Living the panto dream? Oh yes they are

SMALL PRINT:WHILE THE news that Westlife are to break up some time next year was heartbreaking for their legions of fans, it was music to the ears of panto producers everywhere. Former boy-band members are panto casting gold. In fact, former anything works well when it comes to populating pantoland.

Once had a successful run in a TV soap? Had a stint in the Big Brotherhouse? Got your kit off or starred in your own X-rated home movie? If so, your local panto wants to hear from you.

For some actors, panto is a vital end-of-year financial boost, making up for many lean months during the year. For others, it is a humiliating climb-down, a necessary financial hit and a million miles away from playing the Dane.

However, for the bigger stars it can be highly lucrative. Last year for example, panto-goers in Liverpool got to see former Baywatchstar Pamela Anderson as the Genie of the Lamp in Aladdin at Liverpool's Empire Theatre. She starred alongside former Family Fortuneshost Les Dennis and was reportedly paid £100,000 (€116,531) for her role.

This year, those taking part in various pantos in the UK include Linda and Maureen from The Nolans in London, Basil Brush and Lynda Bellingham in Birmingham and former Allo Allostar Vicki Michelle in Surrey.

Add to this a whole host of former Britain's Got Talentparticipants, including judge David Hasselhoff, as well as X-Factorcontestants such as Ray Quinn, and "Chico", who is set to storm the stage in Rotherham. Living the dream, then.

Here in Ireland, audiences get to see Samantha Mumba as Girl Friday in Robinson Crusoein the Gaiety; model Georgia Salpa and former Eurovision winner Niamh Kavanagh in the Tivoli; George McMahon in Aladdinat the Helix; and Nicky Byrne in The Snowman Christmas Specialat the Grand Canal Theatre.

But, surely Ireland's emerging panto kings are Jedward, who return for a second year at the Olympia having been paid a reported €100,000 for their roles last year. Not only do they take starring roles, but they've had the panto renamed after them, and take top billing in J edward and the Beanstalk. Surely there can be no greater honour?

For a country of our size and current financial situation, pantos continue to do relatively well and are something of an economic cash cow for many theatres. Last year, for example, the entire run of 43,500 tickets for the Jedward panto at the Olympia were booked out before the show began. This year, the venue is selling upwards of 1,000 seats a day and some dates are already sold out.

Elsewhere in the country, sales continue to do well, although in some theatres, runs have been shortened. The Cork Opera House say advance sales for their show – Cinderellathis year – are roughly in line with last year, and, like many theatres, they anticipate it remaining the biggest show in the calendar year.