Theatre Nights: Last chance to see great Cork shows

If you missed Goldilocks And The Three Bears at the Briery Gap in Macroom last weekend, you have another chance this Friday-Sunday, when it’s in full swing with all the fun and frolics. Tomorrow and Saturday at 7.30pm, Sunday at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

A great local show which really demonstrates the community spirit in this lively town. Booking on 083 143 6884, call in, or log on to www.brierygap.ie for all the info.

It’s your last chance to see Hercules agus An Bradán Feasa at Cork Arts Theatre too this weekend, with a show tomorrow night at 7pm, and Saturday at 1pm and 7pm. Written by Antóin Ó Dúllaing, and directed by Aisling Nic Cárthaigh, a lovely way to brush up on your cupla focail. 021 450 5624 or www.corkartstheatre.com.

Meanwhile, both the big pantos are going great guns, Aladdin at the Opera House and Cinderella at the Everyman. Matinees are all but sold out, and evening shows are looking to be pretty packed as well, so don’t delay in getting those family tickets. Special access shows in January as well – check them out on the websites.

Pantomime might be considered a fairly English thing (although the Bradán Feasa at Cork Arts Theatre shows what we can do when we transmogrify one genre into another format) but we really have taken it to our hearts in Cork. How many older readers can recall going to their very first panto? And was it at the beloved old Opera House, gone since 1955, or at one of the others that proliferated all over the city and beyond in those days? Didn’t the great Billa O’ Connell start as a youngster, like the rest of his family, at places like the AOH or the CCYMS? And who remembers the utterly wonderful shows they put on for a time each Christmas out in Coachford? The then local parish priest enthused everybody to show what they could do or contribute, and busloads of eager theatregoers came out from the city to enjoy some really spectacular fun and games on stage there.

Coachford, are you listening? Would you not get the whole lovely seasonal activity going again?

And no, we are not forgetting the amazing Killorglin pantomime down there in Kerry! That town is known for more than its legendary Puck Fair, let me tell you.

Their very first panto (Snow White and the Seven Cromane Men) was produced back in 1958, and now it’s the most popular musical/comedy stage production in the county, attracting thousands of visitors annually to the K.C.Y.M.S hall, and with preparations starting just as soon as the last one finishes!

The 2026 show will be Robinson Crusoe, opening on January 24, and running through to February 1 at various dates. Why not make a proper outing of it? 066 9790961 or see https://www.universe.com/events/killorglin-panto-2026-robinson-crusoe-tickets-4S9WK5?ref=universe-discover for all the info.

The Taylor Fever show is at INEC in Killarney on December 22, and the Mary Wallopers will bring in the new year with a vengeance on the 30th, while 2026 promises a great programme of many and varied events. Call 064 667 1555 or see gleneaglearena.ie.

All kinds of shows are coming up in January and February here in the city too, with The Three Amigos, Reeling in the Showband Years, An Evening With Imelda May, Heaven Can Wait: the Tribute To Meatloaf, the Bay City Rollers, and the High Kings all at the Opera House - and, would you believe, seats for next summer’s big presentation, The Sound Of Music, are actually being given as Christmas presents!).

Meanwhile, at the Everyman, tickets are already in demand for The Pied Piper Of Blackpool on January 26, Irish National Opera’s Cunning Little Vixen on February 5, and Thank You For The Music on February 6 & 7. So much to look forward to!

May your Christmas be a peaceful and happy one. We will see you in the New Year.