Is there a Christmas pantomime on the horizon? Oh, yes there is! Whether it’s the city centre, Ballymun, Dún Laoghaire or Tallaght, there’s definitely one near you from this weekend to mid-January.
Here’s everything you need to know, along with the dates and prices.
Jack and the Beanstalk, Dundrum
Celebrated for their one-hour pantos that provide a hassle-free experience away from the city centre, The DLR Mill Theatre Dundrum is hosting a festive production of Jack and the Beanstalk.
“Join Jack and Jill, the girl of his dreams, in this crazy journey filled with enchanted beans and a towering Dundrum beanstalk,” promotion for the show states.
“The Dundrum village dairy is experiencing financial strain due to surging rental costs. In an effort to cope, Dame Trott, played by panto favourite Garry Mountaine, has embraced the role of an Instagram influencer and personal trainer.
“Meanwhile, her son Jack embarks on a quest to sell their beloved prize cow, Winnie. What could go wrong!”
From December 5 to January 5. Tickets from €16 to €24, with a family of four costing €79.
Beauty and the Beast, The National Stadium
Johnny Ward is reunited with panto favourites Alan Hughes, who will once again play the iconic Sammy Sausages, and Rob Murphy as man-mad Buffy.
They will be joined by songstress Susan McFadden as Fairytaler Swift, West End star Niall Sheehy as the Beast/Prince and Caoileann Woodcock, who won the coveted role of Belle from over 100 hopefuls.
From Tuesday, December 10 to January 5. Tickets from €32.50 or you can book a family of four for €99.
Peter Pan, The Gaiety
Peter Pan, Captain Hook and Tinkerbell star in this year’s Gaiety panto
Opening this Sunday, November 24, the Gaiety Panto, directed by Daryn Crosbie, brings to life and “panto-ifies” this classic adventure about the free spirited and mischievous boy who never grows up.
Starring Gaiety Panto Dame Joe Conlan as Nana with Colm Quinn as Peter Pan, Clodagh Kane as Wendy Darling, Nicholas Grennell as Captain Hook, Ciara Lyons as Tinkerbell and Donncha O’Dea as Smee.
Join Peter and the Lost Boys as they swashbuckle their way through Neverland and strive to outwit the dastardly Hook – with a sprinkling of fairy dust help from Tinkerbell, of course.
From November 24 until January 19. Tickets are priced from €21.50 each (including booking fee).
Freezin’, The 3Olympia
Olly & Polly are Freezin’, promises laugh-a-minute fun for all the family. Pat Egan and Spotlight’s panto run at the 3Olympia continues the century-long tradition at the theatre.
Expect the unexpected, with previous panto cameos from the likes of Johnny Logan, Louis Walsh, Mattress Mick, Nathan Carter, PJ Gallagher, and even RTÉ stalwarts Anne Doyle, Brian Dobson and Joe Duffy.
From Friday, December 20 to Sunday, January 5, with tickets priced from €22.50 or family tickets (group of four) from €92.50.
Rapunzel, The Helix
Rapunzel lets down her hair at The Helix
Caoimhe Garvey returns to the Helix stage playing the lead role, Rapunzel, with Dan Miles as Flynn and Rua Barron as the baddie, Gothel.
They will be joined by Chris Corroon as Dame Lola, Aidan Mannion as Laurel, and Brian Dalton as Buddy, amongst many others.
“It’s an absolute dream come true to take on the role of Rapunzel,” Caoimhe said.
“The character is so much fun, and the energy of a live panto audience makes it all the more thrilling. I’m looking forward to returning to The Helix this Christmas.”
From Friday, November 22 to Sunday, January 12. Tickets priced from €28.50 (plus booking fees).
Cinderella, Liberty Hall Theatre
The “Fairy Godmother of all pantomimes” stars former X-Factor singer Mary Byrne and TikTok sensation Stuart Mackey.
They will be joined by the usual favourites Cinders, Buttons, a handsome Prince, the ugly sisters, and Jade Silke Fetherston in the titular role.
From December 19 to 30, with tickets costing €32 per person or €120 for family tickets (group of four).
Stuffy & the Chocolate Factory, The Red Cow Inn
Dame Stuffy returns to the panto stage to join forces with her friend Willy and bring joy to the village of Hershey Heath.
But danger lurks as their dream of opening the most magnificent chocolate factory is at risk from the snivelling chocolate maker Slugworth. It’s guaranteed to be a fun-filled adventure for the whole family.
From December 18 to 30. Tickets are €20 for an adult, €17 for a child and OAP and the family special (two adults and two kids) is €65.
Stuffy & the Chocolate Factory at the Red Cow Inn
Tickles and The Beanstalk, The Civic, Tallaght
The Civic and Rob Murphy present this year’s panto featuring Tickles (Kevin Keeley), Ma Dottie (Robert Downes), the evil Baroness Trump (Sarah Harvey), and the hilarious all-singing, all-dancing pet cow, Mootilda.
Maybe Jill, the Baroness’s niece, can help change her aunt’s mind about being so mean? Or perhaps a giggly fairy will swoop in to ensure Tickles and Dottie find their happily-ever-after?
From December 4 to January 5. Tickets are from €23 and a family of four is €84.
