The beanstalk has officially been climbed, and Christmas has landed in Waterford as Jack and the Beanstalk, the brand new Southeast pantomime, burst onto the stage at the SETU Arena on Friday night, December 19, to a packed, full-house audience of 600 and a standing ovation to close the show.
From the moment the curtain rose, the atmosphere inside the arena crackled with excitement as families, friends, and festive fans of all ages came together to celebrate the opening night of what is already shaping up to be one of Waterford’s biggest Christmas success stories. Laughter, cheers, singalongs and plenty of “he’s behind you” echoed around the venue as the Southeast’s newest panto began its run in spectacular style.
Leading the charge is a star-studded cast headed by national favourite Danny O’Carroll, who makes his pantomime debut as the outrageously funny Dame Mother Hen. Known and loved for his role as Buster Brady in Mrs Brown’s Boys, Danny had the audience eating out of his hand with quick-fire comedy, playful improvisation and larger-than-life antics that delighted children and adults alike.
At the heart of the production is Waterford’s own Richie Hayes, panto creator and stage star, who returned home to huge cheers on opening night. Speaking after the show, Richie said: “To see a full house in the SETU Arena on opening night, with families laughing, singing and having the time of their lives, is something I’ll never forget. This panto was created for the Southeast, and the reaction tonight shows just how much love there is for live theatre at Christmas. I couldn’t be prouder of this cast, this crew and this city.”
The cast is completed by a wealth of standout talent, with Evan O’Hanlon leading the adventure in the title role of Jack, bringing his international experience from theatre, television and film back to his native Waterford, including credits with Disney+, Universal Pictures and major pantomimes in Dublin, Limerick and Dubai. Waterford’s own Holly Ryan returns home to enchant audiences as the Magical Fairy, drawing on her extensive London theatre career as a performer, teacher and choreographer, while Jamie Drohan, well known to families from his role as the Winterval Mini Express Train Driver, makes his pantomime debut as the warm-hearted Mayor of Deiseville. Making her professional debut is 19-year-old Alex Kavanagh as Jill, a scholarship-winning musical theatre student whose award-winning performances across Waterford and Wexford have already marked her as a rising star. Completing the line-up, Wexford-born Sharon Clancy brings a commanding presence and theatrical flair to the role of the wicked Baroness Felicia, adding West End polish and deliciously villainous energy to this festive favourite. A company of 45 young performers from local youth theatre groups adds even more sparkle, showcasing the next generation of stage stars from the South East.
The opening night audience was treated to a high-energy festive adventure packed with colourful sets, dazzling costumes, toe-tapping musical numbers and all the magic audiences expect from a classic panto, with a modern twist. Towering beanstalks, a fearsome giant, a mischievous villain and plenty of local jokes ensured the laughs came thick and fast from start to finish.
Jack and the Beanstalk runs at the SETU Arena until December 30th, with matinee and evening performances throughout the Christmas period. With early performances already sold out, only limited tickets remain available.
This brand new Southeast panto has well and truly arrived, and if opening night is anything to go by, Jack and the Beanstalk is set to be the must-see family event of Christmas 2025 in Waterford. Jack and the Beanstalk runs at SETU Arena, Waterford, until December 30th. Tickets are available now at www.pantoland.net
