Star-studded cast revealed for Waterford Christmas panto extravaganza at SETU Arena
Pictured at the announcement of the cast for the brand new South East Panto ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ - pictured is Evan O’Hanlon as ‘Jack’, Danny O'Carroll as ‘The Dame’, Richie Hayes as Muddles, Jamie Drohan as ‘The Mayor’, and Alex Kavanagh as ‘Jill’. Photo: Patrick Browne
Jack and the Beanstalk, a glittering new pantomime extravaganza at the SETU Arena, will make its Christmas debut from December 17 to 30.
Audiences will be treated to a mix of comedy, song, dance and festive magic as a star-studded cast - joined by 45 of the region’s most talented young performers.
At the heart of the cast is Waterford’s own Richie Hayes, who brings a quarter-century of pantomime and stage artistry home in what he says is both a personal and professional milestone.
He describes bringing the magic of Jack and the Beanstalk to Waterford as a dream come true, saying: "Bringing Jack and the Beanstalk to Waterford feels like coming full circle. Performing here, in front of friends, family, and the community that first inspired my love for theatre, is incredibly special. I can’t wait to share this magical story with audiences of all ages and add to the sparkle of festive joy in my native city.”
Danny O’Carroll, best known as Buster Brady in Mrs Brown’s Boys, joins the company as the uproarious Dame Mother Hen.
In the title role of Jack, Evan O’Hanlon brings his rich background in pantomime and international performances to his hometown stage, while Sharon Clancy steps into the villainous shoes of the evil Baroness Felicia.
Clancy’s storied career spans leading roles in London’s West End - including Mamma Mia!, Grease and Tonight’s the Night, as well as screen appearances and her own jazz trio and stage academy work in Wexford.
Holly Ryan returns as the enchanting Magical Fairy, bringing both local roots and a wealth of theatre experience to the production, and Jamie Drohan, well-known and beloved as Waterford’s Winterval train driver, makes his pantomime debut as the affable and comical Mayor of Deiseville.
Completing the ensemble, 19-year-old musical theatre student Alex Kavanagh makes her professional debut as Jill, following an impressive journey through regional performance training and accolades in Waterford and Cork.
Deputy Mayor, Cllr. John Pratt said at the recent cast unveiling: "Winterval continues to shine as a highlight of Waterford’s cultural calendar, and further additions to the festive calendar, adding shows like Jack and the Beanstalk, not only bring the community together but also showcase immense talent.
"We’re proud to welcome Richie, Danny, and the entire cast to Waterford for what will be a festive celebration for the whole family.”
Jack and the Beanstalk runs at SETU Arena in Waterford from December 17 to 30, with both matinee and evening performances.
Tickets are available in a range of categories, with admission priced from €25.
Tickets are now on sale at www.pantoland.net, and bookings can also be made directly through the SETU Arena Box Office on 051 834123.
