Cork Opera House is putting on three very special productions as the famous theatre celebrates its 170th birthday.

The theatre has been a staple of Leeside life since 1855. Even after burning down in its 100th year, the Opera House was swiftly rebuilt in 1963 and has been a cultural hub for Cork ever since.

To celebrate the milestone, there is a year-long schedule of special events. Already, the Opera House has launched its 'Send it home' campaign, where anyone can send in any old photos, tickets, or programmes and share stories of what the theatre means to them.

As part of the big birthday bash, there are three not-to-be-missed shows over the coming months - including an opera performance, a trad night, and a jazz celebration.

On August 24, a special show will bring the building's name to life with an opera version of the classic play Hänsel and Gretel. Cork mezzo-soprano singer Niamh O'Sullivan will play Hänsel, joined on stage by Wexford woman Kelli-Ann Masterson as Gretel. The performers will be accompanied by the Opera House orchestra.

On September 10, there will be an Irish trad show with music by the Bantry festival group, Masters of Tradition. The evening will be curated by the group's artistic director, Martin Hayes, and they promise to have a lot of special guests on the night, such as piano player Cormac McCarthy.

On September 27, there will be a celebration of all things jazz ahead of the big October jazz weekend. It will be a 'high-energy' and 'glamorous' performance by the Paul Dunlea Big Band, recreating previous shows to have graced the Cork stage, such as when American singer Ella Fitzgerald sang there back in 1980.

There are a number of other upcoming shows at the Opera House this summer. Cork actress Eileen Walsh will be on stage for 24 hours next Saturday in the play 'The Second Woman.' She will continuously perform the same scene over and over again with 100 different men - who have no acting chops.

Tickets for all of the shows are selling fast, and anyone interested is encouraged to get them while they can from the Opera House's website.