ABOUT THE EVENT
Christmas in Waterford is set to sparkle brighter than ever as the curtain rises on Jack and the Beanstalk, a glittering new pantomime extravaganza from Pantoland at the SETU Arena. From 17 to 30 December 2025, audiences will be treated to a spectacular mix of comedy, song, dance and festive magic as a star-studded cast take to the stage in a show that promises to be the highlight of the holiday season in the South East.
At the heart of the cast is Waterford’s own Richie Hayes, who brings a quarter-century of pantomime and stage artistry home in what is both a personal and professional milestone. After acclaimed seasons at the Gaiety Theatre in Dublin and the University Concert Hall in Limerick, Richie is finally fulfilling a lifelong ambition by leading a major pantomime in his native city. For him, this show is more than a performance—it is a homecoming, a chance to share the sparkle of his panto magic with local audiences who have supported his journey since childhood. He describes bringing the magic of Jack and the Beanstalk to Waterford as a dream come true, marking the culmination of years on the national stage and now returning to where it all began.
Danny O’Carroll, beloved across Ireland and beyond as the cheeky and warm-hearted Buster Brady from the global comedy phenomenon Mrs Brown’s Boys, joins the company as the uproarious Dame Mother Hen. O’Carroll, who captured the nation’s heart earlier this year as a finalist on Dancing with the Stars, is no stranger to making audiences laugh, and his larger-than-life humour is set to light up the SETU Arena. Known for his quick wit, boundless energy and natural connection with family audiences, Danny brings a star quality that promises to make this production a must-see. His turn as the Dame will be a riot of fun, laughter and outrageous costumes, ensuring that children and parents alike will be in stitches from start to finish. In the title role of Jack, Evan O’Hanlon brings his rich background in pantomime and international performances to his hometown stage, while Sharon Clancy steps into the villainous shoes of the evil Baroness Felicia. Clancy’s storied career spans leading roles in London’s West End—including Mamma Mia!, Grease and Tonight’s the Night—as well as screen appearances and her own jazz trio and stage academy work in Wexford. Holly Ryan returns as the enchanting Magical Fairy, bringing both local roots and a wealth of theatre experience to the production, and Jamie Drohan, beloved as Waterford’s Winterval Train Driver, makes his pantomime debut as the affable and comical Mayor of Deiseville. Completing the ensemble, 19-year-old musical theatre student Alex Kavanagh makes her professional debut as Jill
This festive offering promises to whisk audiences up the beanstalk into Deiseville, where magic beans, towering beanstalks and a larger-than-life giant await to enchant families and theatre-goers alike. With laughter, heartwarming performances and a timeless battle of good versus evil, this pantomime stands as the South East’s premier seasonal spectacle.
Danny O Carroll
Danny O Carroll is best known for his portrayal of Buster in the hit TV show Mrs Browns Boys. Most recently he was a finalist on RTE's Dancing with the Stars. But now Danny is making the move to the world of Pantomime. Danny will play our Dame Mother Hen. We are delighted to have Danny on Board and look forward to the fun times ahead on stage.
Richie Hayes
Richie Hayes is a highly experienced entertainer with over twenty-six years of experience in TV, Theatre, and Pantomime in Ireland. He is widely recognized and beloved for his appearances on popular TV shows such as Mrs Browns Boys Christmas Special as
'Jake', The Voice of Ireland, Celebrity Bainisteior, and
The Beo Show. In addition to his TV work, Richie annually tours America with his Variety Show and has been a prominent figure in the world-famous Jury's Irish Cabaret, performing in tours across America and Canada. He has also showcased his talent on cruise ships around the world.
Richie's impressive career includes a multitude of performances in
Musicals and Pantomimes, spanning over 24 years at prestigious venues such as The Gaiety Theatre, University Concert Hall in Limerick, and Dublin.
Evan O'Hanlon
Evan is no stranger to the world of Pantomime and is delighted to be part of the team bringing the first professional pantomime to the South East especially in his hometown of Waterford.
Some credits include:
TV& Film: The Album (Short Film), Disenchanted (Disney Plus), ‘Epic’ Pilot Series (Disney Plus), Mr Malcolm’s List (Universal Pictures), BGT The Champions ( ITV Wembley Arena ) Brit Awards - PINK BackUp Dancer - (O2 Arena London), Centenary (RTE 1 Bórd Gais) and Moone Boy (Sky1 HD).
Theatre Credits: Alice In Wonderland (UAE Tour) Madhatters Circus (UK Tour), The Wave (European Tour)
Pantomime Credits: Sleeping Beauty (UCH Limerick ), Peter Pan ( UCH Limerick) Jim Hawkins (Treasure Island- Dubai) Buttons ( Cinderella Abu Dhabi) Ensemble/DC/ Wishee Washee (Aladdin UCH Limerick)
Ensemble and Dance Captain for UCH Limerick Pantomime for 5 years previous & Dancer in the Olympia Theatre Pantomime for 7 years.
Trained: Bird College UK
Sharon Clancy
We’re thrilled to welcome Sharon Clancy to the cast of Jack and the Beanstalk playing the role of the Evil baroness Fleshcreep! A Wexford native, Sharon’s career has taken her from the Theatre Royal in Waterford to 13 years as a leading lady in London’s West End, with credits including Mamma Mia!, Grease, Tonight’s the Night, and Million Dollar Quartet. She’s also known for her award-winning performance as Jane in The Witches of Eastwick (WLOS), her appearances on EastEnders and Doctors, and her work as a TV presenter and voiceover artist. Sharon fronts her own jazz trio, models for La Crème Boutique, and runs the Superstars Stage Academy in Wexford, where she writes and directs large-scale youth productions at the National Opera House. We’re delighted to have her join this production! Go to www.pantoland.net 🧚
Holly Ryan
Waterford performer Holly Ryan as the magical fairy. Holly is no stranger to the Waterford stages where she started her career. London based for many years, we are delighted to have Holly back home working where it all started for her.
Jamie Drohan
Jamie Drohan is a larger than life character. From Waterford city and became a well known and regonizable character as The Train Driver on The Winterval Mini Express. This year Jamie is trading in the railway for the bright lights of Pantomime. He can wait to bring the madcap antics to the stage as the mayor of Deiseville.
Alex Kavanagh
Alex is a 19 year old student in her first year studying musical theatre in the cork school of music , in which she also received a scholarship for most points achieved in an entrance assessment.
Alex has been performing in Waterford her whole life . Starting in the Vicki graham stage school in Tramore from the age of 3 to then going onto the David Hennessy stage school at 13 and continuing there till she was 18.
Alex then went on to perform in her first adult amateur production with none other than David hennessy musical and dramatic society to play Carole king in beautiful the Carole king musical in which she was nominated for the aims award that year for “best female singer”
She also most recently played “Ilse neuwmen” in Spring awakening with North Wexford musical society which won “Best ensemble “ at aims this year.
Alex is absolutely thrilled and excited to be making her professional debut in her hometown Waterford!!
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