Panto villain didn't just propose to his co-star live on stage?... Oh yes he did!

Louise Walsh

Oh no, she didn't! Oh yes, she did! Stage love led to a wedding proposal panto style when the Fairy Good said yes to her fellow character Gaston on Sunday night.

It was one year since actors Shay Carry and Vicky Kenny met while rehearsing for a pantomime so Shay decided that this year's performance was the perfect time to ask her to marry him on the final night

While acting as Fairy Good in Beauty and the Beast, Vicky was asked to read a message aloud which said: "Today at this theatre, we have two extraordinary people who are at the heart of the TLT (Tommy Leddy Theatre) production.

"In the world of live theatre, some moments unfold by chance, while others are destined to be. She began with an evil streak and soon her magic shone through. With all my heart, I will always love you from now and forever from this moment."

The curtains opened and under a backdrop of 'Will you marry me Vicky?" was Shay down on one knee with a ring in front of an audience of 715 people.

Cue the panto cast onstage to cheer the embracing couple ahead of a wrap up party that turned out to be an engagement celebration.

In reality, it was a moment that Shay Carry had been planning for weeks at the venue in Drogheda, Co. Louth with the help of manager Conor Mulhall and production manager Aoife McGroggan.

"I'm still thinking did this actually happen," said Vicky from the couple's home in Navan, Co. Meath

"I hadn't a clue about it. In fact on Monday morning, I gave out to Shay for going to the theatre early, meaning we would have two cars at the wrap up party," she laughed.

"When it happened, I couldn't say anything because I just couldn't get any words out. Shay actually had to ask me backstage if it was a yes."

Although Shay admits he was very nervous, he said proposing on stage was something he wanted to do.

"We locked down the theatre for an hour on Monday and wouldn't let anyone in while the tech team did their thing with the signs and the lighting.

"I actually don't remember the last show because I was that nervous. I just got through it and the closer it came to the end, the more jittery I got. The only contingency plan I had if she said no, was just to leave."

Shay isn't sure if it is the first proposal involving two characters on stage at a panto but he is sure it doesn't happen very often.

"I have never heard of it happen on stage between two of the characters but if it did, it's rare. The audience were on their feet and some were crying. The atmosphere was unbelievable."

Last year, Shay who is well known as a local musician and actor and Vicky who runs a stage school in Cavan met on the set of Snow White when she played the evil Queen and he was the Dame.

"I wanted to propose where we met and I wanted it to be on the last night. It sounded like a great idea in my head and thankfully it all went to plan."