Panto season is here again! Oh yes it is!
The story of Beauty and the Beast has been rewritten with all sorts of twists by local entertainment duo, Trevor Ryan and Frank Mackey. This is a story of friendship and love, mixed with magic and adventure. Music, dance, and impressive sets and costumes combine to make this a memorable experience.
Keith Hanley (winner of The Voice of Ireland in 2013) plays a mystical genie in this exotic trip to the Far East complete with a flying carpet, an old lamp, a beautiful princess and irresistible baddies. Produced by CADA Performing Arts Academy, the cast also includes Lee Mathews as Aladdin, Niamh O’Mahony as Princess Jade, and Ciarán Bermingham as the Widow Twankey.
The greatest classic of them all, Charles Dickens’s seasonal novel will be retold in a production adapted and directed by Marion Wyatt. This tale of how hard-hearted Scrooge discovers the true spirit of Christmas promises to enchant both adults and children.
The much-loved fairytale will be brought to life with a cast of more than 120. Steeped in humour with music and romance, there will be surprises aplenty in this show.
This show will see audiences following Little Red Riding Hood on her perilous trip to Granny’s cottage. A surprise around every corner is promised and lurking in the shadows is a pair of big bad beady eyes watching Red Riding Hood’s every move. Legendary panto dame, Joe Conlon, celebrating his 26th year in the entertainment industry, plays Granny McGregor and will be joined by Hayley-Jo Murphy as Little Red Riding Hood.
An all-star cast promises to enthral audiences with this spectacular show. It features Ireland’s most famous turkey, Dustin, as well as comedian Al Porter playing Lolly Polly. Despite his youth, this is Porter’s 11th year starring in the Olympia pantomime. The cast also includes Ryan Andrews of Fair City. The show is co-written by Porter and fellow comedian, Karl Spain, and is directed by Simon Delaney.
This children’s classic promises to be jam-packed with magic, laughter, and lots of surprises. Karl Broderick is in his 19th year as writer for the venue’s panto. It stars TV3’s Alan Hughes and Rob Murphy as well as Michele McGrath, Donal Brennan and Carl Stallwood.
This captivating film, a firm festive favourite by Raymond Briggs, is accompanied by Howard Blake’s score played live by the Irish Philharmonic Orchestra. Suitable for young children, it features songs such as Walking in the Air and a selection of popular Christmas songs. RTÉ’s Shay Byrne will tell the story of James and the flying snowman, as the audience watches the film on the big screen. The show will also feature Christmas carols and singalong favourites.
The hero, Aladdin, is played by Killian James Fitzgerald. He and his forbidden love, Princess Jasmine, played by Molly Cantwell, will take an action-packed journey through Arabia. Spark Hip Hop School of Dance will feature with a special guest appearance by former Spark’s student, Oskarina O’Sullivan, who is on a scholarship at Cambridge.
This popular fairytale will be brought to life in a fun-filled musical production with some puppets in the cast including Ruff the dog. Children will learn that music can be found everywhere as they’ll sing and dance to all their favourite songs. There will be interactive moments where the young audience members will be encouraged to join in, singing songs such as ‘If You’re Happy And You Know It’.
The star cast of this pantomime includes Keith Duffy, George McMahon and Richie Hayes, all of whom starred in last year’s UL pantomime. A newcomer to the cast is Hilda Fay (who formerly played Tracey in Fair City.)
Lots of laughs are promised as well as hit songs and stunning sets and costumes. There will be one sensory-friendly performance for children with special needs on Dec 23 at 2pm with music played at a lower volume and an absence of sudden noises.
The Waterford Panto Society is back for its thirtieth anniversary production having entertained almost 250,000 local children and their families since its inception. Directed by Waterford’s panto veteran, Richie Hayes, this production includes dancers under the direction of Erica Delaney-Hayes. There will be a full live band. And, providing plenty of colour, Waterford Spraoi has designed the sets, costumes and lighting.
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