The moral fable underlying Perrault's interpretation of the legend of Little Red Riding Hood comes alive in the Opera House production of the pantomime with Pat Talbot's menacing werewolf. Contrasted with the innocent gaiety of Joanne Harrington as the eponymous heroine, the role gets to the heart of the fable; although all else is seasonal merriment, the wolf in count's clothing is a reminder of the bleak origins of many of what are disarmingly called "fairy tales".
Joanne Harrington (who alternates with Lynn Curtin in this role) is a delight; director Michael Twomey might have made a little more of her duet with Karen Hackett's Jill and more still of her rendition of Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf? with Frank Twomey as Simple Simon, but the conventions of pantomime intervene. Among the best of these are the Panto Kiddies and Tiny Tots: while the tots are terrific only at being tiny, the somewhat older Kiddies achieve some attractive routines, singing and dancing with stylish zest.
Freewheeling as usual - probably in accompaniment to mikes which have taken off in all directions on their own - Billa O'Connell exerts his customary command of an enthralled audience which also enjoys Mon Murphy's spirited solo. The enamelled costumes of the McTeggart Dancers almost compensate for the very clumsy taping of the music to which they have to perform, despite the presence of the band, directed by Ronnie O'Shaughnessy.
Little Red Riding Hood continues at Cork Opera House until January 23rd. To book, telephone: 021-270022.