Nanny Nellie: A year in the life of Cork's Panto icon - and our Irish Panto guide

With 70 panto shows planned for Cork Opera House across December and January, and 900 seats to fill for each performance, the team behind Jack and the Beanstalk definitely believe it can.

Throughout the year, Frank Mackey, the alter ego of much-loved panto dame Nanny Nellie, has been sharing what it takes to get the show from an idea to a phenomenal stage show that takes over Cork Opera House for the winter season.

January

For people across the country, January means new beginnings, you’re dusting off the gym gear, pushing away the tins of roses and polishing off the last of the turkey curry… but for Nanny Nellie, her favourite time of the year is coming to a close.

I’m standing on stage as the curtain comes down on our 67th and final show. 

Listening to the applause of a full house for the last time this season is bittersweet. 

Sleeping Beauty was a massive hit, the audience loved it. 

But as my wig is removed for the last time I have a reflective moment. 

We’re exhausted but we’ll miss each other. Panto season is like a homecoming for me. 

Rory Murphy, the producer, is going to miss me so much. He loves the random requests that Panto brings. 

He laughs knowingly as I ask him if he has any magic beans.

February

We’re still easing back into our ‘normal’ lives after panto, Nanny Nellie is too much of a lady to tell you where she found glitter the other day!

I co-write Panto with Trevor Ryan, who is also the Panto director. 

Our friendship goes way back, but this year will be our 10th panto together as a writer/director team. 

He is the ting to my tang, isn’t that the expression? He’s the tripe to my drisheen, he puts the shake in my bridge, the journey wouldn’t be half as fun without Trevor.

Eibhlín Gleeson, the woman at the helm of Cork Opera House, she gives us the go ahead for the title we’ve wanted to bring to Cork for some time… Jack and the Beanstalk. 

And off we go, the title is confirmed and even though we say we’re going to put it out of our heads for a few weeks, the beans have now been sown – see what I did there?

March

Jack and the Beanstalk is a different type of show, and we’re looking forward to taking on a new challenge and making the story relevant. 

This story will end with a life-long friendship.

Nanny is a card-carrying feminist and knows that a happy ever after doesn’t have to include a diamond. 

This girl buys her own bling, don’t you know.

April

It’s only April, but the script is really taking shape, we’ve added some extra twists, turns, characters, a few car chases (not sure they will make the cut!) and more jokes than you can shake a Clonakilty black pudding at.

We haven’t shied away from the relevant topics, even Pantoland is feeling the impact of the climate crisis and rent hikes. But don’t worry, we’ll make it funny. 

We’ve some of the core team confirmed already with the glorious Maeve Readman, Wigs, Hair and Make-up Designer, who along with Costume Designer, Muireann Doyle assisted by Bethany Baker, transforms us from mere mortals into magical panto characters. 

We’re delighted that choreographer Ciarán Connolly is joining us again this year, he’s worked with the Spice Girls and on Strictly Come Dancing. 

The music will be outstanding this year, with the panto musicians in the orchestra pit this year under musical director, Jimmy Brockie.

Last year’s Panto was the first time we introduced ‘relaxed performances’, aimed at including and accommodating autistic children and patrons who may find it challenging to attend traditional Panto performances. 

The head of the Opera House has confirmed that Jack and the Beanstalk show run will include two relaxed performances, meaning that Panto really is for everyone!

May

No one is safe, I’m in the midst of script and joke writing so everything is up for grabs. 

I’m overhearing conversations in the street, there’s so much going on in the news that is hilarious, it’s like some people are in a real-life Panto. 

Sometimes I’m out with friends and something hilarious happens, after the laughter dies down someone will say, ‘That’s going into Panto, isn’t it Frank?’

I’m lucky enough to see two of Nanny Nellie’s biggest fans this summer — Pink and Beyoncé. Sure, I have to go and meet my people. 

I chatted to the production team in Cork Opera House about the importance of seeing these shows as inspiration — but for some reason they aren’t biting. 

Apparently, this isn’t RTÉ, and our expenses don’t stretch to that.

June

I’m in Vienna to see Pink. Meanwhile, in another world entirely Trevor tells me he’s off to North Cork to find our cow for Jack and the Beanstalk.

We’ve found the most hilarious and wonderful woman to play Patsy the Cow (or cow-pat for short!). 

The talented actor Ali McCormack has a passion for theatre, from stage schools and then onto MTU School of Music. 

Patsy is warm and loveable but not without her own challenges to overcome, poor Patsy is going through the wringer with the Moopause…

The auditions are finishing up and we’ve some incredible stars joining the Panto family — Colm Quinn will play the part of Jack, with his best friend and neighbour being played by Megan Pottinger. 

We pride ourselves on finding the best talent, and we’re delighted to find the result is often home-grown. 

Colm Quinn is London-based but he hails from Dublin and is delighted to be returning to Ireland for Christmas.

Michael Grennell is back playing the villain, Rancid. Michael revels in the boos, and the laughs between Rancid and Nanny are often not acting but proper belly laughs, we have genuine fun on stage together. 

Michael will be joined by a sidekick with the glorious name of Spit-Snot, played by the West End star of Wicked, Sam Lupton. 

Keeping us all on track this year are Bethany Cosgrove and Amanda Ferriter, returning as Stage Manager and Production Manager.

As Panto season gets closer I feel so lucky to do a job that I love. But back to the plans… Watching Pink fly out over the audience in Vienna has inspired me. 

Could I? A girl can dream…

July/August

As it gets closer to Panto time I can feel the transformation take place, I’m starting to think and dream in Nanny’s wonderful Cork accent. 

But there’s time for one more trip — off I go to Barcelona to see Beyoncé, thanks to my incredible friend Ciarán. C’mere to me, we’ve still a few gaps in the cast — I wonder if Beyoncé would be interested in spending Christmas in Cork. 

That’s crazy, Cork Opera House can only have one Diva!

The ensemble are in place — we look for the triple threat in our cast, the ability to sing, dance and act. This can make auditions challenging as they need to excel at all three. 

But we’ve created an expectation of the highest standards for our shows, and our audience deserve the very best.

I’m back to work and full of Pink and Beyoncé inspired ideas. You’ll see Nanny as you’ve never seen her before. Think mega star… now think bigger. 

Cork, you better be ready. Nanny’s coming to town.

September

Photo shots, radio ads, trailers – it’s all go. Nanny is flat out and she loves it.

My bags are by the door, and I’m getting ready for my move to Cork. As I look at the bags I know I’m overpacking. What do I need with all these clothes, I’m going to be wearing frocks for the next two months!

Coming into town and seeing the Panto banner on the side of the opera house is an absolute thrill. It’s like Cork’s equivalent of the Hollywood Hills sign, only better like, because it’s in Cork.

There’s so much awful news in the world right now, and sometime we just need to take a break. 

We’re lucky that we can - as you walk into the Opera House this year, do a little shimmy.

Leave your troubles behind and let the magic take over. I promise you’ll leave full of (magic) beans!

October

The script is ready for read-through, Trevor has transformed my ideas, madness and sometimes crazy incoherent ramblings about Beyoncé into a phenomenal story. 

There are highs and lows, it will delight audience members from tiny tots to grandparents. There are so many moments for laughter that we’ve had to build in times where you can come up for air.

The first read-through is incredible. Oh kids, you are going to love this. 

I actually can’t wait for you to see the show. I’ve goosebumps on my goosebumps just thinking about it.

And we’re off. Full-time rehearsal schedule begins. 

Goodbye normal life, hello Pantoland; perfecting dance routines, getting everything pitch perfect, costume fittings, hair and make-up trials and so so many laughs. 

This is my happy place, and come opening night it will be ready for you. This is the greatest show.

November

We’re almost ready. We’ve rehearsed our socks off, but the special effects will blow your socks off so we’ll all be sockless together.

As we approach opening, I’m excited and a bit nervous but come opening night a miraculous transformation takes place.

As I walk onto the stage, hear the applause and see the expectant faces, all nerves fall away. 

There is a thin veil between the worlds of backstage and on stage, and when I cross over I almost enter another realm, where I’m Nanny Nellie and magic really does exist. 

The best thing is that I get to bring you along too. 

So hold on, Doo Do Do, Nanny is taking all of you dirty-looking eejits on the most fun adventure!

• The Cork Opera House Panto, Jack and the Beanstalk, opens tonight and runs until January 21, 2024. Tickets on sale from corkoperahouse.ie, or call 021 4570022.

Panto at The Everyman Theatre 

This year the Everyman is bringing a tale as old as time to Cork audiences, but with several twists and unexpected turns - in a new production of Beauty and the Beast. 

As director and producer Catherine Mahon-Buckley explains, “the script must reflect the era which we live in”.  Without giving too much away, you should definitely expect a “Hi, Barbie” moment.

In a little town, somewhere in Cork, Belle dreams of so much more. When she discovers a castle (think Blarney or Blackrock) frozen in time under the spell of an enchanted rose and ruled over by a terrible beast, she must learn to look beyond his appearance if love is to save the day.

Catherine Mahon-Buckley is now in her 29th year of bringing panto magic to Cork: 

“One of my proudest professional achievements was creating The Everyman/CADA Panto and watching it flourish year on year. It fills me with so much pride and joy to know that our Panto is now a household name and has become a Christmas tradition with so many families.” 

This year, Belle will be played by rising star, Marion Goggin. She is following in the footsteps of Julie Kelleher who played the role 11 years ago. 

Julie went on to become the Artistic Director at the Everyman, and is now CEO at the Mermaid Arts Theatre in Wicklow. 

Kelleher describes the role as being an inspiration on how she now works: “I learned what it means for cast, band and crew to deliver consistently brilliant performances over the most punishing season of the year - it is a truly towering feat of hard work, and it helped me understand the precious value of every person's contribution to the success of the show. All of those lessons stayed with me in my roles in venue leadership: never lose sight of who the show is for, and remember to take good care of your hardworking teams, whatever their role!” 

Marion Goggin has grown up in Pantoland, first setting foot on the stage of the Everyman at the age of just 8. So how does she feel to be taking on the panto season, the rehearsals, the gruelling show schedule? 

To Marion, it doesn’t feel overwhelming at all, “I get to do what I love. I wouldn’t have it any other way.” 

Marion is looking forward to playing Belle, a girl who refuses to settle for the world that is presented to her. When princesses are being presented to young girls as role models, Belle is the hero we all want to see. 

She fights against expectations and stands up for herself, breaking out of her small-town world and being her own knight in shining armour. 

Marion says she understands having to stand up for herself as she jokes about “growing up with three brothers”.

Expect great things from Marion Goggin, she has her sights set on the West End, but Cork, and specifically the Everyman Theatre, is home for now…

The Everyman Panto is delivered by some an incredible team of creatives including musical director of stage and screen, Anth Kaley and Choreographer, Phil O’Callaghan. 

• Beauty and the Beast opens on December 2 and runs until January 14 2024.

Panto around the country

Theatres across the country are gearing up for panto season, and wherever you are there is a panto near you. 

All the firm favourites are in the mix from Aladdin to Treasure Island, so whether you’re a child or young at heart you’ll find lots of fun in this year’s offerings. 

Here’s some of what’s on offer.

The Night Before Christmas at The MAC, Belfast 

November 29 2023 – Jan 7 2024 

'Twas the night before Christmas and the air was thick with excitement...

Not least amongst the fairy tale characters who, no longer content with living in the pages of your favourite books, jump up, out and into the real world in The Mac's brand-new family Christmas show,  The Night Before Christmas.

• Tickets: themaclive.com

Cork Opera House presents Jack and the Beanstalk 

November 29 2023 to January 21 2023 with relaxed performances on December 13th 

A GIANT Panto is making its way to Cork Opera House in 2023!

Full of fe-fi-fo-FUN, join Jack, Nanny Nellie and a host of lovable companions in a spectacular show packed with amazing colour, spellbinding costumes, music, breath-taking dance, and a tonne of belly laughs!

• Tickets: corkoperahouse.ie 

Everyman Theatre Cork presents Beauty and the Beast 

December 2 2023 to January 14 2024 

Cork’s favourite traditional family Panto is back. Oh yes, it is!

In a little town (somewhere in Cork, like!), the beautiful Belle dreams of so much more than her simple life. 

When she discovers a castle frozen in time under the spell of an enchanted rose and ruled over by a terrible Beast who was once a handsome prince, she must learn to look beyond his appearance if love is to save the day.

• Tickets: everymancork.com 

Glór, Co Clare presents Jack and the Beanstalk 

December 22 2023 to January 1 2024, relaxed performance December 23rd 

Jack lives in a lovely little cottage, with his mother and his sister, Sara. They are very poor and are way behind on their rent. 

The Wicked Squirel is about to evict them if they can’t pay their rent. Jack’s mother sends him to the local market to sell their only possession – their beloved cow Dave. 

On the way to the market, Jack meets two strangers and they convince him to exchange Dave for a bag of magic beans!

• Tickets: glor.ie 

The Gaiety Dublin presents Cinderella 

November 26 2023 to January 7 2024

This year’s ‘150th’ Gaiety Pantomime is none other than the most loved fairytale of them all… Cinderella. 

Bursting at the seams with Panto antics, song and dance, breath-taking costumes and mesmerising magic, this updated rags-to-riches tale will show us what dreams are really made of. 

As always, true love finds a way, and good conquers evil in this enchanting story, because there’s no room for bullies at the ball… 

• Tickets: gaietytheatre.com 

The Helix Dublin presents Treasure Island 

November 24 2023 to January 14 2024, sensory night on December 29

This year's show, Treasure Island promises to be as fun, fresh and magical as ever. 

Creating an exciting new script with plenty of twists, turns and adventure, The Helix Panto promises yet another hilarious production for all the family to enjoy. 

Join the cast as they journey through the magical pantosphere of intrigue and adventure!

• Tickets: thehelix.ie 

Olympia Theatre Dublin presents Olly, Polly and the Magic Lamp 

December 20 2023 to January 7 2024 

Jump aboard our Magic Carpet and come along for the ride with the Olympia's famous duo, Olly and Polly, who will be joined on stage by the sparkling Genie, and the evil Abanazar. 

Expect hilarious banter and spectacular production.

• Tickets: olympiapanto.ie 

Galway Town Hall Theatre presents Cinderella 

December 29 2023 to January 14 2024 

When the Wicked Witch, Bogzilla, is rejected by King Barney, she transforms him into an ogre and wreaks havoc on his beloved Kingdom. However, all may not be lost. 

With enough trickery and charm from an amazing talkative cat and the good services of the kind Fairy Cakes, watch the characters undertake their fight for justice to restore harmony to their haven and save their King.

• Tickets: THT.ie 

Kilkenny’s Watergate Theatre presents Aladdin 

January 3 to 14 2024, with a relaxed performance on 7 January.

Aladdin’s magical carpet ride through genie-us panto bursting at the seams with hilarious characters, dazzling scenery, costumes and of course all your favourite showstoppers!

• Tickets: watergatetheatre.com

Sleeping Beauty at University Concert Hall, Limerick 

December 21 2023 to January 14 2024 

The pantomime of your dreams is coming back to Limerick this Christmas. 

From the team that brought you last year’s smash hit, sellout show Peter Pan comes this year’s much anticipated University Concert Hall Panto, Sleeping Beauty. 

Come together for a show packed with comedy, music, glitz, glamour and a heroine that thinks nothing of nodding off mid-show (we might need to have a word with her!).

• Tickets: UCH.ie

Wexford Pantomime Society’s Rapunzel and the League of Princesses 

January 17 to 21 2024 

Rapunzel and the League of Princesses is the ultimate girl power story that has never been told before. 

Join heroes Rapunzel, Cinderella and Snow White as they team up to rescue their princes and defeat the evil Gothel whose goal it is to destroy all happy ever afters. 

This laugh-a-minute adventure is awash with great songs, dances and jokes and features a chorus of 110 local children and an all-star Wexford cast.

• Tickets: nationaloperahouse.ie 

Waterford’s Theatre Royal presents Rapunzel 

December 7 to December 30 2023 

Waterford Panto Society wants you to let your hair down this December for the Tangled tale of Rapunzel – never before seen in Waterford. 

Once again, the Theatre Royal will become the happiest place to be in Waterford this December. 

You’ll get all the usual up-to-date pop songs, laugh-out-loud comedy, slick choreography, sets by Waterford Spraoi, spectacular sound and lighting and a full live band.

• Tickets: theatreroyal.ie