A laugh a minute performance that guarantees a super day out for families and groups. Directed by Karl Harpur and produced by Claire Tighe, the Helix Panto is a sell out every year and the 2016 festive run looks set to emulate the success of past shows like Jack and the Beanstalk and Cinderella.

Wonderful costumes and bright colourful set design will transport you to the sleepy village of Agraba, where Aladdin (played by Tom Moran ) is up to his mischievous ways, along with his trusty side kick Wishee Washee (played by the very likeable Colin Hughes).

By now, kids will be very familiar with the story of Aladdin – a poor street orphan, he falls for the beautiful Princess Jasmine (played by Danielle Williamson) and with the help of the Genie sets out to win her heart.

Enter the devilishly wonderful Panto baddie Jafaah, to try and steal the lamp for himself. Jafar is played by Eoin Cannon, a stellar performance by this panto veteran and for this writer, the absolute star of the show!! Eoin has threaded the boards on numerous shows over the years, most notably playing Michael Collins in ‘Michael Collins a Musical Drama’ which ran at the Cork Opera House and the Olympia in Dublin.

How do you show the ‘Cave of Wonder’ and get the Genie out of the lamp? The Theatreworx team have come up with some really cool and innovative props, sound and lighting to pull this off and full credit also to Adam Lynch who is your larger than life Genie! There really is some great laughs from him along the way and the entire team pull it off with some great timing and one liners.

There’s plenty of references to current events to keep the laughs going – the American election, our own politics, I’m a Celebrity, Conor McGreggor and lots more get a mention, bringing cheers and applause from the audience. Song and Dance routines from the ensemble groups are polished and you’ll see many familiar Helix faces in the troupe like Aoife Rooney, Shane Walsh and Jennifer Dawson. Lots of costume changes in there also and a shout out to the back stage crew for keeping it all going and also to the kids who carry off their own dance routines like professionals.

The Panto Dame ‘Lola’ is played by the multi-talented Liam Butler, who takes on the role of Aladdin’s mother. Outrageous hair, make up and costume add to the larger than life Lola as she gets involved, entangled and generally in the way of everyone (and every door) throughout the show!

Lastly and not to forget everyones favorite – the panto silly …‘Janowah’, delivered superbly by Aidan Mannion – another Helix stalwart and his ninth appearance with the TheatreworX team. He’s very witty, funny and likeable – the kids will love it. Look out also for the very funny ‘Jewels’ played by Orla Jennings.

It’s the Helix Christmas panto and it’s an unmissable day out for the whole family. Great fun, lots of laughs and highly recommended!!

The Helix, Dublin

Last year TheatreworX introduced a sensory friendly production which was a huge success and the team are delighted to announce it will return again for 2016. Adapted performances will take place on Thursday 8th December at 6pm which include no sudden noises or bangs, softer and brighter lighting and music at a suitable level. There will be no flashing merchandise available in the venue during these times.