Devenish Christmas play back row from left, Ezra Wright, Linda Thompson, Alex Bell, Lucy Dunne, Ellen Latimer, Megan Armstrong and Elijah Weight. Middle row from left, Jack Carroll and Leah Rodgers, Front, Holly Bullock
The annual Christmas Pantomime has been a highlight in many people’s calendars for a long time in Fermanagh and this year, the Devenish College production of ‘Cinderella’ promises to be just as spectacular.
It has been written and produced by Head of LLW and History teacher Berni McDermott, who will also be taking on the role of Acting Director in place of Deborah Fallis who welcomed baby Torin into the world earlier this year. Once again, ably assisted by Co-Director Gillian Wilson and Musical Director Laurence Connolly, the production team are busy rehearsing and preparing for a musical extravaganza full of fun which is sure to have something for all of the family. It will combine the old traditional characters with a selection of contemporary ones to tell the tale of poor Cinderella and her quest to escape the drudgery of Hardup Hall with an interactive and modern twist.
Bringing the show to life has been a distinct and diverse experience for the school’s Lighting Director of the last 17 years, but one that she is looking forward to achieving.
“Putting the words on the page and visualising what the show will look like is very different from actually seeing it come together in real life”, Berni said.
Acknowledging moments of self-doubt, she went on: “This show could not go ahead without the expertise, experience and support of everyone in school who all want to make it the success that it has become. I’m humbled to have the chance to work with such talented and enthusiastic people who make the job easier”.
The main cast and all performers on stage consist of Key Stage 3 pupils, with Key Stage 4 and 5 students supporting the show backstage by helping with scenery, sound, lighting, make-up, props costumes and hospitality. Everything has always been organised in-house and it is a tradition that dates back at least 58 years on the Enniskillen campus.
The whole school has always been very generous by supporting the Panto experience for the pupils who gain so much in confidence and commitment to their college life because of it.
So much so in fact, that past pupils of the school are eagerly anticipating their return to the same stage this year for their ‘adult’ Panto version that they will perform on site, later in December.
Leah Rodgers takes on the lead role of Cinderella with Jack Carroll as Prince Charming and Fairy Godmother played by Lucy Dunne.
Matinee performances of the school production, which are already sold out, will take place from Monday 4th to Friday 8th December.
Tickets for the evening performances on Friday 8th and Saturday 9th December will be available at the school office from today (Wednesday 22nd November).
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