It’s been a difficult year for Cork’s theatre community.

Just like in all other parts of life, however, the show must go on.

In October, following six months of closure, The Everyman launched Play It by Ear, a programme of live performance from The Everyman stage, made available through live audio broadcast with a mix of rehearsed readings and comedy.

Now they’re taking the next step to video streamed live performance, with a December programme of Christmas shows available to enjoy whenever the mood takes you over the festive period.

“After one of the most difficult periods in the theatre’s history, we were somewhat nervous when we launched our series of audio dramas, back in October but we have been overwhelmed by the response from audiences.” said CEO of The Everyman, Seán Kelly.

“This has given us the confidence to widen our range of offerings this Christmas by presenting video streaming for the first time. We are so grateful to all of the magnificent artists who’ve worked with us since October as well, of course, as our wonderful team who worked tirelessly under unprecedented circumstances bring this us to this point.”

Here’s what’s coming up in the next two weeks:

The Everyman Christmas Songbook: Happy Holiday: Christmas with Andy Williams 
Date: Streamed from 7.30pm, Monday, December 14th until midnight, Thursday, December 31st. Tickets: €15 

Join the joyful Christmas Songbook team for Happy Holiday: Christmas with Andy Williams as part of The Everyman’s video streamed programme of Christmas shows from The Everyman stage.

Andy Williams was always known as Mister Christmas (he recorded more Christmas albums than any other artist) and this show will bring you back to the warmth of a genuine family celebration, to the carols and the songs of childhood, and the heart-warming melodies of a traditional Christmas.

Live from The Everyman stage: John Spillane and Friends
Date: 8pm, Sunday, December 20th, 2020. Tickets: €15 

John Spillane and Friends will be video streamed live from The Everyman stage with a special cast of ‘mystery’ guests.

This will be John Spillane’s 22nd year in a row playing on the Sunday before Christmas in his hometown of Cork. Audiences are sure to be watching and listening from all over Cork and beyond.

The Everyman and CADA Present: A Cork Christmas Carol
Date: 7.30pm, Tuesday, December 22nd, 2020. Tickets: €12

The greatest Christmas classic of them all, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens has been adapted by Catherine Mahon-Buckley for live audio broadcast as part of the Everyman’s Play it by Ear programme.

“This Christmas, come together with your household, or online, with friends and family, far or near, to take part in the music and merriment of this uplifting story, joyously adapted with a very Cork flavour!” says the team.

A Cork Christmas Carol is suitable for the whole family.

The Everyman and CADA present Once Upon a Time with The Everyman Panto Stars
Date: Available from 9am, Wednesday, December 23rd to midnight Sunday, January 31st, 2021. Tickets: €12 each/bundle of four shows: €36 

Once Upon a Time with The Everyman Panto Stars will be pre-recorded live from The Everyman stage and will be available to view as part of The Everyman’s digital programme of live performance.

Join the colourful The Everyman panto characters as they read the most popular and well-loved fairytales and panto favourites. Each show will include music, banter, catchphrases, and lots of fun and laughter, and one classic fairytale including Cinderella, Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk and Beauty and the Beast. Look out for the catchy TikTok dance in each episode.

Tickets for all shows can be booked via everymancork.com.