Sleeping Beauty to bring Christmas magic to Waterford

It wouldn't quite be Christmas in Waterford without a little bit of panto magic, and this year, Waterford Panto Society, is preparing to awaken a classic fairy tale for its festive return to the stage. 

Fresh from celebrating its 40th anniversary season, the much-loved local group will return to Theatre Royal this December with Sleeping Beauty.

The production will run from December 9 to 30, with afternoon and evening performances throughout the festive season and tickets priced between €20 and €24.50.

While audiences may already know the tale of a sleeping princess and some troublesome magic, the Waterford production promises to give the story the full panto treatment. 

There will be plenty of audience participation and dazzling special effects, along with spectacular costumes and a full live band. The show will also feature sets designed by Waterford street theatre company Spraoi.

Of course, no panto would be complete without the audience getting involved, so those heading along may want to warm up their best boos, cheers and cries of “he’s behind you” before taking their seats.

This year’s production comes after a milestone season for Waterford Panto Society, which recently celebrated its 40th anniversary. Sleeping Beauty will now begin the next chapter in a tradition that has become part of Christmas for generations of Waterford families.

Four decades on, the society is showing no signs of slowing down, with another ambitious production planned. Combining music, comedy, colourful costumes, elaborate sets and a little theatrical magic, the annual show has become as much a part of the festive calendar for some families as the Christmas lights themselves. The panto’s home at the Theatre Royal also puts audiences right in the middle of the city’s festive atmosphere, with the venue on The Mall at the heart of the wider Winterval celebrations.

For longtime panto fans, this year offers another opportunity to continue a family Christmas tradition, while younger audience members may be experiencing their very first dose of Waterford panto fun.

With performances stretching across much of December, there will be plenty of opportunities to cheer on the heroes, boo the villains and join in with the familiar panto antics.

The curtain will rise for the first time at 7.30pm on Wednesday, December 9, with selected matinee and evening performances continuing in the run-up to Christmas. After a short Christmas break, Sleeping Beauty returns with performances on December 27, 28 and 29 before the production reaches its happily-ever-after with a final 2.30pm performance on December 30.

Tickets are on sale now, with a maximum of eight tickets available per person.