Standing ovation as Panto returns to Cork for first time since Covid hit

Panto producer and director, Catherine Mahon-Buckley, said it was an emotional night

Kathleen O'Shea, Ballyvolane with Ruby and Ann Murphy from Togher seen at the opening night of the Christmas Panto 'Aladdin' at The Everyman Cork' Picture: Howard Crowdy

The curtain went up tonight on the first Christmas panto in Cork since Covid as the live performance sector was thrown a €50m lifeline.

Aladdin opened at the historic Everyman Theatre to a half-full house, 24-hours after new public health restrictions kicked in, capping venue capacity at 50%.