Cork theatre gears up to host bilingual panto

WE really are in the midst of pantomime season, with wonderful shows on at both the Opera House and the Everyman, plus the Improvised Panto opening tomorrow night for late shows at the Opera House.

The latter, which, as its name suggests, changes every single night depending on audience contributions, is definitely not for the kiddies, more for gangs of friends out for a fun night together.

We erroneously gave the wrong cast list for Jack And The Beanstalk at the Opera House last week. Our reviewer said it’s a great night out.

Frank Mackey plays Nanny Nellie, with Colm Quinn as Jack, Megan Pottinger as Jill, Ali McCormack as Patsy the Cow, Michael Grennell as Rancid, and Sam Lupton as Spit Snot, his blundering sidekick.

It’s a huge success, and tickets are already sold out for many performances. Don’t leave it too late! Call 021 427 0022 or see www.corkoperahouse.ie.

At the Everyman, Catherine Mahon-Buckley always ensures every willing member of her CADA school gets a chance to be on stage in this best of training platforms for stars of the future.

That means different teams for different performances, which takes quite a lot of scheduling and planning ahead - both for the director and for the children themselves. It is such good practice for the kids, though - they learn about commitment, hard work, absolute reliability, and putting on the best face possible once you’re on those hallowed boards. Sulking, hissy fits, even, heaven forfend, not turning up on time, have no place in the hectic back-stage world of pantomime.

The principals work hard enough, goodness knows, but every kid puts in all he or she has got.

We remember one year being told of a young lady who consciously chose not to go with her family on holiday after Christmas, instead staying with willing grandparents and doing the panto. That has got to stand her in good stead in the future, don’t you agree?

Beauty And The Beast is playing to packed houses, so again you need to make sure of your tickets as soon as possible. Call 021 450 1673 or see www.everymancork.com.

Don’t forget that great festive event, the annual Cork Opera House Christmas Concert, is coming up on Monday and Tuesday, December 18/19, and there aren’t many seats left here either.

Some of the brightest rising stars of Irish opera, including Rory Dunne, Kelli-Ann Masterson, and Dean Power, plus Jazz Artist-in-Residence, Laoise Leahy, will appear in a programme of the best seasonal classics, accompanied by the Cork Opera House Concert Orchestra under the baton of John O’Brien. The MTU Glór Choral Society, who recently won the Choir of the Year Competition at the Choral Festival, will also be there.

Lift up your hearts at Yuletide to these wonderful songs and musical pieces. 

But book soon! Call 021 427 0022 or log onto www.corkoperahouse.ie.

And at the Cork Arts Theatre on Carroll’s Quay, our city’s only Irish language bilingual panto is back, from Monday, December 11, to Sunday, December 17, with morning and afternoon performances. Gillín Sneachta agus An Seachtar Ealaí by Antóin Ó Dúllaing will be an enchanting show suitable for the whole family.

It’s produced by Cois Laoi Productions, with funding from Foras na Gaeilge and Cork City Council. Booking on 021 450 5624 or www.corkartstheatre.com.

At the Glen Theatre in Banteer tomorrow night, December 8 (the official start to our Cork festive season!), you can enjoy the Robert Mizzell Christmas Concert. Born in Louisiana, the Bayou State, and voted Ireland’s Favourite Country Music Singer, you can be sure Mr Mizzell will give of his best and delight his audience. 8pm, booking on 029 56239 or 087 755 8752.