<img src='' title='Event Category: Children & Family' alt='' id='templ_icon_' width='' height='' /> Event Category: Children & Family

Cork Opera House presents Hänsel und Gretel

As part of its 170th Anniversary, Cork Opera House presents Hänsel und Gretel—A Magical Opera Adventure for All Ages.

Performed by members of the Cara O’Sullivan Associate Artists programme – with Cork mezzo-soprano Niamh O’Sullivan (Hänsel) and Wexford soprano Kelli-Ann Masterson (Gretel) in the title roles of this fairy tale opera. They are joined by Rory Dunne, Bríd Ní Ghruagáin and Emma Nash, alongside the Cork Opera House Concert Orchestra conducted by Elaine Kelly.

Directed by Davey Kelleher, this semi-staged performance is sung in German with English surtitles.

A cottage all made of chocolate cream.

The roof is all covered with Turkish delight,

the windows with lustre of sugar are white;

and on all the gables the raisins invite, and think,

all around is a gingerbread hedge!

The adventure starts with a jug of spilled cream, and two children on a repentant search for a basket full of strawberries. Into a world of woodlands and sprites, a peculiar witch in a house made of biscuits tries to tempt our two heroes, Hänsel and Gretel, whose bravery sees them rescue the Gingerbread Children. One of the greatest operas ever composed about children, Engelbert Humperdinck’s Hänsel und Gretel is full of music that is sweet and beguiling, combining childlike simplicity with heart-aching beauty.

Running time is 2 hours including one 20-minute interval.

Sung in German with English surtitles.

SPECIAL EFFECTS: This production may contain Strobe Lighting, Flashing Lights, Smoke and Haze.

AGE GUIDANCE: This opera is suitable for children aged 9+. Under 16’s must be accompanied by and seated next to a parent/guardian aged 18+.

*Performance schedule and times are subject to change and may be affected by illness or events beyond the producers’ or venues’ control. Performers, dates, times, prices, and fees are subject to change without notice.

Cruinniú na nÓg 2025

Ringo: Music Bingo – the world’s best Music-Intro and Comedy based Game (Not Quiz) returns to Cork Opera House. It’s a simple game where Ronan plays the intros to songs and if it’s on your sheet, you mark it off. There are fun prizes to win and fun to be had for everyone.

This session will be a Cork Opera House special with a lot of songs that have been featured in recent Pantos, Summer Shows and Proms Concerts – such as Song from Wicked, The Greatest Showman and The Sound of Music, Irish classics like Sinéad O’Connor and The Cranberries to brilliant Pop songs by The Beatles, Harry Styles, Beyonce and Taylor Swift.

Peppa Pigs Big Family Show

Based on the much-loved animated preschool TV series, Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show! is packed full of music, adventure and surprises for little ones as Peppa’s family prepares for the arrival of a new baby.

With a new arrival on the way the whole family is busy getting ready. With building and decorating work to be done, it’s an oinktastic makeover, and Peppa Pig, Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig & George all need your help to get everything ready before the big day. There’s so much to do – will they get it all finished in time?

For over 15 years, audiences have been thrilled to see Peppa and friends live on stage in seven hugely popular tours, with over 2.5 million fans joining in the fun and games in the UK alone. Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show! is once again produced by leading children’s theatre team Fierylight. The production will be directed and co-adapted by Richard Lewis who has directed all previous Peppa Live shows.

Join Peppa and Friends on their latest new adventure for preschoolers. It’s the perfect family treat.

SPECIAL EFFECTS: This production contains Strobe Lighting, Flashing Lights, Smoke and Haze.

AGE GUIDANCE: GA

*Performance schedule and times are subject to change and may be affected by illness or events beyond the producers’ or venues’ control. Performers, dates, times, prices, and fees are subject to change without notice.

Dear Zoo

See our characters write to the Zoo. Who will be delivered? A cheeky monkey, a jumpy frog and of course a perfect puppy. Help your children learn as the book leaps onto the stage and share a magical experience as the story unfolds with child-engaging puppets, music and lots of audience interaction.

Rod Campbell is the master of interactive storytelling and an expert in early learning for pre-schoolers. As a trusted household name, his books have stood the test of time and continue to be a staple addition to the family bookshelf and a popular choice for early years’ teachers. The creator of more than 200 books for children, Rod Campbell’s unique ability to be both fun and reassuring encourages children to discover and delight in the world around them. Celebrating 35 years in 2017, the story of a child who writes to the zoo asking them to send a pet continues to delight each new generation of children as they lift the flaps in search of the perfect animal.

Join us to see what the zoo has sent: the perfect pet–in the end!

RUNNING TIME: 55 minutes. No interval.

SPECIAL EFFECTS: This production may contain Strobe Lighting, Flashing Lights, Smoke and Haze.

AGE GUIDANCE: Under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult

*Performance schedule and times are subject to change and may be affected by illness or events beyond the producers’ or venues’ control. Performers, dates, times, prices, and fees are subject to change without notice.

Briery Gap presents All Ireland Second Level Schools Drama and Light Entertainment Competition.

The Briery Gap, Macroom, are once again delighted to stage the All Ireland 2nd level schools festivals at Cork Opera House. The preliminary rounds were held at Mullingar Arts Centre and Briery Gap, Macroom. The finalists are now preparing to perform at the prestigious Cork Opera House, with the Light Entertainment Competition on Monday 24th March  and Transition Year Drama Competition on Tuesday 25th March.

Both days commencing at 11am. Best of luck to all those that have qualified for Grand Finals.

Rhythmic Feet – Incorporating the McCarthy Hegarty School of Irish Dancing

Rhythmic feet are a troupe of Irish dancers who have travelled extensively throughout Europe over the past number of years. We have performed in countries such as France, Spain, Italy and the Czech Republic to name a few. We also perform at various corporate events and weddings, as well as dancing on board some of the world’s largest cruise liners, when they dock in Cork over the summer months.

Our group is formed from the McCarthy Hegarty School of Irish Dancing which is based in Mayfield & Glanmire. The school has been running successfully for 31 years, catering for competitive and non- competitive dancers from beginner right through to World Championship level.

We are honoured yet again to be holding our show in the wonderful surroundings of the Cork Opera House, where we are combining all members of the McCarthy Hegarty School of Irish Dancing with our senior troupe ‘Rhythmic Feet’.

Showtime 2025 – Sinead Sheppard’s School Of Performing Arts

Sinead Sheppard’s School of Performing Arts are delighted to be presenting “SHOWTIME 2025”, the 19th Annual end of year production for the school.

Children from as young as three years and up will take to the stage over two shows to perform a number of Dance styles from Hiphop, Commercial, Acro and Musical Theatre to entertain you in this wonderful production of song and dance.

SHOWTIME is guaranteed to be a fun, and entertaining production showcasing fabulous talent from kids of all ages.

Sweet and Sour – The Tribute to Sabrina Carpenter and Olivia Rodrigo

Get ready for an electrifying night of pop anthems, heartbreak hits, and fierce rival vibes at Sweet and Sour–the ultimate Olivia Rodrigo vs. Sabrina Carpenter tribute show! Featuring a powerhouse live band and dynamic dancers, this show brings every beat and lyric to life, immersing you in the stories, sass, and soul of two of pop’s biggest sensations.

Feel the intensity of Olivia’s raw, emotional ballads like Drivers License and Vampire, and let loose to Sabrina’s unapologetic anthems like Please, Please, Please and Nonsense. With every note and move, our performers channel the sweetness and sting of young love, breakups, and finding your voice. From captivating vocals to striking visuals, Sweet and Sour delivers the ultimate showdown that’ll make you sing, dance, and relive every bittersweet moment.

Whether you’re Team Rodrigo, Team Carpenter, or somewhere in between, this tribute show is an unforgettable experience!

SPECIAL EFFECTS: This production may contain Strobe Lighting, Flashing Lights, Smoke and Haze.

AGE GUIDANCE: Under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult.

*Performance schedule and times are subject to change and may be affected by illness or events beyond the producers’ or venues’ control. Performers, dates, times, prices, and fees are subject to change without notice.

StudioWolfe – Motown Celebration

Get Ready for the Show of the Year!

Ain’t No Mountain High Enough to keep us from announcing our Annual Studio Wolfe Dance Show at the Cork Opera House, with the electrifying theme of Motown!

This unforgettable event will have you dancing in the aisles as we showcase the incredible talents of all our students, from our adorable Preschoolers to our outstanding Teenage students.

Expect a night full of Dancing in the Street, dazzling choreography, and performances that will make you want to say, I Heard It Through the Grapevine—this is a show you won’t want to miss!

The Tracks of My Tears will be real if you miss this!

Cruinniú na nÓg

Ringo: Music Bingo – the world’s best Music-Intro and Comedy based Game (Not Quiz) returns to Cork Opera House. It’s a simple game where Ronan plays the intros to songs and if it’s on your sheet, you mark it off. There are fun prizes to win and fun to be had for everyone.

This session will be a Cork Opera House special with a lot of songs that have been featured in recent Pantos, Summer Shows and Proms Concerts – such as Song from Wicked, The Greatest Showman and The Sound of Music, Irish classics like Sinéad O’Connor and The Cranberries to brilliant Pop songs by The Beatles, Harry Styles, Beyonce and Taylor Swift.