Cork Opera House Extends Summer Run of The Sound of Music to August 23

Cork Opera House has announced that its wildly popular summer production of The Sound of Music will run until 23 August, adding a full week of performances after the original schedule ended on 23 July. Tickets for the extra shows are now on sale.

The production, which opened on 23 July, stars acclaimed soprano Wendy Carr as Maria and West End performer Matt Blaker as Captain von Trapp. Carr, a Brit Award‑nominated singer who has graced major opera houses across Europe, and Blaker, best known for The Phantom of the Opera and The Crown, bring a mix of international prestige and theatrical experience to the stage. A local ensemble of Irish singers and musicians supports the cast, creating a blend of global and regional talent.

To broaden accessibility, Cork Opera House has scheduled two special dates. A relaxed performance will take place on 18 August in partnership with The Rainbow Club, a local charity that supports people with sensory sensitivities. An Irish Sign Language (ISL) interpreted performance is scheduled for 8 August, ensuring that the musical is available to the deaf and hard‑of‑hearing community.

"We’re thrilled to add another week to the run. The phenomenal demand for tickets is a testament to the support there is for Cork Opera House’s in‑house productions," said CEO Eibhlín Gleeson. "This is an enormous show that brings the best of local and international talent to our stage, and we’re delighted to extend the run so that as many people as possible can experience it."

The decision to extend the run follows a record‑breaking ticket‑sale period. Since the announcement of the cast in late March, the show has sold out all scheduled performances, prompting the venue to add the additional dates. The extension reflects a broader trend in Irish theatre, where audiences are increasingly demanding high‑quality, locally produced musical productions.

Founded in 1855 and rebuilt after a 1955 fire, Cork Opera House has long been a cultural hub for the city. Its 1,000‑seat auditorium hosts opera, drama, comedy and musical theatre. The Sound of Music, a 1959 Broadway hit that has been staged worldwide, has a legacy of popular appeal and strong box‑office performance.

The inclusion of ISL interpretation and a relaxed performance demonstrates the venue’s commitment to inclusivity, aligning with national initiatives that encourage accessibility in the arts. The partnership with The Rainbow Club also highlights a growing collaboration between cultural institutions and community organisations to broaden audience reach.

Tickets for the extended run are available through the Cork Opera House website and authorized ticket sellers. The venue’s decision to add a week of performances underscores the sustained interest in live musical theatre in Ireland and signals that well‑executed, high‑profile productions continue to draw large audiences.

The extended run will conclude on 23 August, after which the venue will prepare for its next summer season. The decision to keep the show running longer is a clear indicator of the strong demand for live musical experiences in Cork and the wider Irish theatre market.