In a little Village a long time ago called Lisbellaw there lived many characters….Maud, Wee Davy, Joe….the children played in the village together, and they were happy!

…it was the best of times in what was the worst of times for our Country. We were innocent, carefree and laughing!

Tonight fast forward 40 years and I have left the Church Hall in Lisbellaw and there was laughter, fun and craic..and the children of the village are now the Characters..

Tomorrow night commences three nights of the Dancerella Panto (the vision of the COI Lisbellaw Minister, Stephanie). I was asked by her to direct her, self-penned script in May and little did I realise the wonderful journey I would embark upon as director !

I direct a few wee productions now locally but this creative collaboration has been personal.

I have bossed, bawled and bantered with my fellow childhood companions…I have seen the characters of panto ‘Lisbellaw’ flourish and flower, and I have been touched at the integration of young and old.

Creativity and drama allow an individual to be someone they are not, the Production of Dancerella has allowed the village of Lisbellaw to be what it truly is….

I have seen a village of individuals come together to create, communicate and celebrate their Oneness and it has been humbling and beautiful !

For me personally the most beautiful bonus of being part of this production has been with my dad…I’ve never seen him act, ( I think I know where my artistic flair may come from)…it has been very special!

We live in an age of technological togetherness now, yet it may appear it is what is disconnecting us…when I recall my childhood, we roamed, we rambled and we were connected in conversation…tonight I left a final rehearsal and we were connected in creativity and communication.

The power of words can never be underestimated, as I’ve directed this panto I’ve recalled a lot of childhood memories, I’ve connected with characters of old and new….and I’ll always treasure when my daddy said to me after the second rehearsal, ‘Tracey you are very good at what you do!’, I was that little girl again and I loved it!