The Helix Panto Is Back And Neverland Looks Absolutely Magical
If you’ve been quietly dreading the point in late November when you’ll need to come up with something genuinely fun for the kids — and not just “let’s watch something on the telly again” fun — The Helix has just solved your problem. The Dublin venue has revealed the full cast for this year’s Christmas panto, Neverland, and it looks like an absolute cracker.
Running from Friday, 20th November 2026 to Sunday, 10th January 2027, the show is produced by TheatreworX Productions and promises pirates, fairies, laughter and enough festive mayhem to keep everyone from the small people in your life to the grandparents very happily entertained. Tickets are on sale now from www.thehelix.ie and The Helix Box Office, priced from €33 to €45 plus booking fee.
A cast worth getting excited about
The big news this year is that Irish actress and social media star Katie-Rose Weir will be taking on the role of Tinkerbell. She’s bringing her own spark — and presumably some glitter — to the part, joining a lineup of returning Helix Panto favourites that fans of the annual show will be very glad to see back.
Rachel Gaughan steps into the role of Wendy, while the brilliant Brian Dalton returns as Buddy and the always-entertaining Chris Corroon is back as the outrageous Dame Lola. Aidan Mannion returns as Laurel, Michael Kiersey will play the dastardly Captain Hook, and James Deegan is back as Kevin the gnome. It’s a strong ensemble and the kind of show that genuinely delivers on the panto promise: big laughs, spectacular costumes and the sort of full-throated audience participation that even the most tired parents tend to get swept up in.
Katie-Rose Weir said she’s thrilled to be joining the production: “I’m so excited to be joining The Helix Panto this Christmas and especially to be playing Tinkerbell in Neverland. Tinkerbell is such a fun, magical character and I can’t wait to bring my own take on her to the stage. Panto is all about big characters, lots of laughs and getting the whole family involved, so I’m really looking forward to sharing that magic with audiences this Christmas.”
A story the whole family will love
Neverland takes The Helix Panto treatment and applies it to the classic world of Peter Pan — which, let’s be honest, is a story that already has everything: adventure, a villain you can hiss at, a fairy you can clap for and a world that children absolutely lose themselves in. The production follows Lola, Buddy, Laurel and a host of new characters on a swashbuckling journey filled with festive fun, song and dance, and plenty of magical mayhem.
Claire Tighe, Creative Director of TheatreworX Productions, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Katie-Rose to the Helix Panto family this year. Katie brings an incredible mix of talent, energy and personality to the role of Tinkerbell, and we know she is going to be a fantastic addition to our cast. Neverland gives us the chance to create a whole new world for audiences this Christmas, filled with adventure, magic, music and all the mayhem our audiences have come to expect from the Helix Panto.”
Supporting Make-A-Wish Ireland this Christmas
There’s a lovely element to this year’s production beyond the fun of the show itself. The Helix Panto has partnered with Make-A-Wish Ireland as its charity partner for Neverland, with a series of fundraising and awareness initiatives running throughout the production’s run.
Audiences can also enter the Helix Ultimate Panto Experience competition by donating to Make-A-Wish Ireland via iDonate, with the chance to win an unforgettable experience for 2027 that includes an overnight stay at the four-star Bonnington Hotel and a meet-and-greet with the cast.
Susan O’Dwyer, CEO of Make-A-Wish Ireland, said: “The magic, imagination and joy that panto brings to families at Christmas reflects so much of what we strive to create through every wish we grant. This partnership will help raise vital awareness and funds to support children living with critical illnesses across Ireland.”
Tickets for Neverland at The Helix are priced from €33 to €45 plus booking fee and are on sale now. The run begins on 20th November 2026 and continues until 10th January 2027. You can book and find out more at www.thehelix.ie or by calling 01 700 7000.