It's back and better than ever.
University Concert Hall (UCH) Limerick has officially launched the most magical pantomime of them all, Cinderella.
Running from December 15, 2025, to January 11, 2026, the show promises a modern twist on the classic fairy tale.
The production, a collaboration with Specsavers Limerick and producer Robert C Kelly, will bring back some familiar faces while introducing new stars to the stage.
Country music artist Cliona Hagan is set to make her panto debut as the Fairy Godmother. "It was a childhood dream of mine to be a Fairy in a pantomime, and I can't believe it's actually happening! I can't wait to sprinkle some fairy magic."
Via Alan Place
The cast also includes RTÉ Jr star John Sharpson, Limerick's legendary dame Myles Breen, and Voice of Ireland winner Keith Hanley.
Returning favourite Esther Brady will play Cinderella, with newcomers Chris Currid and social media star Stuart Mackey joining the cast.
Stuart Mackey, a proud Limerick native with over 2 million TikTok followers, is stepping into the role of Prince Charming. He shared his excitement about joining the show.
"Getting to take to the boards in the UCH Panto, Limerick's longest running professional Panto, is actually a dream come true. It's like on my bucket list of things to do."
He added that the classic fairy tale will have a distinctly local flavour. "You know there's going to be a lot of Limerick mannerisms in this. Prince Charming this year, he's a bit on the influencer side. He might like his social media and his TikToks. It's going to be some crack, some banter, and the energy is already palpable."
Via Alan Place
In its 14th year, the UCH panto has become a cherished holiday tradition. According to Sinéad Hope, Director of UCH, the production is about more than just entertainment; it's about community.
"Panto has become so embedded in the community, and our Panto For All campaign even widens that access up to so many more."
The Panto For All initiative, a fundraising effort with Specsavers Limerick, provides free panto tickets to children and families from underserved communities in the Midwest region.
The program has already welcomed more than 430 people in 2024 and was recently nominated for a Business to Arts Award.
In addition to accessible ticket pricing, UCH will host a relaxed performance on January 2nd, which will include an Irish Sign Language (ISL) interpreter and subtitles.
Last year, the cast even learned the final chorus of a song in sign language to include all audience members.
"That's just really bringing audiences to the stage and making everyone feel inclusive. It's just fabulous, and we look forward to doing maybe a little bit more, even maybe a full song this year."
Tickets for Cinderella start at €22.50. For more information, visit the UCH website
