20 Kildare kids on Dublin stage for Aladdin panto

A total of 20 talented Kildare school kids are taking a magic carpet ride onto the national stage in Aladdin at Dublin's The Helix Theatre, having won their ticket to stardom via Ireland's only panto boot-camp. Aladdin at The Helix runs until  Sunday, January 22. Among the song and dance stars are Sophie O'Connor, Sallins-based Amber Byrne (11) and Lexlip locals Caoimhe Brennan (16), Molly Coughlan (10),Caoimhe Cronin (14) and sisters Naya (12) and Emma (10) Rochford. Also representing Lexlip are Sarah Bradley, Fionn Hayes and Cliona, Danu and Neasa NicShuibhne. They are joined on The Helix stage by Celbridge youngsters Katelyn Rose Slevin (11), Rebecca Harmon (10), Carmen Byrne (11), Cara and David Adderley (12) and Breanna Magill (10) with Sarah Harrington representing Maynooth. The Kildare youngsters were among some 200 young hopefuls who were put through their theatrical paces at Ireland's only panto boot camp this summer. Having passed the talent test in singing, dancing and the art of panto, the chosen ones are now busy taking part in Aladdin which runs until January 22. "My favourite part is performing, I love looking out from the stage and seeing the big crowd all smiling and happy," said Katelyn Rose Slevin (11), from Celbridge. For Amber Byrne (11) who lives in Sallins the best bit of being in the panto is the finale. "When I finish performing and everyone is clapping, the atmosphere is electric and I'm on cloud nine," said Amber who is sixth class at St Laurence's National School. Young David Adderley (12) from Beatty Grove in Celbridge jumped for joy when he learned he had made the panto grade. "I was so happy when I found out I was going to be in the panto this year, it is so much fun to be part of," said David who is in sixth class at Scoil Mochua, Celbridge. The Kildare crew are part of a 48-strong team of children and teens aged from seven to sixteen who have graduated from panto camp to cast member. They are now on stage with singing sensation Tom Moran who stars as Aladdin in a show packed full of stunning special effects including a real flying carpet. “Because there is a limit to the amount of time young people can perform on stage our child star crew is divided into eight teams,” panto co-writer/producer Claire Tighe explained. “All the children will appear in a selection of shows over our eight-week run at The Helix.” This is Lexlip native Claire's ninth panto at the Dublin theatre and it looks like being a sell-out following last year's hugely successful extended run of Jack and the Beanstalk. With over 20 years of pantomime experience, her family run company TheatreworX, has established a reputation for producing the very best traditional Christmas entertainment and bringing great new talent to the stage. And the youngsters themselves can't wait to get on stage. "It is so exciting being in the panto, it's always a great experience," said Breanna Magill (10) from Celbridge. Pic shows: (L-R back) Cliona NicShuibhne, Neasa NicShuibhne, Cara Adderley, Rebecca Harman, Catelynn Rose, Amber Byrne, Caoimhe Brennan, Ella Hudson, David Adderley andCaoimhe Cronin. (l-r middle) Emma Rochford, Breanna Magill, Fionn Hayes, Leah Hyland and Danu NicShuibhne. (Front row) Naya Rochford, Sarah Bradley, Molly Coughlan, Sarah Harrington, Sophie O'Connor. They are pictured here with stars of the show Aladdin (Tom Moran)  Princess Jasmine (Danielle Williamson) and Genie (Adam Lynch). Tickets from €19.50. Bookings: www.thehelix.ie or call 01 700 7000. Photo by Barry Cronin.