The brand-new show titled Nanny Nellie’s Adventures in Pantoland marks the much-anticipated live return of the Cork Opera House Christmas Panto, following its absence on the iconic stage in 2020.
The show sees Cork’s beloved Nanny Nellie, joined by Jack, Jill, and zany fairy Tonkerbell, with appearances from Princess Jasmine, Peter Pan, Snow White and even Harry Potter, on a magical adventure to save Pantoland from ruin by the evil magician Balthazar. Will they succeed?
Running from December 9, 2021, to January 9, 2022, Nanny Nellie’s Adventures in Pantoland will provide all the sparkle, magic and fun that the Cork Opera House Panto has become synonymous with.
In a new departure this year and to prioritise patrons’ safety - the Cork Opera House Panto will be a 75-minute show without an interval. Patrons can look forward to a quality experience at Cork Opera House, where their safety will be of the utmost importance.
Cork Opera House CEO, Eibhlín Gleeson, said: “We are simply overjoyed to bring Panto back to the Opera House stage this Christmas. It is such an important part of Christmas in Cork and it means so much to so many people. We can’t wait to welcome generations of families coming together to join in the fun and all the Panto shenanigans. This Christmas, our Panto is extra special, as it is one of the first opportunities for families to come out and go to a show together in a very long time. The moments we create with our Pantos last a lifetime, and we are so excited to be back doing what we do best!”
As well as co-writing the script with Trevor Ryan, Frank Mackey returns to the stage as the absolutely fabulous Nanny Nellie. Jimmy Brockie makes his Cork Opera House debut as Nanny’s nephew, Jack and there will be some familiar faces back on the stage, with Valerie O’Leary as Fairy Tonkerbell and Phoebe Dipple as Jack’s best friend Jill. Panto veteran Michael Grennell also returns to play the role of the Panto villain, the evil Balthazar.
The team behind the Cork Opera House Panto have never been more excited to get a live Panto back on the stage. Director Trevor Ryan is once again working with Cork Opera House to create a special festive treat for young and old alike: “We were all hopeful that this day would come and were preparing the script in the background in anticipation. Now, we are finally in position to present our very own fairytale story that brings together all the fun gags and giggles that we love, while capturing the heart of what makes Panto so very special to all of us. I’m just so happy that we are able to give Cork audiences some much-needed Panto magic to enjoy with their families this Christmas”
With sensational song and dance, comedy in abundance and plenty of boos and hisses, Nanny Nellie’s Adventures in Pantoland is the place to be this Christmas - you'd be a dirty lookin eejit to miss it!
