40 years of Waterford Panto Society
Mayor of Waterford City & County Cllr Seamus Ryan held a reception at City Hall for Waterford Pantomime Society who are celebrating their 40th Anniversary. Photo: Joe Evans
Forty years ago, in 1985, the Waterford Panto Society was founded with a vision of bringing family-friendly theatre to Waterford at Christmas.
In the decades since, the society’s productions have grown into a much-loved Waterford tradition which is now woven into the festive heart of the city and county.
Waterford Panto Society’s annual Christmas shows are always in very high demand, and this year, the society reported that tickets for their upcoming 23 shows of Cinderella sold out within a couple of hours.
An additional performance was subsequently scheduled, selling out in just ten minutes.
Last week, a large group gathered at City Hall at the Mayor’s invitation, to celebrate and reflect on the society’s fortieth anniversary as the longest-running traditional Christmas show in Waterford.
In attendance alongside Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr Seamus Ryan, was Cllr Joe Kelly and Cllr Jim Griffin.
Welcoming the crowd, Mayor Ryan reflected on the generations who have graced the stage in Waterford Panto Society productions.
“The Panto has become a generational event in Waterford for families" he said.
"Children who once sat as the wide-eyed audience, laughing and gasping at the antics on stage, have grown up and now bring their own children and even grandchildren to the Theatre Royal each December.”
Mayor Ryan commended the volunteers who have dedicated their time and energy to the panto over the years.
“From young children stepping nervously on stage, to volunteers painting scenery, to backstage crews rigging sets and lights, the Society has created opportunities and opened doors.
“It is a strong demonstration too of the vitality of volunteering, that the Panto is still operated on a mainly voluntary basis, with countless people, cast-members and behind-the-scenes teams, giving their time and talent year after year to keep the tradition alive.
“Looking forward, may the next forty years continue to bring sparkle, laughter and spectacle to Waterford; may new volunteers step up, may new actors find their first stage-shoes here, may new families discover the tradition and make it their own, and may the Panto remain for ever a joyful, communal celebration of Christmas, theatre and the city we love.
Speaking during the reception, Director Tony Corcoran thanked Mayor Ryan and Waterford City and County Council for hosting the reception.
“I think the younger generation here today don’t realise that getting a reception from the Mayor is not something that happens every day, and its a huge honour for us all" he said.
Tony also paid tribute to stalwarts of the society, Jimmy Kelly and Padraig O Griofa, who have dedicated years of service.
“Without those two gentlemen we probably wouldn’t be here” Tony said.
