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09 Feb 2026
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09 Feb 2026
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UNIVERSITY Concert Hall (UCH) Limerick has officially launched this year’s Christmas panto, Mother Goose.
Cast, sponsors, and press gathered for a special event held in the Savoy Hotel, Limerick city, to mark the launch of the “Quacktastic” production.
The star-studded cast includes dynamic duo Myles Breen and Richie Hayes as Mother Goose and Gussie Goose, respectively, and John Sharpson as The Mayor.
Evan O’Hanlon and Esther Brady will be reprising their roles as the prince and princess characters of the panto as Jack and Jill.
New to the UCH Limerick Panto this year are Faye Shortt as the Fairy Godmother, and Keith Hanley as the ‘baddie’, Demon Vanity.
Joining the cast on stage will be the uber-talented children’s chorus, dancers, and of course, the Goose itself.
Councillor Shane Hickey-O’Mara, deputising for Mayor John Moran at the event, said, “Today is an exciting day for our city as we launch UCH’s 12th professional panto, Mother Goose”.
“Pantos have a very special place in the hearts of Limerick people and for many, particularly young people, they offer a first introduction to the world of theatre,” he continued.
READ MORE: Casting company seeking actors in Limerick to feature in new movie
Cllr Hickey-O’Mara added: “I’m a firm believer in the phrase ‘you have to see it, to be it’ and seeing artists such as Myles Breen and Richie Hayes alongside the rest of the talented cast and crew up there on the UCH stage, doing what they do best, will doubtless inspire the next generation of artists to follow in their footsteps”.
Representatives for Specsavers, the sponsors of this year’s panto, and the University Concert Hall also made speeches at the event, particularly focusing on the new Panto For All campaign, launched this year.
The initiative aims to offer children and families from Limerick and surrounding areas the chance to attend the production for free.
Any registered charity, organisation, or group working with disadvantaged families within the Mid-West region can apply for free tickets as part of the campaign.
The public can support the initiative by adding a donation to their order when purchasing tickets. For every ticket donated, UCH and Specsavers will match it.
Performances will run from Thursday, December 19 to Sunday, January 12.
Tickets on sale at www.uch.ie.
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