Panto Society to move to the National Opera House for 2021

EVERY January since 1968 the Wexford Pantomime Society (WPS) has enchanted audiences at the Dun Mhuire Theatre with its annual panto. With this year’s production of ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ an almost sell-out show, entertaining an audience of over 4,500 over eight performances, this was the society’s biggest show and audience to date.

But now, with the Dun Mhuire set to be sold, the WPS has revealed its new home for 2021 – the National Opera House.

‘We have been both privileged and honoured to call the Dun Mhuire our rehearsal space, performance venue and, most importantly, our home,’ said Clara McDonald of the WPS.

‘Sadly, due to the upcoming sale of the theatre, ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ was our last performance on that Dun Mhuire stage that we have come to love so much over the years.

‘However, we will continue to brighten the cold and dreary Januarys of the future in our new home – the National Opera House,’ she confirmed.

Aside from affordable, family-friendly entertainment, the WPS has also provided young performers with their first theatrical experience, giving many a lifetime appetite for the arts and, for some, a stepping stone into establishing long and successful careers both on and off the stage.

And Clara said they will continue to nurture the county’s best and brightest young performers in the coming years.

The WPS panto for 2021 will be ‘Aladdin’, with auditions expected to begin in the summer of this year.

Alan Fitzhenry, Clara McDonald, Thomas O’Leary, Lee Hynes, Kellie Anne Maguire and Mick Farrell promote next year’s Wexford Pantomime Society panto, ‘Aladdin’, which will take place in the National Opera House.