”We are back where we began in 1975”, John Grant tells us at Meath Live. ”It was our first show ‘The Last Last show’ a variety show and now we are heading back to the Old Eureka school Hall. The 49th Pantomime PINOCCHIO!!! launches on Thursday, 5th February 2026 with ten shows until the Sunday finale on Sunday 15th. It has been a tough one to organise John tells us, after leaving the V De P Hall, they had to raise additional funds to get the show on the road. The team had to fund new equipment built up over the years but lost in the move. The famous panto line ”Oh yes he is..the panto will be back at the location it all started at the Old Eureka school Hall.
If there was ever a year to get to the show this is it. The panto team have led with community spirit that brings life to the towns and villages across the island. If you’ve never been to a panto your in for a treat. You get to see the voluntary commitment that brings the best out in people that creates a special magic that bond the team, and brings great fun to the town. All you have to do is get there and enjoy the fun.
Dress up the kids young and old, order the popcorn, flex your vocal chords and book your seats early for another action pack, fun filled roller coaster ride down in panto land with the longest running pantomime in the county yes, its Kells musical and dramatic society’s 49th Enchanting panto ‘Pinocchio’. Written and Directed by John Grant.
TWO ORIGINAL SONGS
This magical show will contain two original songs written by John Grant ‘Panto time in Kells’ and ‘Circus time again’. When the woodworker Geppetto sees a falling star, he wishes that Pinocchio, the puppet he just finished, could become a real boy. In the night, the Blue Fairy grants Geppetto’s wish and asks Figaro the cat to serve as the wooden boy’s conscience.
But the naive and trusting Pinocchio falls into the clutches of the wicked puppet master Stromboli who has plans to get rich quick on the back of Pinocchio’s talents. Pinocchio learns that he must prove himself worthy in order to make his father’s wish come true. When Pinocchio shows himself as selfless, truthful, obedient, and brave, the Blue Fairy transforms him into a real boy.
MEET THE TEAM
Pinocchio, Shannen Elliott Thompson and Isabelle Costello, sets off on a great adventure with Figaro the cat Aliyah Bhoj and Sammie Kellagher, they meet with the evil puppet master Stromboli -Stephen Stafford who has kidnapped the beautiful singer Truly Scrumptious – Lucy Jarrett and Lilly Nolan. Meanwhile Stromboli has enlisted the help of our two comics Salt and Pepper – Louise Rogers and Paige Luddy who stumble their way through the panto causing mayhem and madness. Kind Geppetto – Colin Mc Govern who goes in search of Pinocchio with his wife our panto dame Biddy Burnbread – John Grant who is the worst cook in the world who wise cracks his way through the panto.
The good Fairy, Fairy Loo Loo – Ciara O Neill plays a comic role and by her name is always in great need of the Loo, but never finds it. Seamus Ennis plays the love hounded Count Meaney and Kellyanne Costello plays Miss Snob, a man mad lady seeking wealth and title. Danielle Wilders plays the dopey village idiot -Idle Jackie. The palace Herald played by Holly Dardis and Olivia Nolan along with the mad hungry ape -Caithlin Matthews take lead roles for the first time. Geppetto’s 5 beautiful toys come to life with – Sonic- Eimear Dunne, Woody – Olivia Nolan, Jessie – Caoimhe Smith, Ken -Juliette McWeeney and Barbie – Halle Mae Mulligan. There are plenty of supporting roles with villagers and ghosts.
Senior Villagers / Dancers – Annabelle Lenard, Aliyah Bhoj, Isabele Costello, Holly Dardis, Lucy Jarratt, Caoimhe Traynor, Lilly Nolan, Sammi Kelleher, Shannon Elliot Thompson, Eimear Dunne, Halle Mae Mulligan, Olivia Nolan, Caithlin Matthews, Nora Lendorf, Juliette McWeeney, Caoimhe Smith, Stevie McElherron
JUNIOR VILLAGERS –Killian Mc Kenna, JD Moran, Eoghan Farrelly, Madison Rose Cassidy, Sophie Mc Entee, Caoimhe Whelan, Emillie Kenny.
MID VILLAGERS – Orla Farrelly, Jessi Grogan, Freya Maguire, Shona Elliot Thompson, Sunni Moran, Indigo Dempsy.
SENIOR CHILDREN GHOSTS – Hollie Brown, Alison Mc Guirk, Niamh Ennis, Casey Farrell,
Naoise Farrelly, Kate Rennicks, Hannah Rose Mc Entee, Louise Dunne, Arienne Mc Elherron, Alex Reid.
BACKROOM TEAM
The beautiful Costumes will be made by the experienced Linda Mc Loughlin who works tirelessly to make sure they are top class. Our two fantastic Choreographers, Helena Sheridan and Ciara O Neill have superb dance routines ready to amaze you. While the stage crew team of Ben Devine, John Curran, Danny Sheridan, Derek Booth, are working away on the sets.
Brian O Neill Jnr and Brian O Neill Snr are busy assembling the lighting. Mark Reddy on sound assisted by Dylan Gibbons. Emer Gogarty on effects. Sandra Mc Donnell Alice Mulvany and Mags Oszewski are front of house team along with Alanagh Gavin and her makeup team and cast supervisors are all ready and prepared. Spot Operators Niall Matthews and Ben Butlin. Cast manager Annemarie Stratton, Prompter Susan Tuite will make sure the show runs smoothly. MC-Aaron Byrne will be in action every performance.
The committee are all working very hard putting in place all aspects of the production under the watchful eye of director John Grant. With wonderful dance routines and plenty of great singing along with magical sets, colourful costumes, plenty of audience participation to keep your spirits up along with all your favourite panto characters, all dancing and singing their way to a happy ending. Wait a minute, oh no they can’t, oh yes they can.
Anyway, to find out how it all ends you have to be at the show. So put these dates in your diary — Thursday 5th to Sunday 15th Feb ‘26. For bookings now email kellstheatre@gmail.com with your contact details or phone us on 087 7101671 and we will contact you and book you in. BOOKING OFFICE BY PHONE from Monday 26th Jan from 11am to 5pm. There is a €2 admin fee on credit card bookings only. Special price Family ticket of 2 adults and 2 children €45 See posters and fliers for more details. Find us on facebook.
BOOK YOUR GROUP SEATS EARLY WITH VERY SPECIAL RATES please ring John at 087 2079557.
It’s a sparkling magical Panto adventure for all the family!!! Book now!!
