Pantos, skating rinks and musicals - there's a hectic yuletide season ahead, writes Sylvia Thompsonin her guide to selected events
Pantomimes
ARMAGH
Jack & The BeanstalkTraditional panto with the Ulster Theatre Company. Market Place Theatre, Armagh, Dec 2-24, various times, £7-£11, 048-37521821, www.marketplacearmagh.com
BELFAST
AladdinFeaturing Sean Kearns as the swanky widow twanky, the Wee Aladdin's Wicked Chorus and Marty Rea as Aladdin. Waterfront Hall, 2 Lanyon Place, Dec 1-Jan 13, various times, £10/£14.50, 048-90334455, www.waterfront.co.uk
Peter PanMay McFettridge is joined by Jack Ellis and Aston Merrygold as Peter Pan. Grand Opera House, Great Victoria St, Dec 2-Jan 20, 1.30pm or 2.30pm & 7.30pm, £5.50-£22.50, 048-90241919, www.goh.co.uk
CORK
AladdinTraditional pantomime written and directed by Bryan Flynn. Cork Opera House, Emmet Place, Dec 16-Jan 6, various times, €25, 021-4270022, www.corkoperahouse.ie
DUBLIN
Mother GooseCarole Todd directs a cast which includes Mark O'Shaughnessy as Mother Goose, Kate Brennan, Doireann Ní Chorragain, Michael Grennell and stunt performer, Toby Gomme. Gaiety Theatre, South King St, Dec 3-Feb 4, various times, €16.50- €32, 01-6771717
Sleeping BeautySponsored by a tea company, this not-so-traditional panto features former Miss Ireland Aoife Cogan as Queen Victoria Beckingham, singer Hazel O'Connor and panto regulars, Alan Hughes, George McMahon and Joe Conlan. Liberty Hall Theatre, Eden Quay, Dec 15-Jan 21, €24-€27.50, 01-8721122
CindersA traditional pantomime with a cast of 110 children and the return of Panto Queen June Rodgers. Olympia Theatre, Dame St, Dec 26-Jan 7, various times, 081-8719330, €17.50-€29.95
The Sleeping BeautyThe Lambert team put their puppets in pantomime mode for this festive show. Lambert Puppet Theatre, Clifton Lane, Monkstown, Co Dublin Dec 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 26-31, Jan 1-7, then weekends until end Jan, 3.30pm, €12.50/€9.50, 01-2800974, www.lambertpuppettheatre.com
Beauty & The BeastCoolmine Panto Group present this heart-warming tale. Draíocht, Blanchardstown, Jan 6-14, 8pm, Jan 6,7, 13 & 14, 2pm, €20/€15, 01-8852622, www.draiocht.ie
GALWAY
AladdinPerforming Arts Galway have teamed up again with writer Maeve Ingoldsby for this pantomime, which promises to be full of laughs and magic for all ages. Black Box, Townhall Theatre, Galway City, Jan 1-7, 2.30pm & 7.30pm, €14/€11, 091-569777, www.townhalltheatregalway.com
Jack & The BeanstalkRenmore Pantomime follow the adventures of Jack in this production directed by award-winning twins Brian and Sean Power, and featuring the Renmore Smurfs. Townhall Theatre, Galway Jan 1-13 (excluding Jan 8) 7.30pm; also Jan 1, 6, 7, 13 & 14, 2.30pm, €16/€13, 091-569777, www.townhalltheatregalway.com
LIMERICK
Babes in the WoodThe Limerick Panto Society combines elements of Robin Hood with Hansel and Gretel in this traditional pantomime, starring Dame Tim Cusack and Emma O'Driscoll. University Concert Hall, University of Limerick, Dec 27, 28, Jan 2, 3, 4, 6, 3pm & 8pm; Dec 29 and Jan 7, 3pm, €16.50/€14.50, 061-331549
CinderellaCentreStage Productions' 10th pantomime stars Dame Myles Breen in a version of Cinderella written by Mike Finn. Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT) Millennium Theatre, Dec 26-Jan 7, various times, €16/€13.50, 061-322322
Children's theatre
CLARE
A Christmas MuddleChildren must help solve a few seasonal problems before they get to meet the man with the red and white cap. Glór Irish Music Centre, Ennis, Dec 3-23, various times, €12/€20, 065-6843103, www.glor.ie
DONEGAL
Jack and the BeanstalkAn Grianán Productions present a fun version of this classic tale, written by Donegal storyteller, actor and playwright, Little John Nee. An Grianán, Letterkenny, Dec 6-23, various times, €13/€9, 074-9120777
DUBLIN
Sleeping Beauty - A Wicked FairytaleFollowing their magical production of The Secret Garden last year, Landmark Productions are back with a novel version of Sleeping Beauty (for ages 6+). The Helix, Dublin City University, Nov 29-Jan 7, various times, €18/€25 adults; €12/€21 children, 01-7007000, www.thehelix.ie
A Picture of MeInspired by French comic genius Jacques Tati and performed by clown performer Louis Lovett. Produced in association with Solstice Arts Centre in Navan, Co Meath. The Ark, Eustace St, Dec 9, 16, 27-30, Jan 2-6, 1pm & 3pm, €8.50/€6.50. Also The Butterfly Effect, a retrospective exhibition of art created by children of Fatima Mansions. Hours: Nov 29-Jan 6, Mon-Fri 10.30am-5pm; Sat noon-4pm, adm free, 01-6707788, www.ark.ie
Jack and the BeanstalkAn Grianán Productions' show, see Donegal. Civic Theatre, Tallaght Dec 28-Jan 7, 3pm & 7pm on various days, €20/€14, 01-4627477
GALWAY
A Christmas CarolDickens's moral tale. Suitable for over-10s. Townhall Theatre, Galway Dec 13-16, 7.30pm; also Dec 16 and 17, 2.30pm, €16/€14, 091-569777, www.townhalltheatregalway.com
MAYO
The Emperor's New ClothesA humorous re-telling of this children's classic from Banyan Theatre Company (for aged 3+). Linenhall Arts Centre, Linenhall St, Castlebar, Dec 2, 3pm, €5, 094-9023733
MEATH
A Picture of MeIn association with The Ark, see Dublin. Solstice Arts Centre, Navan, Jan 8-11, 10.15am & 12.15pm; also Jan 12/13, 1pm & 3pm, €7/€5, 046-9092300
Musicals and dance shows
BELFAST
PinocchioMeet some new characters in this musical version of Carlo Collodi's story, adapted by Paul Boyd (for ages 5+). Lyric Theatre, 55 Ridgeway St, Nov 28-Jan 13, various times, £13/£10, 048-90381081, www.lyrictheatre.co.uk
DUBLIN
The Snowman MovieA live concert with narrator, Craig Doyle, the Orchestra of the National Concert Hall, conducted by David Brophy. National Concert Hall, Earlsfort Terrace, Dec 17, 2pm, 5pm & 7.30pm; Dec 18, 11.30am, 2pm, 5pm & 7.30pm; Jan 3, 11.30am & 2pm; Jan 5, 5.30pm & 8pm, €18/€14, 01-4170000, www.nch.ie
AnnieVivian Coates directs this classic American musical from Festival Productions, which features children from the Independent Theatre Workshop. National Concert Hall, Earlsfort Terrace, Dec 27-30 & Jan 2-4, various times, €16-€30, 01-4170000, www.nch.ie
PinocchioMeet some new characters in this musical version of Carlo Collodi's story, adapted by Paul Boyd (for aged 5+). Pavilion, Dún Laoghaire, Dec 26-Jan 14, various times, €18/€12, 01-2312929
Peter Pan on IceThe Russian Ice Stars recreate JM Barrie's story on a stage of real ice. The Helix, DCU, Jan 10-12, 7.30pm; Jan 13, 2.30pm & 7.30pm; Jan 14, 1.30pm & 5pm, €27.50-€39, 01-7007000, www.thehelix.ie
GALWAY
OliverMusical adaptation of Charles Dickens's tale of the boy from the orphanage. The Black Box, Townhall Theatre, Galway, Dec 6-10, 7.30pm; Also Dec 9, 2.30pm, €13/€10, 091-569777, www.townhalltheatregalway.com
On tour
A CHRISTMAS CAROLBallet Ireland production of Dickens's tale. Royal Theatre, Castlebar, Co Mayo, Dec 4, 8pm, 081-8300000; Arts Centre, Roscommon, Dec 5, 8pm, 0906-625824; Civic Theatre, Tallaght, Dec 6-9, 8pm; Dec 9, 3pm, 01-4627477; Glór, Ennis, Co Clare, Dec 10, 7.30pm, 065-6843103; The Táin, Dundalk, Co Louth, Dec 12, 8pm, 042-9392919; Bunavon Arts Centre, Cookstown, Co Tyrone, Dec 13, 7.30pm, 048-86769949; Iveagh Movie Studios, Banbridge, Co Antrim, Dec 14, 8pm, 048-40660605; Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen, Co Tyrone, Dec 15, 8pm, 048-66325440; Draíocht, Blanchardstown, Dec 16 & 17, 8pm, 01-8852622; Solstice Centre, Navan, Co Meath, Dec 19 & 20 8pm 046-9092300; Dunamaise Arts Centre, Portlaoise, Dec 21, 7pm, 057-8663355; Siamsa Tíre, Tralee, Co Kerry, Dec 22 & 23, 8pm, 066-7123055, www.ballet-ireland.com.
THE LITTLE DANCE GIRLLivin Dred Theatre Company present the story of Molly, a young girl who sets the world alight when she dances (for 5-12 year-olds). Droichead Arts Centre, Stockwell St, Drogheda, Co Louth, Dec 4-7, 10.30am & 12.30pm; Dec 9, 3pm, €8, 041-9833946; Ramor Theatre, Virginia, Co Cavan, Dec 11-15 & 18-21, 10.30am & noon; Dec 15, 8pm, €7, 049-8547074
LITTLE RUDOLFBarnstorm Theatre Company's new Christmas play for 4-6 year-olds is a story about a young reindeer who discovers that he is different from all the rest. The Barn, Church Lane,
Kilkenny, Nov 25 4.30pm; Nov 30, 6.30pm, €7, 056-7751266; Iontas Theatre, Castleblayney, Co Monaghan, Dec 6, 10.30am, noon & 1.30pm and Dec 7, 10.30am & noon €7, 042-9753400; Garter Lane Theatre, Waterford Dec 11, 11.30am & 7pm and Dec 12, 10am & 11.30am, €7.50, 051-855038
On ice
BELFAST
Dundonald International Ice Bowl Ice-skating and figure-skating lessons. 048-90809123, www.theicebowl.com
DUBLIN
7UPChristmas on Ice Back for its fourth year, including a children-only rink, a sleigh area and Santa's polar palace.
RDS, Ballsbridge, daily until Jan 14, one-hour sessions, Mon-Sun, 10.30am-10.30pm, €11.50-€17 (ice-skating only), 0818-717200, www.7UPchristmasonice.ie
Smithfield on IceA visit here has become a regular feature of Christmas for many children. Until Jan 7 (closed Dec 25, 26) Mon-Fri 10.30am-9.30pm; Sat/Sun 9am-9.30pm, €16/€11 per hour, 0818-946900, www.smithfieldonice.ie
Sprite on IceA new rink at Liffey Valley Shopping Centre. 10am-10pm, Mon-Sun, Dec 1-Jan 14. €14.50/€10.50 (peak times) Tickets from 0818-719312, www.liffeyvalley.ie or www.ticketmaster.ie
KERRY
Ireland on IcePart of Killarney's festive season, the ice rink is open Dec 8-Jan 7, 10am-2pm; 2.30-5pm; 6-10pm, New Street Car Park, Killarney, €16 adult; €12 child, 064-21888, www.christmasinkillarney.com
LIMERICK
Ireland on IceThe ice rink is in the Potato Market, Limerick City, Dec 14-Jan 7, 10am-2pm; 2.30-5pm; 6-10pm €16 adult; €12 child, 061-400200
WATERFORD
Ireland on IceThe rink is at the People's Park, Waterford, Dec 5-Jan 7, 10am-2pm; 2.30-5pm; 6-10pm, €16 adult; €12 child, 051-879600, www.irelandonice.com
Festive films
Deck the HallsA seasonal comedy starring Danny DeVito as a man who insists on decorating his house with a mass of Christmas lights, and Matthew Broderick as his irate neighbour. Opens Dec 1
Flushed AwayHugh Jackman, Kate Winslet and Ian McKellen lead the voice cast in this animated comedy about a rat flushed down the toilet of his penthouse residence to a life in the London sewers. Opens Dec 1
Happy FeetEmperor penguins return to the big screen but this time in an animated musical in which a couple (voiced by Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman) fret that their tone-deaf son (Elijah Wood) is preoccupied with tap dancing. Opens Dec 8
EragonJohn Malkovich plays the evil king, toppled from his throne by a farm boy (Edward Speelers) and female dragon in this fantasy based on Christopher Paolini's bestseller. Opens Dec 8
The Nativity StoryDirector Catherine Hardwicke follows her tough contemporary US drama, Thirteen, with a biblical picture featuring Keisha Castle-Hughes and Oscar Isaac as Mary and Joseph before they go to Bethlehem. Ciaran Hinds plays Herod. Opens Dec 8
Unaccompanied MinorsWilmer Valderamma plays a flight attendant coming to the rescue of a disparate group of teenagers stranded at an airport on Christmas Eve. Opens Dec 15
The Wizard of OzA restored new print of the original Wizard of Oz opens at the Irish Film Centre on Dec 15
Workshops
BELFAST
Aladdin WorkshopsThese themed craft workshops aim to get children in the mood for the pantomime, with some opportunities to meet cast members (for 5-12 year-olds). Waterfront Hall, Lanyon Place, Dec 27, 28 & Jan 3, 6pm; Jan 4, 4pm, £2, 048-90334455, www.waterfront.co.uk
DUBLIN
Christmas Family ArtHoliday Workshops for children, art talks for adults and music for all in the Millennium Wing. National Gallery, Merrion Square West, Dec 27-29, 3-4pm (workshop and talk); 3.30pm music from the Young Dublin Symphonia. Adm free, no booking needed. Bring your own sketchpads and colours. 01-6615133, www.nationalgallery.ie
Art and Craft Workshops and Green SantaA chance to explore nature and Christmas traditions with an eco-friendly Santa; New Year arts and crafts camp, exploring nature, for 5-11 year-olds. See the nativity crib with live animals. Airfield Trust, Upper Kilmacud Road, Dundrum, Dec 8-10, noon-3pm, €6 (includes entry to gardens); camp Jan 2-5, €90, booking essential, 01-2984301, www.airfield.ie
Silk Worm Club at the Chester BeattyChristmas will be explored in this workshop for 6-11 year-olds. Chester Beatty Library, Dublin Castle, Dec 2, 2pm, adm free but advance booking essential from Nov 27, 01-4070750, www.cbl.ie
Christmas Card WorkshopA chance to make your own cards for the special people in your life (for ages 7-12). National Print Museum, Beggars Bush Barracks, Haddington Road, Dec 9, 2.30-4pm, €15, 01-6603770
Christmas Art WorkshopsMake some Christmas tree decorations at these workshops. National Museum of Decorative Arts and History, Collins Barracks, Dec 10, 3pm, adm free (aged 6+), 01-6486453; National Museum, Kildare St, Dec 16, 10.30am-12.30pm or 2-4pm (for 7- 12 year-olds), adm free but advance booking essential, 01-6486332, www.museum.ie
MAYO
Christmas WorkshopsLearn how to make your own Christmas decorations, discover new wrapping techniques and make bags to hold your presents at these workshops (for aged 7+). National Museum of Country Life, Turlough Park, Castlebar, Dec 8, 11.30am, 2.30pm & 3.30pm; Dec 10, 2.30pm, adm free, 094-9031751, www.museum.ie/countrylife
