Tipperary Pantomime Society scales new heights with Jack and the Beanstalk performance

Tipperary Pantomime Society’s 42nd production, Jack and the Beanstalk, played to full houses at the Tipperary Excel and once again confirmed the Society’s special place in the cultural life of the town.

Based on an original script by the late Paddy Ryan, who also designed the imaginative settings and scenery, the production was both a joyful theatrical experience and a fitting tribute to a man whose creative legacy continues to shape local drama.

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I was in a previous production of Jack and the Beanstalk, playing the role of Billy Muffet, while Aidan Tobin played the role of Jack and the late Mary Swords played our mother, the widow Muffet.

I was therefore greatly interested to see how the Society had adapted the show in a modern setting and I certainly was not disappointed.

The show opened in fine style with A Road to the Castle, a lively scene featuring very strong vocals and energetic dancing from the adult chorus, immediately setting a high standard for the evening.

Audiences were then taken on a colourful journey through a series of well-realised scenes, including Widow Muffet’s Farm, the bustling Village Fair, the towering Beanstalk, the imagination of Cloudland and the atmospheric Villain’s Cave.

At the heart of the story was Jack Muffet, played with boundless energy and charm by Stephen Stokes, supported by Alannah Rose Walsh as his brother Billy and Ellie Peters as their warm-hearted mother, the Widow.

Their performances struck an effective balance between comedy, warmth and classic pantomime fun.

Royal duties were ably discharged by Sam Ryan as the delightfully pompous King Satupon the Seventh and Katie Russell as the spirited Princess Rosemary.

Sam Ryan was particularly impressive, combining comic flair with a fine singing voice that added real quality to the musical numbers.

Several lovely duets were featured throughout the show, bringing warmth and variety to the storytelling.

Pat Ryan delivered a standout turn as Dame Duchess Fuzzywig, delighting audiences with impeccable comic timing, while Sabrina Cummins shone as her daughter Belinda.

In true pantomime tradition, both left the stage on occasion to engage directly with the audience, where they were joyfully received.

Daisy the Cow, portrayed by Kayla Cummins and Keeley Ryan, was another crowd favourite.

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The struggle between good and evil was vividly portrayed by Lorraine Kenneally as the sinister Monstro and Hayley Bourke as the enchanting Fairy Twinkle.

A strong supporting cast — including Leah Gilsenan (Lucy), Abby O’Dwyer (Dolly), Lauren Browne (Betsy) and Cayle Sharkey (Zorika) — added greatly to the production, along with an excellent adult chorus and a superb children’s chorus.

Musical highlights included Dear Future Husband, Cotton Fields, Does Your Mother Know, On the One Road, Can’t Hurry Love, Hero and Friends in Low Places, all delivered with enthusiasm and confidence.

The orchestra, under the direction of Pat Marnane, provided terrific musical support throughout, while the stage crew ensured seamless scene changes.

The story reached its climax high in the clouds, where it emerged that the Giant was not the villain after all.

Instead, Monstro’s banishment led to a joyful finale, complete with double celebrations — the wedding of the King to the Widow and Jack to the Princess.

Under the steady guidance of producer Pat Ryan and choreographer Catherine Ryan, this was pantomime at its best; colourful, inclusive and full of heart.

As the curtain fell, it was clear that Tipperary Pantomime Society had once again delivered a production rooted in community, rich in talent and brimming with joy — a triumph that will be fondly remembered by all who attended.