Laura Noonan, Partnerships and Development Manager Cork Opera House, Megan Pottinger (Cinderella) and Kate Culhane, Area Manager Neville Jewellers, pictured at the announcement of Neville Jewellers as title sponsors to the Cork Opera House panto ‘Cinderella’. Photo: Emma McCarthy

Opera House reveals new panto partners

Oh yes they have! Cork Opera House recently announced three new business partnerships, revealing the lineup of commercial partners who are backing this year’s anticipated panto production, ‘Cinderella’.

Joining title sponsors Neville Jewellers are the Pavilion Ballygarvan and the Maldron Hotel, Shandon who along with long-standing media partner Red FM are all set to welcome this year's panto to the Cork venue. A 69 show run, opening on 30 November and continuing until 19 January, will employ more than 70 cast and crew over a three month period and is set to be one of Cork Opera House's most ambitious productions to date.

Operating since 1971, Cork-owned Neville Jewellers has five outlets across Cork and Limerick and was described by Laura Noonan, Partnerships and Development Manager at Cork Opera House, as “the perfect fit to complement all of the glitz that comes part and parcel with the story of ‘Cinderella’. We are incredibly happy to be working with Neville Jewellers, The Pavilion Ballygarvan and The Maldron across our winter programme,” continued Ms Noonan. “Their support directly facilitates our ability to fortify access, enterprise and more for the wider community.”

“This year we are delighted to support a wonderful Cork tradition,” said John Neville, Neville Jewellers. “As a local family business we want to not just show our support for local arts, but also create lasting memories for families and friends. It’s a great way for us to spread Christmas cheer and be part of the festive spirit. For us, supporting the panto is about making sure everyone has a good time and feels the warmth of the season together.”

The Pavilion Garden Centre in Ballygarvan is also home to a skilled craft bakery and the seasonally sourced farm-to-table restaurant, The Glasshouse. “The partnership will help the Pavilion brand reach new audiences and it also shows our natural alignment of values with the Cork Opera House as the concepts of tradition, family and legacy are important to us both,” said Jayne Harris, Brand Manager with the Pavilion, Ballygarvan. “This winter collaboration will strengthen our shared mission to create spaces where families and friends can come together to celebrate and build new festive traditions.”

The Maldron Hotel in Shandon will provide accommodation to several of the show's stars as accommodation partner and “have been a wonderful neighbour across the River Lee,” said Ms Noonan. “With such close proximity to Cork Opera House, the Maldron continues to deliver warm and welcoming hospitality to all of our artists and patrons throughout the year.”