Navan team makes 'Pantoland' movie in unpredictable year

The people of Pantoland always live "happily ever after". Sure, the Baddies like to cause a little trouble, but the goodies always find a way to win the day and spoil their parties. But that’s until a new Baddie comes to town and tries to take over as ruler of all Pantoland. How will the goodies find their way to saving the land this time?

'Welcome to Pantoland' is a pantomime movie that was written, produced, directed, recorded, edited, and starred people living in Meath during the easing of restrictions over the summer. Shot in the gardens and house of Loughcrew Estate, Oldcastle, and in Navan, a group of amateur actors came together in the expectation that this winter pantomimes may not be able to go ahead. The movie will go live on YouTube on Friday 18th December.

The script was written by Patrick Fox and includes three original songs written by Ultan O’ Cinnéide, and his wife, Sarah Uí Cinnéide. All part of musical societies and drama groups around the county, they would normally take part in local pantos around this time of year. Knowing the way 2020 has been unpredictable, in June, Patrick Fox contacted Ultan O’ Cinnéide and Keith Russell who had the knowledge and equipment to get filming. They got a group of friends to work together to act or simply lend a hand to produce the movie.

The story is an attempt at staying away from typical panto stories.  They have made reference to them and have included some of the characters but have tried to be original.  If it was based on something in the public domain currently, it is a cross between movie 'Enchanted; and TV show 'Once Upon a Time'.  Trying to bring a bit of Ireland into the story, an example being the Prince and Princess being called Eoin and Clodagh.

The film was shot on a zero euro budget and it was done through people's generosity, ranging from the actor's time to costumes and locations. Following this, the movie will be free of charge for the public to watch.