on what's going on around us in the world.” It is several months since he wrote the script and Mike has found himself constantly updating it ever since, such have been the changing events making the news around the world and at home.
“Even after the show opens, if a bit news breaks or I think of a joke, I'll try and get it to the cast and get them to adjust,” Mike revealed. “So it almost changes every night; it's a very fluid kind of entertainment.”
QUALITY CAST
Bringing the script to life onstage is an excellent cast lineup, a number of whom the writer has previously worked with including rapdily rising star Jessica Bray. Watch out also for Eleanor O'Brien, who featured in the new Disney film ‘Disenchanted’.
And of course there's the inimitable Pat Shortt, with whom Mike had “an absolute hoot” recording his lines for the play, to which D'Unbelievable Thurles man puts his own take.
There's an ensemble of dancers and singers in addition to the main stage cast, and there will even be a sign language performance on December 18, and a ‘relaxed performance’ on December 30.
The latter will have the house lights turned up while the sound amplification is turned down. It would be suited to people with additional needs, including those who have ASD or anyone who would benefit from a more relaxed environment. A ‘chill-out’ room will also be available at this performance, where people can go to if they need quiet time during the show.
Looking forward to it with earnest now, Mike said this production of 'Jack and the Beanstalk' is a panto that will make a great outing for people over the Christmas period.
“There's singing, there's dancing, there's comedy, great sets - there's something for everyone in it!” he enthused.
TICKETS AVAILABLE
The show will run for about two hours with an interval. It previews on Friday, December 9 at 7.30pm.
Opening: Saturday, December 10 at 7.30pm and running until Sunday, January 8 at 2.30pm. Various times and dates throughout the run - visit www.limetreetheatre.ie for the full list. Ticket prices: Adults: €26 / concession, €22; limited special offer tickets, €15; family: €90 / schools: €15.
Signed performance on Sunday, December 18 at 2.30pm and relaxed performance on Friday, December 30 at 2.30pm. You can phone the box office at (061) 953400.