Fee, Fi, Fo, Fum, I smell… Panto Season!!
With a sprinkling of magic beans, a giant beanstalk, a handsome hero named Jack, and a hilarious dame with fabulous pink and yellow hair, panto season has kicked off in style at the Waterfront Studio.
Over 300 guests from local voluntary and community groups were treated to a special Community performance of Jack and the Beanstalk, getting them set for the festive season.
The Community Panto performance brought together guests from groups including the Waterfront’s chosen charity Dementia NI, the Market Development Association, Orchardville, The Music Yard, and Little Heroes, one of this year’s civic charities for Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly.
The Deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Paul Doherty, also joined the audience along with representatives of the charity he founded in the city, Foodstock.
Councillor Doherty said:
Everyone loves panto season and I’m delighted to meet with other charities today and reward their hard work throughout the year, supporting people and communities across Belfast.
"Increasing sustainability, supporting our arts sector and boosting community engagement are all key goals for Waterfront Hall and Ulster Hall going forward, and this community panto performance is a great way to introduce new visitors to these much-loved venues, as well as welcoming back those who haven’t visited for a while."
The Community Pantomime has now become an annual initiative at Waterfront Hall, ensuring more people have the chance to experience the fun of this unique live performance at Christmas.
Rob McConnell, Chief Executive, ICC Belfast, Waterfront Hall & Ulster Hall said:
We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience unforgettable live events in our venues and we love being able to make entertainment inclusive and accessible.
“There is no better way to kick off the festive season than a thoroughly entertaining family panto for all ages and this year’s Jack and the Beanstalk is no exception."
“We are delighted so many kids, family members and volunteers enjoyed the show!”
This sits alongside the Waterfront Hall’s continued programme of accessible pantomime performances, including dementia-friendly, relaxed, and signed showings. It forms part of Waterfront Hall and Ulster Hall’s wider community engagement activity, which includes partnership work with the Ulster Orchestra, a range of social awareness initiatives focused on suicide prevention, mental health, food insecurity, school uniform support, and ongoing fundraising for its charity partner of the year, Dementia NI.
The Waterfront Hall pantomime, by the ever-popular GBL Productions and Martin Lynch, is set to entertain around 25,000 visitors this year, with some shows already sold out. Tickets are available from the Waterfront Hall website: https://www.waterfront.co.uk/what-s-on/jack-the-beanstalk/
