University Concert Hall Limerick is proud to present this year’s panto ‘Jack and the beanstalk’

LIMERICK’S panto season starts up again this year with Specsavers’ Jack and the Beanstalk at University Concert Hall Limerick.

Produced by Robert C Kelly, the performances will star “Panto Dame and Limerick legend” Myles Breen as Dame Trot, mother of Jack and his “useless” brother Seamus, who is played by TV personality John Sharpson.

Speaking to Limerick Live at the launch, Myles Breen said to expect “lots of really good songs, lots of amazing dancers, a very very scary giant and also a horrible baddie!.”

Singer-songwriter Tolü Makay will make her panto debut playing the Fairy.

She told Limerick Live that she is “very, very excited”.

“Nerves are natural but with the help of the cast and the director I’m in great hands,” she added.

Director of UCH, Sinéad Hope, said: “We're delighted to welcome Tolü to the UCH family. She is one of Ireland's most exciting performers and we know audiences are going to fall in love with her as our magical Fairy. To have Tolü making her pantomime debut with us makes this year's production even more special.”

UCH originally performed Jack and the beanstalk in 2020, during the pandemic, with audiences watching from home.

"It’s safe to say we’re extra excited this year to be able to welcome everyone to enjoy the adventures of Jack and friends with us in person.” Sinéad Hope added.

Voice of Ireland star Keith Hanley returns to the UCH stage as Evil O'Reilly.

As the Giant's right-hand man, he plans on “causing complete chaos”.

He adores being the bad guy, he explained: “I just love playing the villian, I just absolutely adore it. Even as a young fella seeing a panto, the one character I always aspired to was the villian. “

“I just think they just have fun,” he added.

Chris Currid also returns as Pat the Cow, who's only interested in lighting up the UCH stage rather than producing milk for her poor family.

Cian O'Riain returns in the titular role of Jack, while Caoileann Faith joins the cast as Jill.

Councillor Joe Pond said at the launch: “This years cast brings together an exciting mix of local and national talent. I want to wish all the cast and everyone involved the best of luck.”

“I hope audiences of all ages will come along, cheer for their heroes, boo the villains and enjoy everything this wonderful production has to offer.” he added.

Retail director of Specsavers, Limerick Sinead Clohessy had this to say: “We got a magnificent achievement last week, Specsavers and UCH were awarded a Business to Arts Award and that’s quite a prestigious award in the arts community because we were awarded for spreading the arts out into the community.”

"What we really want is for the people in Limerick to enjoy it.” she added.

Sinéad Hope finished: “We are delighted to continue offering our relaxed performances, alongside captioned and ISL interpreted shows, so that as many people as possible in our community can enjoy the fun, excitement and the magic of panto.

The University Concert Hall presents Jack and the beanstalk from Monday, December 14, 2026 until Sunday, January 10, 2027.