Pantomimes: your guide to the best on around Ireland

Sylvia Thompson runs through the best pantomimes on this Christmas

GALWAY

Cinderella

Renmore Pantomime Society present this traditional panto with a new script by Peter Kennedy; directed by Brian and Sean Power. Townhall Theatre, Galway Dec 29- Jan 11

€16/€14 091-569777

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BELFAST

Jack and the Beanstalk

Cheer the goodies, boo the baddies and join in the singalongs at this pantomime from Lana Productions. Waterfront Hall Until Jan 4

£12-£17 048-90334455

Aladdin

Northern Ireland’s queen of comedy, May McFettridge, stars alongside Jimmy Tamley and Faye Tozer in this very popular pantomime. Grand Opera House Until Jan 18

£16-£27 048-90241919

CLARE

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Pantaloons and Breakthrough Dance Company come together for this traditional pantomime. Glór Irish Music Centre, Ennis Dec 22/23 & 27-30

€5 065-6843103

CORK 

Sleeping Beauty

Traditional panto starring Katie Honan, Jason Broderick, Frank Mackey, Alex Sharpe and Michael Grennell. Cork Opera House Dec 13- Jan 17

€25/€30 021-4270022

Cinderella

Stars of this pantomime include Keith Hanley and Clodagh Downey. Everyman Palace Dec 6-Jan 11

€15-€26

DUBLIN

Cinderella

This TheatreworX productions stars Mary Murray, aka Janet the “tart with a heart” from Love/Hate; children’s TV presenter Megan Cassidy of Professor Fun and Dr Dull fame; and ITV Superstars finalist Chris Currid. The Helix, DCU Until Jan 11

€21-€25 01-7007000

Elf: The Musical

Based on Will Ferrell’s festive 2003 film, this Broadway production stars Ben Forster as Buddy and Aoibhinn McGinnity as elf Jovie, Bord Gáis Energy Theatre Dec 16-20, 22/23, 27-30, Jan 2-4 & 6-10

€20-€60 0818-719377

Peter Pan 

Longest running traditional panto in town, starring Johnny Ward (Pauley on Love/ Hate) as Peter Pan. Directed and choreographed by Daryn Crosbie. Gaiety Theatre Dec 1-Jan 25

€19.50-€35  01-6486029

Cinderella

Alan Hughes (Sammy Sausages to you) returns with Niamh Kavanagh as the wicked witch and Rob Murphy as Buffy for this annual extravaganza written by Karl Broderick. Tivoli Theatre Dec 10-Jan 11

€15-€30.25 01-4544472

Aladdin

Linda Martin, Simon Delaney, Fair City’s Ryan Andrews and popsters Hometown star in this quintessential Spotlight Productions pantomime. Olympia Theatre Dec17- Jan 4

€22-€36 0818 719330

Sleeping Beauty 

The classic family pantomime from Causey Productions. Civic Theatre, Tallaght Dec 22/23, 27-30, Jan 1-4

€10  01-4627477

Robinson Crusoe and the Caribbean Buccaneers

Follow Robinson and Ma Crusoe and their pirates as they are ship- wrecked on Plasma Island in this panto from Holding Court Theatre. Axis, Ballymun Jan 3-25

€12/€8 01-8832100

Jack & The Beanstalk 

Coolmine Panto Group presents this popular family pantomime Draiocht, Blanchardstown Jan 3-18

€20/€16  01-8852622

Sleeping Beauty

The Lambert team put their puppets in panto mode for this festive show. Lambert Puppet Theatre, Monkstown Nov 29/30, Dec 6/7/13/14/20/21, 27-31, Jan 2-4, 10/11/17/18/24/25/ 30/31 3.30pm

€13/€11 01-2800974