There's little reason for boredom this Christmas season, with a host of festive events and activities for children all over the country. SYLVIA THOMPSONdetails a selection of what's on
PANTOMIMES
ARMAGH
Scrooge's Christmas. Traditional pantomime based on Charles Dicken's classic novel, A Christmas Carol. Market Place Theatre, Armagh. Nov 24-Dec 20 £7.80-£11.80 048-37521821. marketplacearmagh.com
BELFAST
Cinderella starring popular panto dame, Dan Gordon. Belfast Waterfront Hall, 2 Lanyon Place. Nov 28-Jan 9, various times £16/£12. 048-90334455. waterfront.co.uk
Aladdin. Northern Ireland's grand dame of pantomime, May McFettridge stars as Widow Twankey in this traditional pantomime. Grand Opera House, Great Victoria St. Nov 28-Jan 16, various times £6.50-£23.50 048-90241919. goh.co.uk
The Tale of the Beauty and the Tail of the Beast. Paul Boyd's musical adaptation of the original French fairytale Beauty and the Beast, follows an 18th-century acting troupe, Monsieur Affable's Performing Players. Lyric Theatre production at Elmwood Hall. Dec 4-Jan 9 various times €10-€14. lyrictheatre.co.uk
CLARE
Sleeping Beauty. Pantaloons presents its traditional pantomime. Glór Irish Music Centre, Ennis. Dec 27, 7.30pm, Dec 28-Jan 3 2.30pm €15 065-6843103. glor.ie
CORK
Jack The Beanstalk. Traditional pantomime written and directed by Bryan Flynn, starring Ben Morris as Jack and Frank Mackey as his mother, Molly Coddly. Cork Opera House, Emmet Place. Dec 15-Jan 17, various times €26-€31 021-4270022 corkoperahouse.ie
Aladdin. A modern take on this traditional tale presented by CADA and Everyman Palace Theatre. Everyman Palace, Cork City. Dec 5- Jan 10, various times €20/€25 021-4501673 everymanpalace.com
DUBLIN
Jack and the Beanstalk. Longest running traditional pantomime in town starring Richie Hayes, Michael Grennell, Leanne Moore and George McMahon as Jack. Gaiety Theatre, South King St. Nov 29-Jan 31, various times €16.50-€35 01-6771717 gaietytheatre.ie
Cinderella. This not-so-traditional pantomime written by Karl Broderick is back in the Tivoli again this year. Alan Hughes (aka Sammy Sausages) has a new side-kick as John Lovett takes over the role of Buffy. Also starring Sinead Mulvey, Pippa O'Connor and Brian Dowling. Tivoli Theatre. Dec 16-23 and Dec 26 -Jan 17, various times €20-€29.50 01-4544472 panto.ie
Robin Hood. New to panto, children's TV host Kathryn McKiernan joins Linda Martin and veteran comedian Noel V Ginnity in this traditional pantomime with a cast of 100 children. Olympia Theatre, Dame St. Dec 19-Jan 5, various times From €20 0818719330 ticketmaster.ie
Cinderella. Theatreworx Productions is back again this year with a new script for the classic story written by Karl Harpur. Cast includes Carol Anne Ryan as Cinderella, Eoin Cannon as Prince Charming and comic duo, Paul Purcell and Aidan Mannion. The Helix, Dublin City University, Glasnevin. Dec 4-Jan 15, various times €18.50-€24 01-7007000 thehelix.ie
Scrooge's Christmas. Ulster Theatre Company presents this traditional pantomime based on Charles Dicken's novel, A Christmas Carol. Pavilion Theatre, Dún Laoghaire. Dec 26-Jan 17, various times €20/€14 01-2312929 paviliontheatre.ie
Mother Goose. Holding Court Theatre Company presents family pantomime. Axis, Ballymun. Jan 7-24, various times €12/€8 01-8832100 axis-ballymun.ie
Peter Pan. Coolmine Panto Group presents this classic pantomime. Draiocht, Blanchardstown. Jan 8, 9, 11-17 €20 01-8852622 draiocht.ie
Cinderella. The Lambert team puts its puppets in pantomime mode for this festive show. Lambert Puppet Theatre, Clifton Lane, Monkstown. Dec 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20 and Dec 26-Feb 28 (except Jan 1), 3.30pm €13/€11 01-2800974 lambertpuppettheatre.com
GALWAY
Mother Goose. Renmore Pantomime Society presents its annual traditional pantomime, directed by award-winning twins, Brian and Sean Power and featuring the Renmore Smurfs. Townhall Theatre, Galway City. Dec 30-Jan 17, various times €16/€14 091-569777 townhalltheatregalway.com
The Frog Prince. Performing Arts School Galway promises lots of laughs in this traditional pantomime written by Maeve Ingoldsby. Black Box, Townhall Theatre, Galway. Dec 28-Jan 3, various times €16/€14 091-569755 townhalltheatregalway.com
KERRY
Beauty and the Beast. Traditional pantomime from Oliver Hurley Productions. Siamsa Tire, National Folk Theatre and Arts Centre, Town Park, Tralee. Dec 12, 13, 28-30, Jan 2, 3, various times €16/€13 066-7123055 siamsatire.com
LIMERICK
Cinderella. The Limerick Panto Society celebrates its 25th anniversary with this year's traditional pantomime, starring Dame Tim Cusack as ugly sister, Esther Fabric. University Concert Hall, University of Limerick, Limerick City. Dec 28-Jan 3, various times €18.50/€16.50 061-331549 uch.ie
Aladdin. CentreStage Productions is back this year with a dazzling show, written by Mike Finn and starring Myles Breen. Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT) MillenniumTheatre, Limerick City. Dec 27-Jan 10, various times €18.50/€16.50 061-322322 litmt.ie
CHILDREN’S THEATRE, PUPPET SHOWS and STORYTELLING
DONEGAL
The Snow Queen. An Grianán teams up with aerial dance specialists, Fidget Feet in this retelling of the Hans Christian Anderson fairytale. An Grianán, Letterkenny. Dec 5-20, various times €15/€10 074-9120777 angrianan.com
DUBLIN
Fluffy's Xmas Factor. Veteran panto star Joe Conlon jumps ship this year to star in this seasonal comic version of the X-Factor, written by Shay Healy. The Mill Theatre, Dundrum. Dec 4-Jan 10, various times. From €18 01-2969340 milltheatre.com
The Snow Queen. The An Grianán/Fidget Feet production transfers to Tallaght with its retelling of the Hans Christian Anderson fairytale (See Donegal, above). Civic Theatre, Tallaght. Dec 27-Jan 8, various times €15 01- 4627477 civictheatre.ie
A Christmas Carol. Charles Dickens classic tale, directed by Alan Stanford and starring Barbara Brennan, Michael James Ford, Mal Whyte and Mark O'Regan. Gate Theatre, Cavendish Row, Parnell Square. Nov 26-Jan 9, various times €20-€35 01-8744045
Christmas Shows at Farmleigh.Christmas magic show, Dec 5 1.30pm 3pm, Dec 12 1.30pm Christmas puppet shows, Dec 13, 19, 20 noon, 1.45pm 3.30pm adm free, no booking necessary. Farmleigh, Phoenix Park. 01-8155900 farmleigh.ie Storytelling at FarmleighStorytelling with Joe Brennan. Dec 5 12.30pm, 2.45pm 4.15pm, Dec 6 noon, 2.15pm, 3.45pm Storytelling with Aideen McBride. Dec 12 12.30pm, 2.15pm, 4pm Dec 13 12.45pm, 2.30pm 4.15pm adm free, no booking necessary 01-8155900 farmleigh.ie
LIMERICK
Santa's Magical Christmas. Visit the home of Polly Greenjeans on the night before Christmas in this production from Talisman Theatre Company. University Concert Hall, Limerick. Dec 14, 15 10.30am noon €13.50/€12.50 061-331549 uch.ie
Turning Turtles Beyond the Bark and Daragh Bradshaw present this puppet show about saving baby turtles. Belltable, Red Cross Hall, Cecil St, Limerick City. Dec 14-18, various times €10/€8 061-319866 belltable.ie
TIPPERARY
The Pied Piper. A new version of this traditional tale, adapted and directed by Johnny Hanrahan. The Source Arts Centre, Thurles. Dec 12-20, various times €20 0504-90204 thesourceartscentre.ie
CONCERTS, MUSICALS, DANCE SHOWS, CIRCUSES
DUBLIN
Christmas Music at the Ark. Musicians Nico Brown and Martin Brunsden present festive songs and stories. The Ark, Eustace St, Temple Bar. Nov 28, 29, Dec 5, 6, 12, 13 19, 20 2pm 4pm €10 01-6707788 ark.ie
The Snowman Movie and Live Concert. Back again this year is this classic Christmas film with orchestral accompaniment and narration by Brian Ormond. National Concert Hall, Earlsfort Terrace. Dec 9, 10, 13, 19 23, various times €20/€15 01-4170000 nch.ie
The Wizard of Oz Festival Productions is back again this year with a new fully staged production of this family musical, directed by Vivian Coates. National Concert Hall, Earlsfort Terrace. Dec 27-30, various times €18-€34 01-4170000 nch.ie
Fossett's Christmas Circus Taking up residency in the atmospheric grounds of the Royal Hospital Kilmainham again this year, Fossett's promises all-traditional circus acts. Royal Hospital Kilmainham. Nov 28-Jan 3 €18 01-6280347 fossettscircus.com
ON TOUR
A Wish for SantaSomebody has stolen Santa's Magic Book of Wishes — with the names of every boy and girl and all their Christmas wishes. Santa needs to get the book back and only you can help. Join in with this new all-singing, all-dancing show from City Theatre. Mullingar Arts Centre, Mullingar, Co Westmeath. Nov 23, 10am, 11.30am 1pm 044-47777 mullingarartscentre.ie; Birr Theatre Arts Centre, Birr, Co Offaly. Nov 25, 10am, 11.30am 1pm 057-9122911 birrtheatre.com; Dean Crowe Theatre, Athlone, Co Westmeath. Nov 26, 10am 11.30am 0906-392129 deancrowetheatre.com; The Source, Thurles, Co Tipperary. Nov 29, 2pm 4pm, Nov 30, 9.30am, 11am 12.30pm 0504-90204 thesourceartscentre.ie; Briery Gap, Macroom, Co Cork. Dec 1, 10.30am noon 026-41793 brierygap.com; Liberty Hall Theatre, Dublin. Dec 2-4, 10.15am 11.45am 01-8721122; Garter Lane Arts Centre, Dec 7, 10.30am, 11.30am 7pm Dec 8, 10.30am, 11.30am 1pm 051-855038 garterlane.ie; Seamus Ennis Centre, Naul. Dec 9, 9.30am, 11am 12.30pm 01-8020898 seamusenniscentre.com; Liberty Hall Theatre, Dublin. Dec 11, 10.15am 11.45am 01-8721122; Townhall Theatre, Galway. Dec 14, 15, 10am 11.45am Dec 16, 11.45am 091-569777 townhalltheatregalway.com; Áras Inis Gluaire, Belmullet, Co Mayo. Dec 17, 10.30am, 11.30am 1pm 097-81079 arasinisgluaire.ie; Millennium Theatre, LIT. Dec 21, 9.30am, 11am 12.30pm 061-322322 litmt.ie
Santa and the Magical Christmas Tree.Join Santa and others to help save the magical tree that makes his sleigh fly in this festive musical show from director Michael Scott and writer, Shay Healy. The Venue, Rathoath, Co Meath. Nov 26, 27, 10am 11.30am 01-6895600 venuetheatre.ie; Liberty Hall Theatre, Dublin. Nov 30-Dec 1, 10.15am 11.45am 01-8721122; Wexford Arts Centre, Wexford town. Dec 2-3, 10am, 11.30am 1pm 053-9123764 wexfordartscentre.ie; The Glens Centre, Manorhamiliton, Co Leitrim. Dec 4, 9.30am, 11am 12.30pm; Moat Theatre, Naas. Dec 7-9, 10am, 11.30am 1pm 045-883030 moattheatre.com; The Dock, Carrick-on- Shannon. Dec 10, 10.15am, 11.30am 12.45pm 071-9650828 thedock.ie; An Tain Theatre, Dundalk, Dec 11, 10.30am noon 042-9332276 antaintheatre.com; Dunamaise Arts Centre, Portlaoise. Dec 14, 10am, 11.30am, 1pm 7pm, Dec 15-16, 10am, 11.30am 1pm 0502-63355 dunamaise.ie; Mermaid Arts Centre, Bray. Dec 17, 9.30am, 11am 12.30pm 01-2724030 mermaidartscentre.ie; Alley Theatre,Strabane, Co Tyrone. Dec 18 -19, various times 048-71384444; The Tuar Ard Arts Centre, Moate, Co Westmeath. Dec 21, 10am, 11.30am 1pm 0906-482042 tuarard.ie
The NutcrackerWith dancers aged aged nine to 20 joined by guest dancers Juliana Bastos and Jerome Buttazzoni and Ryoko Yagu and Kieran Stoneley in this Irish National Youth Ballet Company show. O'Reilly Theatre, Belvedere College, Great Denmark St. Dec 4, noon 8pm Dec 5, 3pm 8pm €18/€10 0818205205; Pavilion Theatre, Dún Laoghaire. Dec 18, noon 8pm Dec 19, 3pm 8pm €10-€18 01-2312929 paviliontheatre.ie
ON ICE
CORK
Cork on Ice. Now in its third year, this ice rink has moved to a new location this year at Centre Park Road in the Docklands. Until Jan 17 €12 adult, €10 children 021-4964881 corkonice.com
7UP On Ice. New this year is the ice rink in Elizabeth Fort, Barrack St, Cork City. Nov 25th-Jan 10 €10-€12 adult, €10-€9 children 0818717200 7UPchristmasonice.ie
DONEGAL
7UP Christmas on Ice. This ice rink is now in its second year. Letterkenny. Nov 27-Jan 10 Mon-Fri, 9.30am-10.30pm; Sat/Sun 10.30am-10.30pm €15 adults/€12 children 0818717200 7UPchristmasonice.ie
DUBLIN
7UP Christmas on Ice Now in its seventh year at the RDS and third year at the Liffey Valley Shopping Centre, the rinks include a children's sleigh run, a beginners' rink and the main rink. RDS, Ballsbridge and Liffey Valley Shopping Centre. Until Jan 10 (Liffey Valley) and Jan 17 (RDS). Mon-Fri, 10.50am- 10.30pm; Sat/Sun 9.30am-10.30pm €8-€16 (ice-skating only) 0818 717 200 7UPchristmasonice.ie
Disney on Ice: Princess Wishes. Acrobatic ice show with Tinker Bell bringing audiences through the stories of seven Disney princesses – Ariel, Belle, Cinderella, Mulan, Jasmine, Sleeping Beauty and Snow White – and their "Inspiring Wishes". New Convention Centre, Citywest Hotel, Dublin. Sat Dec 26-Jan 2 From €15.50, family tickets available. ROI 0818 719 300, Northern Ireland 0844 277 44 55 ticketmaster.ie, mcd.ie
GALWAY
Galway Bay on Ice. This ice rink is set up overlooking Galway Bay. Until Jan 10. Adult €14/€10 children €9/€7 0818717200 7UPchristmasonice.ie
KERRY
Killarney on Ice. The ice rink in Killarney is part of a wider festive mood in the Kerry town. Beech Road, Killarney. Dec 4-Jan 9, various times €12/€10 064-6636622 christmasinkillarney.com
WORKSHOPS
DUBLIN
Christmas Family Art Holiday. This annual event gives children a welcome opportunity to express themselves by drawing and colouring following the extravaganza of Christmas (bring your own sketch pads and colours). National Gallery, Merrion Square West. Dec 28-30, 3pm-4.30pm adm free, no booking necessary. Also supervised family time, Jan 1, Jan 3-8, 3pm-4pm adm free 01-6615133 nationalgallery.ie
Christmas Art Workshop at the Chester Beatty. Taking inspiration from the library treasures, children will make their own Christmas podcast at this workshop (for six to 11 year olds). Chester Beatty Library, Dublin Castle. Dec 12, 2pm-3.30pm adm free but advanced booking essential from Dec 7. 01-4070750 cbl.ie
Festive Fun at the National Museum. Family workshops, singing and a Christmas trail at the Christmas Open Day. Dec 12, 11am-5pm adm free. A special seasonal workshop led by artist, Jole Bartoli (aged six and over) Dec 20, 3pm adm free National Museum of Decorative Arts and History, Collins Barracks. 01-6486453 museum.ie
Christmas Art Workshops at the Dublin City Gallery. Explore the stained glass artworks at a winter light workshop (six-10 year olds). Dec 5, 3pm €5. Make a Christmas musical instrument (three-six year olds), Dec 19, 3pm €5; Make your own pop-up Christmas cards at this workshop (six-10 year olds). Dec 20, 3pm adm free Dublin City Gallery, Parnell Square North. 01-2225550 hughlane.ie
MAYO
Christmas Workshops.Celebrate Christmas with a variety of hour-long workshops (aged seven and over). Dec 12, 11.30am 2.30pm adm free National Museum of Country Life, Turlough Park, Castlebar. 094-9031751 museum.ie
KIDS FILMS FOR CHRISTMAS
A Christmas Carol. Following Polar Expressand Beowulf, Robert Zemeckis persists with digitally rendered actors for his adaption of Dickens's (genuinely) timeless tale. A version of Jim Carrey stars as Scrooge. (On release)
Twilight: New Moon The second film based on Stephenie Meyer's Twilightsaga re-unites Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson for more mumbly teen-vampire action. This time there are werewolves about the place also.
Planet 51 We humans are the terrifying alien invaders in this animation from the good people at HandMade films. Lovely old Dwayne Johnson voices the lead. (December 4)
Where The Wild Things Are Spike Jonze's clever-clever adaptation of Maurice Sendak's children's book has been in production for a suspiciously long time. The gorgeous, enormously popular trailer has, however, sent expectations skyrocketing. (December 11)
Alvin and the chipmunks: the squeakquel Squeakquel? Get it? You may snort, but the first talking-rodent flick was one of the most successful films of 2007. This time the gang run up against a group of female chipmunks.(December 21)
HE'S BEHIND YOU: PANTOMIME STATRS ON THE MOVE, ON THE RISE AND IN THE NEWS
Brace yourselves, pantomime lovers, because the big news this year is that Joe Conlon (aka Buffy, Sammy Sausages' best mate for years) has jumped ship and left the Cheerios Panto to launch his new character, Fluffy, in Fluffy's Xmas Factorin the Mill Theatre, Dundrum.
Sob not, however, for Alan Hughes has found a new mate in John Lovett, who will star alongside Sinead Mulvey, Brian Dowling and model Pippa O'Connor in Cinderellaat the Tivoli Theatre, Dublin. He'll be great (oh no he won't. Oh yes he will.)
Meanwhile, my favourite panto star, Michael Grennell is back in the Gaiety this year as a baddie after his appearance in the Helix panto last year. He plays alongside George McMahon, Richie Hayes (another panto veteran) and Leanne Moore in Jack The Beanstalk.
Over at the Olympia, children's television host Kathryn McKiernan stars in her first pantomime alongside Linda Martin, Noel V Ginnity and Fair City's Ryan Andrews. McKiernan was a Spice Girl when she was nine in St Anthony's Hall panto (which then became the Liberty Hall panto, and is now the Cheerios panto at the Tivioli) and tells us she's looking forward to swopping the television studio for stage during the festive season.
Bryan Flynn, director of the Cork Opera House pantomime has plucked Ben Morris from last year's Gaiety show for the role of Jack in Jack the Beanstalk.
“He’s one to watch. I reckon he’s one of the up-and-coming panto stars,” says Flynn, who is also proud to bring back the Dame to the Opera House pantomime, with Frank Mackey playing Jack’s mother, Molly Coddly.
Dublin’s newcomer to pantomime, Theatreworx Productions, is back in the Helix Theatre at DCU again this year. Eoin Canning plays Prince Charming and Carol Anne Ryan is Cinderella – they both played the same roles in the Cork Opera House last year. Comic duo Paul Purcell and Aidan Mannion return as the comic duo – this time as the Ugly Sisters.
Sylvia Thompson
Aidan Dunne’s Visual Art column will appear on Friday
