It's panto season (oh yes it is, etc.) and for the first time since 2019, families will have the opportunity to shout 'It’s behind you!’ at people on stages around the country.
We’ve rounded up the biggest and best here...
The Jungle Book | Gaiety Theatre, Dublin (November 27th - January 22nd)
The Gaiety’s annual Christmas pantomime has been a tradition for literal generations. The Dublin theatre has held a pantomime every year since 1874 - apart from 2020 when Covid put the stoppers on. This year, it returns with The Jungle Book - which promises some "panto monkey-business and hiss-sterical shenanigans" for all.
Snow White and Sammy & Buffy | National Stadium, Dublin [December 13th - January 8th)
You’ll know some of the faces in this panto - even if they have been smothered in garish make-up. Ireland AM’s Alan Hughes returns as Sammy Sausages and panto regular Rob Murphy as Buffy; Marty Morrissey, Katherine Lynch and former Miss Ireland Pamela Uba also feature in the tale - along with magic mirrors, poisoned apples and everything that goes with the iconic fairytale, albeit with plenty of ‘Oh no it’s not!’ refrains.
Olly, Polly & the Beanstalk | 3Olympia Theatre (December 21st - January 8th)
Dublin has no shortage of family-friendly shows to choose from this Christmas, and the 3Olympia panto is always a reliable day out. Fair City stars Ryan Andrews and Maclean Burke will be joined by the likes of James Patrice and Erin McGregor in their take on ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ - complete, of course, with dancing cow and plenty of silliness.
Aladdin | Liberty Hall, Dublin (December 21st - 30th)
‘Dancing with the Stars’ favourite and pop heartthrob Jake Carter stars as the titular boy who discovers his very own genie in this year’s panto at Dublin’s historic Liberty Hall. He’ll be joined by Princess Jasmine as they clash with evil magician Abanazar, as well the usual array of off-the-wall panto characters, including Wishee Washee and Dame Nellie Nu Nu as Widow Twankey.
Meet our junior panto stars who have been working very hard in rehearsals!🌟
— Watergate Theatre (@WatergateKK) November 16, 2022
All Cinderella matinee performances are now SOLD OUT so we advise you to book your tickets soon!
4th - 8th and 11th - 15th January. Visit https://t.co/RaQRyNsOwV@kclr96fm @YulefestK @KKPeopleNews pic.twitter.com/CxjX1HV8zn
Cinderella | Watergate Theatre, Kilkenny (January 4th - 8th and 11th - 15th)
One of the most well-known pantos of all will be staged in Kilkenny in January. The rags-to-riches tale is given a family-friendly twist - with Cinders and her best friend Buttons and his sister Bangles helping her to overcome her wicked stepmother and ‘not so beautiful’ stepsisters in her bid to win the heart of the dashing prince.
Peter Pan | University Concert Hall, Limerick (December 16th - January 3rd)
Peter Pan is a magical tale in whichever form you consume it: as J.M. Barrie’s book, the Disney feature film or even as an opera. As a panto, however, it’s particularly enjoyable and audiences in Limerick will have a chance to witness the iconic tale of the Boy Who Never Grew Up, starring Johnny Ward, panto favourite Richie Hayes and Limerick legend Myles Breen.
The Snow Queen | The Lyric, Belfast (November 25th - December 31st)
If Panto Dames and slapstick shows aren’t up your street this Christmas, Belfast’s Lyric Theatre offers something a little different. The team that brought hit musicals like Pinocchio, The Greatest Wonder of the Age and Alice the Musical are taking on Hans Christian Andersen’s much-loved tale this Christmas. Expect a musical adventure that’s "a glittering spectacular for all ages" following a young girl, Gerda, who sets off across the icy wilderness of Finnmark to find her missing friend, Kai.
Sleeping Beauty | Cork Opera House (December 1st - January 22nd)
This classic fairytale has been adapted in myriad ways over the centuries, but have you ever seen it as a panto? It’s the tale we all know and love; a beautiful princess, Beauty has been cursed by the evil Maleficent to prick her finger and fall into a deep slumber when she turns 18. The addition of characters like Nanny Nellie and friends will ensure plenty of bellylaughs and silly fun as they seek to save Beauty from Maleficent’s clutches.
Cinderella | Town Hall Theatre, Galway (December 29th - January 15th)
The Renmore Pantomime players will put their own spin on Cinderella, too, when their panto returns to the Town Hall Theatre for their 43rd year. Prepare to ‘Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo’ your way through the classic tale, with plenty of audience interaction and an important message to impart via Cinderella’s journey: "Have courage, be kind and always believe in a little magic."
Aladdin | National Opera House, Wexford (January 18th - 22nd)
The story of boy with the magic lamp gets a run-out at the beautiful National Opera House this Christmas, too - a new home for the Wexford Pantomime Society to mark their 54th production. Written and directed by Thomas O’Leary, join Aladdin, Omar the genie, Princess Jasmine and his best friend Bish Bosh as they strive to keep the lamp out of the evil Abanazar’s grasp.
Not strictly a panto, but also opening this Christmas is Toy Show: The Musical, at Dublin's Convention Centre from December 10th. On the eve of the Late Late Toy Show, twelve-year-old Nell Mooney is determined to recreate her Mam's favourite Toy Show night traditions, but not everyone in her family wants to remember the past. Disaster strikes, and with the entire Toy Show in jeopardy, Nell and the local kids must find a way to save the night and keep everyone's favourite TV show alive. Find out more here, and watch a special preview below...
