Cinderella, The Baron and Baroness from the Borderline Players
BORDERLINE players have planned the perfect family treat this Easter, as the Pettigo based group prepare to bring the fairytale pantomime, Cinderella, to life at the Ardhowen Theatre Enniskillen on Wednesday 23 and Thursday April 24.
Billed as one the group’s most ambitious productions to date, there are close to 100 people involved in bringing the story to life whether on stage or behind the scenes constructing a series of magnificent sets, and crafting some of the most lavish pantomime costumes yet.
Borderline Players are well known for their pantomimes – in fact Cinderella takes to the stage exactly 13 years after the group’s first outing with Little Jack Horner in April 2001. The group was put together back in 2000 by drama teacher, Siobhan O’Brien, and Siobhan yet again takes on the role of director, with the unenviable task of carefully pulling together all the pieces to ensure that this is one production that local audiences won’t forget.
Long-time Borderline fans will recognise lots of familiar faces. Lots of the old faithful have returned for Cinderella confirms Siobhan, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
In the titular role Liz Smith brings a very sweet-natured Cinderella to life while Killian McGloin is the dashing Prince Charming, who following an unfortunate series of events takes on a whole new persona. The dynamic duo of Joe Walsh and Terry O’Connell cause chaos from start to finish and make life miserable for Cinders as the Ugly Stepsisters, Mattie and Hattie, while fellow Borderline stalwart Frances Mc Gloin is devilish as the stepmother from hell, Baroness Beaujolais. A newcomer to the cast, Liam McCauley is perfectly cast as the brow-beaten by very quick-witted Baron.
No pantomime would be complete without a villain or three, and in his second on-stage role, Aiden Gilroy is menacing as the evil Duke of Verucca who seeks control of the Kingdom of Pantomania, alongside his long-lost nephew, the nice-but-dim Archie played by regular Donal Monaghan, and cowardly hench-women, Nip & Tuck aka Geraldine Britton and Nicole Beaumont.
Cinders does find some support though in the shape of best friend Buttons, played by another Borderline newcomer Belleek’s Dean McGarrigle, and servant-girl Kathy portrayed by Amy Britton. Borderline favourite Teresa McLoughlin will weave a magic wand on the story as Cinders’ fairygodmother and audiences should prepare themselves for a very exciting transformation scene.
Three performances have been scheduled for the Ardhowen Theatre. The show opens on Wednesday April 23 at 8pm with a matinee performance on Thursday April 24 at 3pm and a closing show that same evening again with an 8pm starting time. Tickets are selling very quickly with the matinee already sold out, so don’t delay and book your seats with the Ardhowen Theatre box office on 028 66 325440 or online at www.ardhowentheatre.com.