Dublin's musical theatre calendar stretches well beyond a single Christmas show. The Bord Gáis Energy Theatre brings large touring productions to Grand Canal Square, while the Gaiety Theatre, 3Olympia Theatre and The Helix add pantomimes and family shows. This guide helps you choose a show and a booking route without having to search each box office separately.
Touring musicals at Bord Gáis Energy Theatre
The theatre's published season starts with Matilda the Musical in September and October 2026, followed by High Society later in October. November brings The Choir of Man and Heathers. Mrs. Doubtfire spans December and the new year. These are separate productions, so check each show's page for its dates and the ticket link.
The 2027 programme includes Singin' in the Rain, Dirty Dancing, Cats, Six, Grease, Chicago, Jersey Boys and Billy Elliot. Some runs are only a few days long. If a show is the main reason for a trip to Dublin, confirm the exact performance on the ticket seller's calendar before arranging transport or accommodation. Our what's on list groups the confirmed runs by start date and lets you filter by month.
Christmas pantomimes
Dublin's panto choices have different locations and atmospheres. Robin Hood at the Gaiety is the city-centre annual panto and starts in November 2026. Cinderella at 3Olympia runs from late December into early January. NEVERLAND at The Helix begins in November and runs into January. They are all family shows, but each venue has its own rules about children's tickets, accompanying adults and accessible performances. Read the venue listing before buying.
The panto hub includes shows outside Dublin as well. It is especially useful if a trip to Cork or Belfast is easier than a trip into the capital. Availability can change quickly around weekends and school holidays, so treat a listed run as a date range, not a guarantee of a seat at every performance.
Choosing a venue and date
Start with travel. Bord Gáis Energy Theatre sits near Grand Canal Dock. The Gaiety is close to St Stephen's Green, while 3Olympia is on Dame Street. The Helix is at Dublin City University in Glasnevin. A map may show similar city distances while the journey home after an evening performance is very different. Check your bus, rail or parking options against the actual finish time on the venue's page.
Next check the show's age guidance and running time. A title known from a film may still have a different stage tone, loud effects or a late finish. Our family guide explains the questions to ask. If you need a relaxed, signed or audio described performance, follow the accessibility information on the official venue site. Do not assume every date in a run has the same access provision.
Finally, compare the whole cost. Ticket fees, travel, parking and a meal can make two similar shows quite different outings. Our listings link to the venue or ticket seller so you can see the current seat map and final price. We do not sell tickets directly. For a quick scan of everything currently confirmed in the city, use the Dublin listings page.
If your preferred performance is sold out, check another date in the same run through the official seller. A midweek show or matinee may have a different selection of seats. Avoid assuming a resale listing represents the original face value. For a group, ask the theatre whether it offers a dedicated booking route, because group terms and accessible seating arrangements can be different from a standard individual order. Keep your ticket confirmation and check the stated arrival time before travelling.