It's pantomime time again!
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, panto season is once more upon us and as always there is no better place to be than Cork. Oh yes there is! On no, there really isn’t!
Starting with the Cork Opera House, the stage is set for another pantomime extravaganza this year with ‘Cinderella’, the beloved fairy-tale full of magic for everyone!
Opening on 30 November, ‘Cinderella’ will dazzle and delight audiences over a 69 show run that continues through Christmas until 19 January.
This timeless fairy tale promises to be a spectacle of joy, filled with delightful surprises, and a sprinkle of pantomime magic that will leave everyone, young and old, believing that dreams do come true.
Audiences and fans of all ages keen to enter the spirit of fairy-tale, mischief, and fun are already booking to ensure they can join Cinderella, Prince Charming, Buttons, Baroness Hardup, the Wicked Stepsisters, and of course everyone’s rollicking favourite, Nanny Nellie, live at Cork Opera House.
In the lead-up to the magical opening night, Cork Opera House CEO, Eibhlín Gleeson, said the team have a very special show lined up this year.
She said: “Cork Opera House is thrilled to bring this year’s pantomime production to life with more magic, laughter, and surprises than ever before. This show is a celebration of creativity, community, and joy – everything our audiences love about the festive season.
“Our team has worked tirelessly to create an experience that will delight audiences of all ages, and we can't wait to share it with everyone.”
Panto co-writer Frank Mackey returns to the stage this year as Cork’s most popular Panto Dame, Nanny Nellie, while our determined and delightful title heroine Cinderella is played by Megan Pottinger, who audiences may remember as Jill from last year’s hit panto ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’.
Cork’s own Alison McCormack and Julie Maguire are the all-singing, all-dancing Wicked Stepsisters, while Michael Grennell returns to the Opera House stage as Cinderella’s superbly menacing stepmother, Baroness Melania Hardup. Cinderella’s prince is played by the dashing Paul Wilkins, and rounding out the cast as everyone’s favourite hapless sidekick Buttons is Blarney’s Brian Ó Muirí, fresh from his run in the West End production of ‘The Book of Mormon’. Joining them all on stage is a full cast of fabulous professional dancers, musicians, and the wonderful young talent from Cork's stage schools.
“I urge anyone who loves the festive season to join us for the greatest panto of them all, ‘Cinderella’,” said panto director, Trevor Ryan.
“This laugh-a-minute magical extravaganza will keep audiences both young and old entertained.”
Cork Opera House will also stage two relaxed performances of this year’s panto in which a lot of the elements are adjusted to be more comfortable for autistic people or people with sensory processing differences.
For showtimes and bookings, visit corkoperahouse.ie.
Red Riding Hood
If one panto isn’t enough for you, fans can expect a howling good time at The Everyman this festive season with its panto ‘Red Riding Hood’, also opening 30 November.
Running until 12 January, The Everyman invites one and all to join Red, her best friend Pip, and the ever-spirited Granny, as they embark on a whimsical adventure to outwit the cunning Deco the Wolf from Dublin.
Along the way, they’ll encounter a host of charming woodland folk. Keep an eye out for our Poodle who has big Hollywood dreams! Expect a vibrant mix of hilarious antics, catchy songs, and dazzling performances that will leave you wanting more. The Everyman’s production of 'Red Riding Hood' is packed with surprises and heartwarming moments, making it the perfect festive outing for families and friends.
To ensure everyone can enjoy the magic this year, The Everyman will offer accessible performances of this year’s panto. These are an audio-described performance and touch tour on Friday 3 January, and an Irish sign language-interpreted performance on Saturday 4 January.