How Damian Wallace set the stage for the revival of Cork Opera House

Damian Wallace took over as chairman of the Cork Opera House board in 2008, a time when its finances were on the precipice. It got a lot worse before it got better, but as he steps down, he leaves behind an institution revitalised, he tells Eoin English

A record 60,000 people will attend 65 performances of Cork Opera House’s Christmas pantomime this festive season — its biggest and longest running panto season in decades.

As audiences troop through the lobby contributing to another box-office smash-hit panto season, it’s hard to believe that just a few years ago, the venue was on the brink of financial collapse, forcing staff cuts, pay cuts, and temporary closure.