Waterford Panto Society: 40 Years of Pure Magic
Tony, Ann, Brenda and Paul Corcoran, with the seat dedicated to their late dad Denny Corcoran. Photo: Joe Evans
Forty years of belly laughs, glittery costumes and unforgettable nights at the Theatre Royal – it’s official, Waterford Panto Society has hit the big 4-0! That’s 40 years of festive mayhem, fairy-tale fun and family traditions, all wrapped up in the electric atmosphere that only panto can create.
And honestly, could Christmas in Waterford even exist without a bit of shenanigans on stage, a twinkling spotlight, and someone in outrageous costume getting the biggest cheers of the night? Not a chance!
1985 was the beginning of something seriously special. Local legends Padraig O’Griofa and Jimmy Kelly decided Waterford needed a proper Panto, and — in true Irish fashion — just rolled up their sleeves and made it happen. No big grants, no massive budget, just sheer determination and a love for making people laugh. For 23 years, Padraig and Jimmy were the lifeblood of the society, pulling off a show every single year, good times and bad, taking whatever hits came their way and always coming out swinging. When they stepped down in 2008, they handed the reins to the next generation of members, who have kept things alive ever since.
In the beginning, the Waterford Panto Society was delighted with a one-week run every December — short, sweet and manageable. Jump to 2025 and things have exploded (in a good way)! These days, the show moves into the Theatre Royal in late November and doesn’t budge until the end of December. That’s a whole month of magic, making this run the longest by any amateur Panto group in the entire country.
It all kicked off with “Old King Cole” in 1985, under the masterful direction of the late Denny Corcoran. Denny was a stalwart for 15 years, a man who didn’t just direct shows — he shaped the spirit of the Society for generations. Over the years, Waterford Panto got to work with visionaries like Michael Grant, the late Bryan Flynn, and Richie Hayes. Each added some new sparkle, some madcap ideas, turning the Society’s annual traditions into dazzling community celebrations. Since 2018, Denny’s own son, Tony Corcoran, has taken the helm as director, raising the bar even higher every single year. A full circle family legacy — and Waterford audiences absolutely lap it up.
Of course, some legends have left us too soon. Bryan Flynn and Denny Corcoran are lovingly remembered, their fingerprints still all over every curtain call and encore. They were more than talented artists; they were the architects of Panto in Waterford, building a stage where laughter, music and mischief would continue for years to come.
One of the best things about the Waterford Panto Society isn’t just the stage stuff — it’s the people. The Society has become a second home, a Panto family for cast members and crew alike. Every year, there’s a gathering of familiar faces, ready to sing their hearts out, make silly jokes and swap stories backstage. They’re not big celebrities — just ordinary locals who, by day, work in shops, offices, or schoolrooms, but by night, transform into dames, heroes, villains and magical creatures, devoted to the festive spirit.
There’s an endless parade of Waterford talent: Nicky Cummins, Davy Sutton, Joe McGrath, Francie White, Christine Tubbritt, Melanie O’Driscoll, John Thompson, David Condon, Vicki Graham, David Flynn, Ray Collins, Hazel Tebay, Mary Walsh, Gary Power, Terry ‘Scol’ Grant and so many more. If you’ve ever caught a Panto in Theatre Royal, you know these stars light up the stage — cracking jokes, belting out tunes, and generally causing brilliant chaos. It’s basically a revolving door of local legends, each adding their own spark to the Society’s big history book.
It’s no exaggeration to say generations have grown up through Panto. From little kids shuffling nervously onto stage for the first time to seasoned old-timers commanding the crowd, every single performer brings something fresh. And when you see a former chorus kid stepping up for their first lead role, you know the Panto magic is alive and well.
Of course, none of this happens without a huge network of volunteers. Forget fancy budgets — Waterford Panto is pure sweat, imagination and generous hearts. Every costume, prop and set gets built, painted and repaired by someone who loves theatre and loves their community. Whether it’s the team hustling behind the scenes, sewing up costumes till midnight in the weeks before opening, or the patient souls selling programs and raffle tickets at the foyer, Panto is powered by the dedication of Waterford’s own. There’s no glamour if you’re not under the spotlight, but you won’t hear anyone complaining. The pride in a packed Theatre Royal, the knowledge you helped create magic — that’s more than enough.
Now, if “Waterford Panto” had a medal for lifetime achievement, Brenda Giles would have won it about 20 times over. For 40 years, Brenda has starred in every single production — never missed a show, barely took a breath between curtain calls. She’s not just a talented performer: she’s the soul of Waterford’s Panto scene. Warm, generous and absolutely magnetic, Brenda is everything the Society stands for: joy, dedication and that infectious sense of family. If someone could bottle her energy and sell it, Waterford would be dancing till Easter.
Speaking of family — the audience is at the very centre of Panto life. Thousands of kids have had their first ever taste of theatre as wide-eyed punters at a Waterford Panto. The Theatre Royal is certainly something special, and generations of locals have felt its magic every festive season. Grandparents who remember the earliest shows now bring their grandchildren, and parents who grew up in the Panto audience are booking seats for their own kids. It’s a tradition handed down as a beloved family ritual – the annual visit to the Theatre Royal at Christmas.
Year after year, audience support has kept the Waterford Panto Society buzzing. Their cheers, laughter and loyalty have secured the Society’s spot in Waterford’s cultural life for another 40 (and counting) brilliant years.
So, what’s next for Waterford Panto Society? If the last four decades are anything to go by, plenty more laughter, surprises and maybe a few snow machines gone haywire. As the curtain rises on this big anniversary, there’s a strong sense that the best is still to come. The blend of old-school charm, creative energy and down-to-earth teamwork will keep Panto an essential part of Waterford’s winter for years ahead.
So here’s to the rehearsals that run late, the nerves before opening night, the triumphant finale that brings the house down. Here’s to the friendships forged behind the stage, the unforgettable jokes, and those Christmas memories that last a lifetime. Most of all, here’s to Waterford Panto Society — 40 exceptional years, and let’s hope for at least 40 more.
Raise a glass to the faces on stage, the heroes behind the curtains, and the crowds who make it all worthwhile. Long live the magic, and let’s keep that Panto sparkle shining!
