Waterford Panto Prince launches new performing arts academy

Waterford’s Evan O’Hanlon will launch his own performing arts academy.

The Deise panto star said that the academy is something he is “hugely passionate about”.

“I want to create a space where young people can build their confidence, develop their talents and experience the joy of performing. Waterford has so much talent, and I’m delighted to be part of a production that showcases so many fantastic local performers this Christmas,” said Evan.

Evan has gone from a young student in Kilmacow to a career spanning television, theatre, pantomime and choreography.

Now, as he prepares to take to the stage once again, Evan is to play the prince in Richie Hayes Snow White this Christmas.

Also starring Alex Kavanagh and Holly Ryan, Snow White will be staged at the SETU Arena from December 12-30.

“It’s incredibly special to be returning to the Arena Panto as the Prince in Snow White. Richie was the person who first introduced me to the world of performing when I was just six years old, so to be back working alongside him again and launching my own stage school two decades later is a real full-circle moment,” he said.

“I’m so grateful for the encouragement and opportunities he gave me, and it’s wonderful to now be able to pass that on through my own performing arts academy.” 

For Richie Hayes, who first encouraged Evan’s theatrical ambitions, seeing his former student return as a leading performer while establishing his own academy is a particularly proud moment.

“I’m absolutely delighted and incredibly proud of Evan. I remember him coming into my stage school as a little six-year-old with such enthusiasm and a love of performing. 

"To see the performer, choreographer and director he has become is wonderful, and to see him now establishing his own performing arts academy and giving young people the same opportunities he had is something very special, he said.

“Evan has worked incredibly hard throughout his career, and I’m delighted to have him back with us at the Arena Panto again this Christmas. 

"He is a fantastic talent, and I know audiences are going to love seeing him as the Prince in Snow White.

"It’s also wonderful to have so many Waterford performers involved in this year’s production. We have a wealth of talent here, and the Arena Panto is a fantastic platform for showcasing it.”