Cork Opera House secures sponsorship from Dunnes Stores

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Cork Opera House has announced a new sponsorship deal with Dunnes Stores as it prepares for its return to traditional musical theatre production.

The theatre said the new sponsorship deal would help to support up to 100 jobs, while assisting in nurturing young musical talent.

The Opera House plans to stage its in-house production of The Sound of Music in July 2026, with casting due to commence early next year.

Cork Opera House CEO Eibhlín Gleeson said that the investment from Dunnes Stores offered the theatre’s production team the opportunity to work on something that would benefit the entertainment sector and the wider community.

“We are absolutely delighted that, after more than five years, Cork Opera House is once again in a position to create and stage our own in-house traditional musical theatre productions, thanks to the generous support of Dunnes Stores,” 

she said.

“Cork Opera House has always been a leader in the production of high quality family entertainment and what better way to bring our two teams together than with a production of one of the world’s most enduring and beloved musicals.”

Ms Gleeson said the partnership would help to support the employment of up to 100 people during the production.

“This is a powerful partnership by two of Cork’s oldest establishments and it draws strength from the power of community and collaboration, while supporting the arts and developing talent of all ages on the stage of Cork Opera House.”

Kevin Moriarty, store manager at Dunnes Stores on Patrick Street, said the partnership was rooted in the Cork legacy and heritage of both organisations.

“Dunnes Stores Patrick Street is proud to be supporting Cork Opera House,” he said.

“We have been neighbours for over 80 years and, especially with this Cork institution now celebrating 170 years, it’s an ideal opportunity for both organisations who have been part of the DNA of Cork city for generations to partner in this way.

“Even better when we can play our part to nurture up and coming Cork artistic and musical talent.”

A number of performances are planned by Cork Opera House to take place at Dunnes Stores’ Patrick Street branch, the first of which is due later this month.