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

In The Night Garden

Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka and friends are back in their fun-filled live show, Igglepiggle’s Busy Day! Join Igglepiggle as he looks for his friends in the Night Garden by following their funny sounds until he finds them all!

You’ll see all your favourite characters beautifully brought to life with full-size costumes, magical puppets, and enchanting music. This show lasts just under an hour and your little ones will be amazed when they see a very special visit from the amazing flying Pinky Ponk.

Now in its 17th year, In the Night Garden Live is one of the UK’s favourite family events. Over 1 million people have seen it so far and it gets 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 14,902 parents’ reviews. There are other shows for young children, but as The Independent wrote, “there’s nothing quite like In the Night Garden Live.

Pip-pip, onk-onk!

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.

The Kiely Walsh Academy of Dance – Celtic Beats

Celtic Beats is a vibrant and uplifting celebration of Irish dance, proudly presented by the Kiely-Walsh Academy, bringing together rhythm, movement and community for a truly special night at the theatre.

This exciting production showcases dancers from the youngest pupils to the Academy’s most senior performers. Celtic Beats is not only a celebration of Irish dance but also of the dedication, growth and achievements of the Kiely-Walsh Academy pupils, whose hard work and passion shine throughout the performance. Rooted in tradition yet brought to life through dynamic choreography and powerful ensemble pieces, the show captures the energy, joy and artistry of Irish dance.

Audiences can expect an evening of precision footwork, expressive movement, striking costumes and moments that reflect the strong sense of community at the heart of the Academy. This is a night of celebration – of dance, teamwork and the young performers who bring Irish dance to life on stage. Celtic Beats promises an unforgettable experience for families, friends and dance lovers alike.

Megaslam Wrestling

This 2 hour entertainment spectacular features the LARGER THAN LIFE superstars of Megaslam take to the ring in a series of epic matches!

Stars from the UK and America all come together to deliver a show full of thrills, spills and drama.

It is Team Megaslam taking on Team Nasty in a series of incredible matches designed to get the little ones off their seats cheering on their favourites – this is one FAMILY SHOW that you do not want to miss!

Millions watch WWE on NETFLIX each week, do not miss your chance to see action LIVE at CORK OPERA HOUSE for one night only!

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.

AUDIO DESCRIPTION: Live audio description (via headphones) is available for the performance. To register please contact Cork Opera House on 021 427 0022 / boxoffice@corkoperahouse.ie (spaces are
limited).

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

Peppa Pig and friends are back in their brand new live stage show!

With a new arrival on the way the whole family are 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 arrival of baby Evie! There’s so much to do – will they get it all finished in time?

Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show is packed full of music, adventure and surprises for little ones and is the perfect introduction to theatre.

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.