Fun all the way - panto time arrives on Leeside

Last night saw the opening of the big Christmas pantomime at the Opera House, with all the splendour, glitter, special effects and laughter you have come to expect from Trevor Ryan and Frank Mackey.

Whether you’re young or just young at heart, this timeless tale of Cinderella is bound to captivate. So, polish your pumpkin and gather your mice – for a panto experience like no other.

Performances are at different times of the day and evening throughout the run to January 19, with the earlier shows much in demand. Don’t forget the special relaxed performance on December 11 at 4pm. Tickets for this must be booked in person, either at the box office or on 021 427 0022.

For all other performances, you can also book online at www.corkoperahouse.ie.

The Everyman has announced a real coup in theatrical for next year: a thrilling new adaptation of Paula Hawkins’ international bestseller, The Girl On The Train, starring Irish media personality and model, Laura Whitmore. The actual date is next August – the 19th to the 23rd – but such is the demand likely to be that tickets are already on sale, and aren’t likely to last long. If you loved the book, then don’t miss the gripping stage version!

In the meantime, Red Riding Hood opens at Everyman this Saturday, directed by the great Catherine Mahon-Buckley with all her usual energy and flair.

Since they are frequently doing two performances a day, the performers have to take a break at least once a week, and that’s when the indefatigable theatre shoehorns in other interesting shows – like Ed Byrne this coming Sunday, December 1, in Tragedy Plus Time. The title comes from Mark Twain, incidentally, who described humour in just those words, and Ed tests that formula by mining the most tragic events in his life for laughs. 8pm start.

The following Sunday, December 8, it’s the Songbook team with The Ultimate Christmas Show, inviting you to sing along to all the best-loved seasonal hits with Linda Kenny, Damian Smith, and Alan Carney. Evelyn Grant will be there too, as guest narrator!

Note that’s a 7.30pm start. See www.everymancork.com or call 021 450 1673.

The Cork Shakespearean Company (aka The Loft) are in at the Cork Arts Theatre from tonight until Saturday, with that most magical of the Bard’s plays, Twelfth Night, in which a girl disguises herself as a man to be near the count she adores, only to be pursued by the woman he loves… A pompous steward and a witty jester further confuse the plot. Great stuff for the season from this legendary company. www.corkartstheatre.com or 021 450 5624.

That traditional introduction to the festive season, the Lord Mayor’s Gala Christmas Concert (now in its 62nd year!) is coming up at the City Hall on Saturday December 7.

Majella Cullagh, Stephanie Rainey, Lady Fi and Kevin Walsh will be ed by the Cork Concert Orchestra, Pakie O’ Callaghan, Montforts Youth Choir, Choral Con Fusion, Kylana Choir, Citadel, and the Joan Denise Moriarty School of Dance.

This year, proceeds will to Cork Penny Dinners, Inclusive Dance Cork, and Balance Summer Camp, making it the perfect event to get into the festive spirit while fostering the spirit of giving at this time of the year. You can get your tickets through the good offices of Everyman on 021 450 1673.

East Cork Choral Society is presenting Handel’s Messiah at St Peter & Paul’s church on Carey’s Lane this Saturday. A magnificent experience in splendid surroundings. Tickets from Pro Musica, Choral Society , by phoning 087 419 1614, and at the door.

Finally, another chance to see that witty comedy Grandad Don’t Like The British, at Glen Theatre in Banteer this Sunday, while the following Sunday Fiona Kennedy is there. All shows 8pm start – booking on 029 56239.