Christmas in the City: Genie mack, the pantos are back!
As sure as the days will shorten and the leaves will fall from the trees, the beloved pantos will always return to Cork for the Christmas season.
This year Cork audiences will once again be treated to two incredible productions of classic tails presented by city’s two biggest theatres.
Starting at Cork Opera House, you’ll definitely want to have a ‘lamp’ off this one as there seems to be ‘Aladdin’ a spot of bother! That’s right, this year Cork Opera House, in association with Neville Jewellers, proudly presents its most spellbinding pantomime yet – ‘Aladdin’.
Panto lovers young and old are invited to join Aladdin, Nanny Nellie, and a host of lovable companions in a spectacular show bursting with colour, live music, show-stopping dance routines, magical illusions, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. The family-friendly extravaganza promises to dazzle audiences of all ages with its spellbinding storytelling and top-notch production values.
Directed by Trevor Ryan, the production features some of Cork’s finest talent alongside some familiar faces, including panto co-writer Frank Mackey as the beloved Nanny Nellie, Michael Grennel as the evil Abanazar, and in her third consecutive panto, Cork’s Alison McCormack as Wishee Washy.
They will be joined by a trio of stars with lots of West End experience as Anthony Sahota (Billionaire Boy) stars as Aladdin and Issy Khogali (Matilda) as Jasmine. While hailing from Youghal, Callum Martin (Sister Act) plays the role of Genie.
“It’s a tradition we look forward to all year,” said Eibhlín Gleeson, CEO and Artistic Director at Cork Opera House.
She continued: “Our panto is a celebration of creativity, community, and joy - everything our audiences love about the festive season. It has played a major role in connecting Cork Opera House with our local community, both patrons and artists, over our 170 years.
“We are also particularly proud of our Relaxed Panto too, which we are bringing back for two shows again during this run. Our team has worked tirelessly to create an experience that will delight audiences of all ages, and we can't wait to share it with everyone.”
The marathon 70 show run of ‘Aladdin’ kicks off on 26 November. Tickets are now on sale at corkoperahouse.ie.
The Everyman
Over at The Everyman, kids will be bringing their parents, grandparents, and fairy godmothers to enjoy the timeless magic of ‘Cinderella’ presented in association with CADA Performing Arts.
Audiences can expect all the beloved panto ingredients – laughter, music, and magic – along with dazzling costumes, outrageous fun, and a fairy godmother with more flair than ever before.
Following the sold-out success of ‘Red Riding Hood’ last year, the hilarious cast returns under the direction of Cork’s very own queen of panto, Catherine Mahon-Buckley.
Together, they bring audiences a high-energy, heartwarming show filled with drama, dreams, and plenty of sass. With dazzling dance numbers, laugh-out-loud moments, and unforgettable characters, this is one ball you definitely don’t want to miss!
‘Cinderella’ will run at The Everyman from 29 November to 11 January. Tickets are on sale now from everymancork.com.