Entertainment lovers are set for a magical start to 2025 with two enchanting Snow White-themed events taking place. Families can look forward to the quirky ballet performance, Snow White and Rose Red, presented by the Let's All Dance Ballet Company, alongside the classic pantomime, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, hosted by Rathmore's Marian Players.
The ballet performance will take place at the Mercury Theatre, located on Balkerne Gate, Colchester, on February 19 at 3:00 PM. The show is based on two beloved fairytales, combining the stories of Snow White and Rose Red, focusing on themes of friendship and cooperation as characters come together to help break a magical spell. This performance is particularly suitable for young children ranging from two to twelve years old, making it an excellent choice for family outings. Tickets for the ballet performance are reasonably priced between £12 to £13, making it accessible for many families. Interested attendees can find more information and purchase tickets through the theatre's website at mercurytheatre.co.uk/event/snow-white-and-rose-red.
On the other end of the entertainment spectrum, Rathmore’s Marian Players are captivating audiences with their rendition of the classic pantomime, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The production runs from January 31 through February 4, 2025, providing multiple opportunities for patrons to enjoy the show. The community-based theatre group, known for its rich history of engaging performances, has seen success for nearly four decades, showcasing local talent from various areas including Rathmore, Gneeveguilla, and several other neighboring towns.
Val Moynihan, spokesperson for the Marian Players, shared insights about the production, stating, “It’s community based and allows us to showcase the rich store of talent... its success can be attributed to the phenomenal work and skills of our cast, volunteers and the assistance from the local community.” This year’s cast is headlined by Jayme Linehan as Snow White, accompanied by the seven dwarfs played by Brian Kelly, Orla Murphy, Pawel Swies, Matt Riordan, Mike Cronin, Ava Knee, and Cian Cronin. The enthusiastic ensemble also features Éabha Healy, Carmel O’Keeffe, Mary Hickey, among others, all working to create a vibrant and enjoyable experience for the audience.
The pantomime promises to be lively and full of fun, opening with the upbeat number “Good Morning Rathmore,” followed by the crowd-pleasing Elton John classic “I’m Still Standing.” Young local singers from various schools participate, contributing to the community spirit through performances, including the popular Eurovision star Mikey Joe Harte’s song, “We Got the World.”
Behind the scenes, producers Brian Hickey and Elish Coakley, along with Musical Director Diane O’Sullivan, have collaborated with volunteers to bring this vibrant production to life. Their hard work has resulted in not only stellar performances but also significant local audience interaction throughout the show. This year’s performance holds sentimental value as it honors the legacy of John Stephen O’Sullivan, who contributed greatly to the community arts.
Performances of the pantomime continue on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday at 7:30 PM, with matinee shows on Sunday at 3:00 PM. Ticket reservations can be made by contacting the box office at 085-2031730. The community spirit is palpable as audience members escape the cold winter weather to immerse themselves in the warmth and enchantment of these beloved stories.
With both events providing fantastic opportunities for families to engage with the arts, local communities are surely gearing up for a delightful celebration of creativity through dance and theatre.