Giant granny all set for Limerick

A giant granny which will be the centrepiece of the Royal de Luxe performance in Limerick in six weeks was unveiled for the first time this afternoon.

As part of Limerick City of Culture, the French street theatre company is coming to the city for three days in early September with the massive show expected draw in excess of 100,000 people.

Plans for the show will see the giant “walk through and be transported on a wheelchair through the streets of Limerick”, calling to Arthur’s Quay Park, Lee Estate, Thomond Park - and “sleeping” overnight in both Sarsfield Barracks and Shelbourne Park.

The huge grandmother that will be live on Limerick’s city streets for 72 hours, was unveiled in Liverpool earlier today - in what was the first of just three performances worldwide this year.

More than 200,000 people lined the streets of Liverpool to witness the magical awakening and voyage of the 85 year old grandmother.

In what will the biggest event in Limerick since the visit of Pope John Paul II in 1979, the giant granny will act out an original tale, developed and specially scripted for Limerick.

The city will be transformed as she rambles through the streets cared for by hundreds of Lilliputians, transfixing audiences for a weekend of free entertainment as they follow her as she eats, drinks and sleeps.

Paul Foley of Limerick City of Culture has said the “overall objective is to showcase Limerick as a location that can host and deliver events of an international standing, to a high cultural quality” with the giant to traverse the city from September 5-7.

With over 160 people involved in the €1m production, the ‘Giant’s Journey’ around the city will mark a major undertaking for City of Culture, and volunteers are being sought to help present the original tale, one developed and specifically scripted for the city.

The team is looking for up to 150 volunteers to work on different areas of the show.

See www.limerickcityofculture.ie for more details.