Oh, yes he is! Kilkenny man to star as the Prince in Snow White in Waterford Panto
Evan O'Hanlon, from Kilmacow, returns to the SETU Arena stage as the Prince in Snow White, a production that showcases many local performers this Christmas
A Kilkenny man will take centre stage in the Waterford’s Arena Panto’s Snow White this Christmas, with Evan O’Hanlon joined by performers Alex Kavanagh, Holly Ryan and Richie Hayes.
For Kilmacow performer Evan, this Christmas brings a particularly special return to the SETU Arena stage. More than two decades after first discovering his love of performing at just six years old in the Richie Hayes Stage School, Evan returns to Richie’s spectacular Arena Panto as the Prince in Snow White.
It is a remarkable journey that has taken him from a young student in Kilmacow to a career spanning television, theatre, pantomime and choreography. Now, as he prepares to take to the stage once again, Evan is also following in the footsteps of his mentor with the launch of his own performing arts academy in Waterford, dedicated to nurturing the next generation of performers.
For Richie Hayes, who first encouraged Evan’s theatrical ambitions, seeing his former student return as a leading performer while establishing his own academy is a particularly proud moment.
“I’m absolutely delighted and incredibly proud of Evan. I remember him coming into my stage school as a little six-year-old with such enthusiasm and a love of performing. To see the performer, choreographer and director he has become is wonderful, and to see him now establishing his own performing arts academy and giving young people the same opportunities he had is something very special,” he said.
“Evan has worked incredibly hard throughout his career, and I’m delighted to have him back with us at the Arena Panto again this Christmas. He is a fantastic talent, and I know audiences are going to love seeing him as the Prince in Snow White. It’s also wonderful to have so many Waterford performers involved in this year’s production. We have a wealth of talent here, and the Arena Panto is a fantastic platform for showcasing it.”
Evan says: “It’s incredibly special to be returning to the Arena Panto as the Prince in Snow White. Richie was the person who first introduced me to the world of performing when I was just six years old, so to be back working alongside him again and launching my own stage school two decades later is a real full-circle moment. I’m so grateful for the encouragement and opportunities he gave me, and it’s wonderful to now be able to pass that on through my own performing arts academy.
“Launching Evan’s Performing Arts Academy in Waterford is something I’m hugely passionate about. I want to create a space where young people can build their confidence, develop their talents and experience the joy of performing. Waterford has so much talent, and I’m delighted to be part of a production that showcases so many fantastic local performers this Christmas.”
Growing up in Kilmacow and attending De La Salle College in Waterford, Evan was immersed in theatre, music and performance from childhood. His early appearances included school productions such as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, where he played one of the brothers, before progressing to television, theatre and pantomime. His early screen credits include playing Paulie in the much-loved television series Moone Boy. He also appeared on The Late Late Toy Show four times and performed alongside Jedward in the Olympia pantomimes.
In 2012, Evan supported Richie Hayes during his journey to the final of The Voice of Ireland, where Richie finished in second place. Their longstanding connection has continued throughout Evan’s career, with Richie remaining an important influence as he has developed as a performer, choreographer and director.
Evan brings extensive professional experience to the Arena Panto, having performed in pantomimes at Dublin’s Olympia Theatre for seven years and at University Concert Hall, Limerick, for eight years. His wider credits include Disney performances, Disenchanted, Dancing for Pink at the O2 Arena and an appearance on Britain’s Got Talent: The Champions at Wembley Arena.
After starring as Jack and choreographing last year’s Arena Panto, Evan returns this year as the Prince in Snow White, while once again bringing his choreographic talents to the production. He has also recently directed Tramore Community Theatre Group’s production of We Will Rock You at Theatre Royal Waterford, which received critical acclaim. His latest venture, Evan’s Performing Arts Academy, based at SETU West Campus, will welcome young people aged 8–18, offering training in acting, singing and dance. The academy aims to provide a supportive and creative environment where young people can develop their skills, build confidence and discover their own love of performing.
This Christmas, the Arena Panto will provide a particularly special platform for Waterford talent, with fellow local performers Alex Kavanagh and Holly Ryan also joining the cast of Snow White. Richie Hayes himself returns as the Man in the Mirror, bringing his trademark theatrical flair to the production. They will be joined by an acclaimed cast including Irish country music star Cliona Hagan as the wicked Queen Dragonella and Michael Sands as Dame Nanny Nora.
Snow White promises all the magic, music, laughter and spectacular entertainment audiences have come to expect from the Arena Panto, with a huge ensemble of performers bringing the festive production to life. The show runs at SETU Arena, Waterford, from December 12 to 30, 2026, with matinee and evening performances throughout the festive season. Tickets are available now at www.pantoland.net.