Heckling pantomime baddies, showing off on the ice, designing Christmas stockings, and munching popcorn at the cinema - there's something to keep every child busy this Christmas season, writes Sylvia Thompsonin her guide to selected events.
Pantomimes
ARMAGH
Sleeping Beauty Traditional pantomime. Market Place Theatre, Armagh, Dec 1-23, various times, £8-£12.50, 048-37521821, www.marketplacearmagh.com
BELFAST
Sleeping Beauty Starring seasoned talents Dan Gordon as Nanny McGee, Christina Nelson, Tara Lynne O'Neill and Bronagh Taggart as the good fairies, and Emma Little as the Wicked Fairy. Annemarie Gaillard takes the role of Sleeping Beauty. Waterfront Hall, 048-90334455, Dec 1-Jan 12, £15/£10, various times, www.waterfront.co.uk
Cinderella Northern Ireland's grand dame of pantomime, May McFettridge, stars as the Fairy Godmother. Former Neighbours star Patrick Harvey joins Belfast actors Paddy Jenkins, Aidan O'Neill and Shinead Byrne and former Panto Idol competition winner Mark Adamson as Prince Charming. Grand Opera House, Dec 1-Jan 19, 1.30pm or 2.30pm & 5.30pm or 7.30pm, £6-£23, 048-90241919, www.goh.co.uk
CORK
Cinderella Traditional pantomime written and directed by Bryan Flynn and starring Sarah Burke as Cinderella and Shane McDaid as Prince Charming. Cork Opera House, from Dec 15, various times, €25, 021-4270022, www.corkoperahouse.ie
Jack and the Beanstalk A hilarious new version of the traditional tale starring Jim Mulcahy, Fionnuala Linehan, Shane Morgan and Pascal Scott from Killinaskully. Everyman Palace, Dec 7-22 and Dec 27-Jan 13, various times, €20/€25, 021-4501673 www.everymanpalace.com
DUBLIN
Beauty and the Beast Traditional pantomime directed by Carole Todd, starring Trevor Jay as Beast, Polly Barrett as Belle, Bill Murphy, Richie Hayes, and Michael Grennell as Francis Finicky.
Gaiety Theatre, Dec 2-Feb 3, various times, €25-€34, 01-6771717 www.gaietytheatre.ie
Snow White This not-so-traditional pantomime, written by Karl Broderick and directed by Daryn Crosbie, stars panto regulars Alan Hughes, Joe Conlan and Linda Martin. Liberty Hall Theatre, Dec 14-Jan 20, various times, from €25, 01-8721122
Jack and the Beanstalk Starring panto favourite June Rodgers. Olympia Theatre, Dec 22-Jan 6, various times, €22.95-€34.80, 0818-719330 www.ticketmaster.ie
Aladdin The Lambert team put their puppets in pantomime mode for this festive show. Lambert Puppet Theatre, Clifton Lane, Monkstown, Dec 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 26-Jan 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27, 3.30pm, €13/€10, 01-2800974 www.lambertpuppettheatre.com
Sleeping Beauty Traditional pantomime from Coolmine Panto Group. Draíocht, Blanchardstown, Jan 5-12, 8pm, and Jan 5,6, 12 & 13, 2pm, €20/€15, 01-8852622 www.draiocht.ie
GALWAY
Cinderella Renmore Pantomime Society presents its annual traditional pantomime, directed by award-winning twins Brian and Sean Power, and featuring the Renmore Smurfs. Townhall Theatre, Galway city, Dec 30-Jan 6, 8-12, 7.30pm, and Dec 30, Jan 1, 5, 6, 12, 13, 2.30pm, €16/€14, 091-569777 www.townhalltheatregalway.com
Sleeping Beauty Performing Arts Galway have teamed up again with writer Maeve Ingoldsby for this pantomime, which promises to be full of laughs and magic for all ages. The Black Box, Town Hall Theatre, Galway city, Jan 1-6, 2.30pm and 7.30pm, €16/€14, www.townhalltheatregalway.com 091-569777
KERRY
Never Never Land Pantoni Productions bring the story of Peter Pan to life as a pantomime. INEC, Killarney, Dec 7-14, €17.50/€22.50, various times, 064-71555 www.inec.ie
LIMERICK
Goldilocks - the Circus Panto The Limerick Panto Society introduces circus acts to this year's traditional pantomime, starring Dame Tim Cusack with Leanne Moore as Goldilocks. University Concert Hall, University of Limerick, Limerick city, Dec 28-30, Jan 2 and 5, 3pm & 8pm, Dec 31, Jan 1, 3 and 6, 3pm, €19/€16.50, 061-331549 www.uch.ie
Nevereverland CentreStage Productions pantomime stars the ever-popular Dame Myles Breen and Aodan Fox. Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT) Millennium Theatre, Limerick city, Dec 26 3pm, Dec 27-30 and Jan 2-6 3pm and 8pm (Dec 31 also 3pm), €18.50, 061-322322 www.litmt.ie
Children's Theatre
CLARE
Hansel and Gretel Pantaloons presents this classic children's tale. Glór Irish Music Centre, Ennis, Dec 27 and 31, Jan 1 and 2 2.30pm Dec 28-30 2.30pm and 7.30pm, €15, 065-6843103 www.glor.ie
DONEGAL
Lil' Red Riding Hood & Sk8ter Jack The Civic Theatre, in association with An Grianán, adds a new twist to this classic children's tale, in a script written by David Parnell. An Grianán, Letterkenny, Dec 13-22, various times, €15/€10, 074-9120777 www.angrianan.com
DUBLIN
Alice in Wonderland Landmark Productions presents an imaginative adaptation of Lewis Carroll's classic tale. Cast includes Barbara Brennan, Barry McGovern and Ailish Symons as Alice. The Helix, Dublin City University, Dec 1-Jan 6, various times, €26/€22, 01-7007000 www.thehelix.ie
Lil' Red Riding Hood & Sk8ter Jack The Civic Theatre, in association with An Grianán, adds a new twist to this classic children's tale, in a script written by David Parnell. Civic Theatre, Tallaght, Dec 27-Jan 6 3pm & 7pm, €20/€15, 01-4627477 www.civictheatre.ie
Can You Catch a Mermaid? An adaptation of Jane Ray's story by Martin Murphy (for ages four to 10). Pavilion Theatre, Dún Laoghaire, Dec 13-22, Dec 26-Jan 6 €16/€14/€12, various times, 01-2312929 www.paviliontheatre.ie
Shows at Farmleigh Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Dec 2, 9 and 16 noon, 1.45pm & 3.30pm; Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Dec 8 noon, 1.45pm & 3.30pm; Frosty the Snowman, Dec 15 noon, 1.45pm & 3.30pm; Christmas Magic Show with Paul Redmond, Dec 22, 1.30pm & 3.30pm. Farmleigh, Phoenix Park, adm free, no booking necessary, 01-8155900 www.farmleigh.ie
Storytelling at Farmleigh Storytelling with Eddie Lenihan, Dec 1 and 2 12.45pm, 2.30pm & 4.15pm; Storytelling with Pat Speight, Dec 8 and 9 12.45pm, 2.30pm & 4.15pm; Storytelling with Niall de Búrca, Dec 15 and 16 12.45pm, 2.30pm & 4.15pm; Storytelling with Billy Teare, Dec 22 noon, 2.45pm & 4.45pm. Farmleigh, Phoenix Park, adm free, no booking necessary, 01-8155900 www.farmleigh.ie
ON TOUR
Little Rudolf Barnstorm Theatre Company presents this gentle show about a little reindeer who has to deal with being different (for ages four to seven). Draíocht, Blanchardstown, ends Nov 23, 01-8852622; The Granary, Cork city, Nov 26/27, 021-4904275; The Factory, Sligo, Nov 29/30, 071-9170431; The Linenhall Arts Centre, Castlebar, Dec 3/4, 094-9023733; The Garage, Monaghan, Dec 6/7, 047-81597; Mullingar Arts Centre, Dec 10/11, 044-9347777; Island Arts Centre, Lisburn, Dec 14/15, 048-92509254. www.barnstorm.ie
Musicals and Dance Shows
BELFAST
The Wizard of Oz An adaptation of this film classic (for ages six and up) with live music and songs. Lyric Theatre, Nov 24-Jan 12, various times, £14/£11, 048-90381081 www.lyrictheatre.co.uk
DUBLIN
The Snowman Movie Back again this year is this classic Christmas film with narration by Craig Doyle and music from the National Concert Hall Orchestra. National Concert Hall, Dec 16 2pm, 5pm & 8pm; Dec 17 11am, 2pm, 5pm & 8pm; Dec 18 5pm & 8pm, €18/€14, 01-4170000 www.nch.ie
Oliver Festival Productions presents this Christmas family musical. National Concert Hall, Dec 27-30 & Jan 2, various times, €16-€34, 01-4170000 www.nch.ie
The Wizard of Oz The RTÉ Concert Orchestra conducted by John Wilson presents a live accompaniment to this magical film. The Mahony Hall, The Helix, Dublin City University, Dec 19-22 8pm and Dec 22 3pm, €21.25-€35, 01-7007000 www.thehelix.ie
GALWAY
Christmas Celebration with the St Patrick's Brass Band Michael Dooley conducts a show that includes pre-concert children's activities and chat with musicians. St Patrick's Band Hall (next to Galway train station), Dec 2 2pm, €5, 087-0563029
LIMERICK
Gravity and Grace - International Dance Festival There will be a kids' play area and seanchaí storytelling for children during Daghdha Dance Company's festival for the whole family. Daghdha Space, St John's Church, John's Square, Limerick, Dec 13-15, various times, adm free, 061-467872 www.daghdha.ie
ON TOUR
The Nutcracker Ballet Ireland Christmas production. An Táin, Dundalk, Co Louth Dec 3, 042-9392919; Riverside Theatre, Coleraine, Co Derry Dec 4, 048-70323232; Civic Theatre, Tallaght, Dublin, Dec 5-8, 01-4627477; Royal Theatre, Castlebar, Co Mayo, Dec 10, 0818-300000; Mermaid Arts Centre, Bray, Co Wicklow, Dec 12, 01-2724030; Burnavon Arts Centre, Cookstown, Co Tyrone, Dec 13, 048-86769949; University Concert Hall, Limerick city, Dec 14, 061-331549; Dunamaise Arts Centre, Portlaoise, Co Laois, Dec 16, 057-8663355; Draíocht, Blanchardstown, Dublin, Dec 17 & 18, 01-8852622; Glór Irish Music Centre, Ennis, Co Clare, Dec 19, 065-6843103; Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, Dec 20, 048-66325440; Solstice Arts Centre, Navan, Co Meath, Dec 21 & 22, 046-9092300; Siamsa Tíre, Tralee, Co Kerry, Dec 23, 066-7123055. Check local venues for admission prices and times. www.ballet-ireland.com
On Ice
BELFAST
Dundonald International Ice Bowl Ice-skating and figure skating lessons at the only Olympic-size ice rink on the island of Ireland. 048-90809123 www.theicebowl.com
DUBLIN
7UP Christmas on Ice Back for its fifth year at the RDS and now also at Liffey Valley Shopping Centre, the rinks include a children's sleigh run, a beginners' rink and the main rink. RDS, Ballsbridge and Liffey Valley Shopping Centre, daily (closed Christmas Day) until Jan 13, Mon-Fri 12.10pm-10.30pm Sat/Sun 9.30am-10.30pm, €11-€18 (ice-skating only), 0818 717 200 www.7UPchristmasonice.ie
Dún Laoghaire on Ice Moved from its city-centre location at Smithfield this year to Booterstown, and managed by Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, this ice-skating rink includes a large main rink and a children's rink. Open until Jan 13, Mon-Fri 10.30am- 1015pm, Sat/Sun 10am-10pm, €10-€16, 01-2303300 www.goskate.ie
Smithfield on ice Back by popular demand, the ice rinks in Smithfield in Dublin city. Nov 30-Jan 30 (closed Christmas day), daily 10.15am-10pm, €16/€12, 01-8748956
KERRY
Ireland on Ice The ice rink in Killarney will make a big contribution to the wider festive mood in the Kerry town. Beech Road, Killarney, €12/€10 Dec 7-Jan 6, various times, 1850-589879 www.christmasinkillarney.com
Festive Films
Fred Claus A seasonal comedy in which the arrival of Santa Claus's brother, Fred Claus (Vince Vaughn) throws the elves workshop into disarray and causes some drama in the Claus household. Also starring Paul Giamatti as Santa/Nicholas, Judi Dench and Kevin Spacey. Opens Nov 30
The Golden Compass Daniel Craig and Nicole Kidman star in Chris Weitz's effects-driven adventure based on Philip Pullman's best-selling novel, published here as Northern Lights. Opens Dec 7
Bee Movie In the new DreamWorks animated comedy, Jerry Seinfeld provides the voice of a bee (named Barry B Benson) falling for a florist (Renée Zellweger). Opens Dec 14
Mr Magorium's Wonder Emporium Dustin Hoffman plays the 243-year-old owner of a store where the toys come to life when infused by his spirit. Natalie Portman is the very much younger manager. Opens Dec 14
Enchanted Amy Adams, Susan Sarandon, Patrick Dempsey and James Marsden lead the cast of Disney's partly animated romantic comedy in which a young princess is banished to present-day Manhattan. Opens Dec 14
Alvin and the Chipmunks The musical rodent stars of a 1980s TV cartoon finally make it to the big screen. Opens Dec 21
Workshops
DUBLIN
Christmas Family Art Holiday This annual event gives children a welcome opportunity to express themselves through visual art following Christmas. Bring your own sketchpads and colours. National Gallery, Merrion Square West, Dec 27-29 3pm-4pm adm free, no booking necessary, 01-6615133 www.nationalgallery.ie
Christmas Music Workshops Nico Brown and Martin Brunsden will lead families on a magical musical experience in which everyone will sing Christmas carols and songs and join in the Christmas Orchestra (for ages four to 14). The Ark, Eustace Street, Dec 8,9, 15, 16, 22 2pm & 4pm, €9/€7, 01-6707788 www.ark.ie
Christmas Art Workshop at the Chester Beatty A chance to create your own Christmas artwork, taking inspiration from the Yoshitoshi prints found in the Japanese print exhibition, One Hundred Aspects of the Moon (for ages six to 11). Chester Beatty Library, Dublin Castle, Dec 1 2pm-3.30pm, adm free but advanced booking essential from Nov 26, 01-4070750 www.cbl.ie
Christmas Art and Craft Workshops at the National Museum Design and decorate your own Christmas stocking (for ages seven and up), Dec 2 3pm, adm free; also, a chance to join in various art and craft workshops at the Christmas Open Day, Dec 8 11am-5pm, adm free, National Museum of Decorative Arts and History, Collins Barracks 01-6486453; make some Christmas puppets at these workshops (for ages seven to 12), National Museum, Kildare St, adm free but advanced booking essential, Dec 15 10.30am-12.30pm or 2pm-4pm, 01-6486332 www.museum.ie
Christmas Art and Craft Workshops at the Dublin City Gallery Design and sculpt giant origami Christmas snowballs at this workshop (for ages eight to 12), Dec 1 3pm, €5; recreate your favourite Christmas characters and animals in finger puppet workshop (for ages three to six), Dec 15 3pm, €5, Dublin City Gallery, Parnell Square North, 01-2225564 www.hughlane.ie
MAYO
Christmas Craft Workshops Learn how to make your own Christmas decorations and cards (for aged seven and up), Dec 5 3.30pm, adm free; Join in a number of Christmas-themed workshops, Dec 8 11.30am-4.30pm, adm free. National Museum of Country Life, Turlough Park, Castlebar 094-9031751 www.museum.ie
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