Our Story
“There are some who bring a light so great to the world, that even after they have gone the light remains”
Dublin Panto has been north Dublin’s favourite choice of Panto since 2011 selling out to audiences in Clontarf Castle and most recently the Hilton Hotel. It employs Dublin actors while encouraging local talent, some of whom have gone on to follow careers in the West End. It prides itself on the highest production values.
Once upon a time, Maureen Gilligan and Helen Prendeville, two ladies who were ahead of their time - pioneering the image of strong, modern, independent women - came together to bring theatre to the Northside of Dublin and introduced Pantomime to the community of Grange Woodbine, serving the communities of Raheny, Donaghmede and surrounding areas. They never took no for an answer and always knew that where there is a will there is a way!
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It only seems fitting then for Maureen’s son Sean and Helen’s daughter Cathy to pledge to honour their mothers’ legacies and bring Dublin Panto home to where it was born in the Grange Woodbine Community Centre.
Maureen, with a ferocious love for theatre, produced many shows the length and breadth of the country. Her son Sean, hot on her heels, absorbing all there was to know and learning his trade under this phenomenal woman was left with no option, his fate was sealed, and theatre was to be his life. Unfortunately, through bad health, Maureen Isn’t able to produce anymore, however, her love for theatre will never die while Sean is here.
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Tragically, Helen, who had given so much to her community, passed away in 2009 after a fall that left her paralysed from the neck down. It was then that Cathy pledged to keep her mother’s memory alive and that theatre would continue in force in the community that Helen spent so many years building.
Each year audiences of over 12,000 people enjoy SGP productions. A vital element of our continued success is sponsorship. Here is how you can help to make the newest chapter of this story happen! Becoming a sponsor will not only provide much needed funding to produce this show but it will help bring Dublin Panto home to where it all began many years ago and continue for many years to come.
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Your sponsorship will enable us to welcome homeless families as our special guests at our VIP opening night in association with our charity partner Respond.