This year’s panto is kind of a giant deal

Fe-fi-fo-FUN! It’s that magical time of year again. It’s panto time!

From the dream team behind last year’s magnificent production of ‘Sleeping Beauty’ comes ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’, the 2023 Cork Opera House pantomime.

It’s an extra 'giant' deal this time around as it has been 14 long years since the beloved tale of Jack and his magic beans has graced the iconic Opera House stage.

From 2 December, ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ will dazzle and delight audiences over a 70 show run that will continue right through the New Year period until 21 January.

As always, tickets are expected to go fast, especially for the shows leading up to Christmas, so folks are advised to get booking now to avoid disappointment. Tickets are available now online at corkoperahouse.ie or by calling the box office at 021-4270022.

From next month, audiences and fans of all ages can join Jack, Jill, Patsy the cow, Rancid, Spit Snot, a magical golden harp, an enchanted golden-egg laying goose, and of course everyone’s rollicking favourite Nanny Nellie.

The show’s director, Trevor Ryan, is certainly feeling the fun and scale of this special production in the lead-up to opening day.

“I'm thrilled to be back for my 10th panto as director/co-writer and working with the best cast in the country, led by the perennial Nanny Nellie,” he says.

“It’s been 14 years since the last ‘Jack’ at Cork Opera House and this production promises to be our biggest panto yet.”

As well as co-writing the script with Ryan, stalwart Frank Mackey returns to the stage as Cork’s favourite Panto dame, Nanny Nellie. The daring title hero Jack is played by Colm Quinn, while his charming neighbour and best friend Jill is played by Megan Pottinger.

Ali McCormack is the all-singing, all-dancing moo-sical star Patsy the cow. Michael Grennell returns as the superbly menacing Rancid, the giant’s henchman, while West End star Sam Lupton will play Spit Snot, his blundering sidekick. Joining them all on stage is a full cast of fabulous professional dancers, musicians, and the wonderful young talent from Cork's stage schools.

Cork Opera House CEO, Eibhlín Gleeson says this is everyone’s favourite time of year at Cork Opera House.

“Our hard-working production team and cast behind 'Jack and the Beanstalk' are already making sure that we are going to bring our patrons something special,” says Eibhlín.

“We're delighted to welcome Skechers back as our show sponsors, they continue to be fantastic partners in helping us bring our beloved panto to the people of Cork,” she added.

Returning this year is the relaxed performance of the panto which gives families and schools the opportunity to bring children with autism and sensory differences to see the show in a way that is accessible them.

More information about the relaxed performance is available on the Cork Opera House Facebook page or by contacting boxoffice@corkoperahouse.ie for a full information document.