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The Killorglin Panto Group’s 55^th Pantomime has been announced, and to satisfy all the Nosey Nelly’s who have been trying figure it out, this year’s Panto is... Pinocchio! Oh, yes it is!

The much-loved story of the boy-puppet Pinocchio has been treated to the usual 'unusual' twists that audiences have come to associate with Killorglin Panto, as the action spans from Dame Gepetto's Toyshop to the Village School, journeying further to encounter hilarious characters and activities at the Circus, and eventually climaxing in the belly of The Whale.

Musical Director, Martin Hurley, has prepared over 20 musical items catering for all musical tastes, while choreographer, ‘Mrs Jackie', has excelled in bringing the whole chorus alive with scintillatingly syncopated swivels and swerves.

The story is introduced to the audience by The Blue Fairy, played by Maura Moriarty O’Neill, while Pinocchio is brought to life by Shona Murphy, who delivers the lead role with boyish charm. Shona is accompanied by her Babe partner from last year, Renee Kavanagh, who brings her usual devilment to her personification of Pinocchio’s conscience, Jiminy Cricket.

Playing opposite Dame Gepetto (Declan Mangan) is superb actor, Steven Mills. Mills presents the greedy Mayor Macaroni, assisted by his two foolish lackeys, Hi (Kevin Moriarty) and Lo (Colm Clifford). Extra fairy dust has been sprinkled on the Panto stage this year and five toy dolls come to life; Superman (Aidan Clifford), Wonder Woman (Bronagh Murphy), Jack and Jill (Sean Joy and Lisa Corkery), and the baddie, Dark Joker (Chris Brennan).

And that’s not all, Mervin Clifford expertly portrays the Circus Ringmaster and John McGeever even manages to put in an appearance as Manuel from Rio.

Stage Manager David Pigott is being kept busy with his handling of the many colourful sets created by David and Dave Mills, and resident lighting guru, Eamonn Looney, will once again be on hand to enhance the atmosphere and transport the audience deeper into the plot.

The Panto begins in the CYMS, Killorglin, with matinees on Saturday, January 20 and Sunday, January 21. Night-time shows will be performed from the following Wednesday until the final Matinees on Sunday, January 28. The Panto will come to a triumphant end at the gala finish in the INEC Killarney at 5pm on Saturday February 4.

To secure your tickets for the ever popular Killorglin Panto, contact the booking office on 066 9790961. For pictures and live updates, follow the conversation online @KillorglinPantomimeGroup.