Rise Productions: Irish Theatre Podcast

To close out 2020, it’s a brand new short audio drama from Rise Productions. Commissioned as part of the Arts Council’s COVID-19 Crisis Response Award, “Another Auld Lang Syne” is set on New Year’s Eve, and is written and performed by Aonghus Óg McAnally.

A director of unparalleled skill and vision, Selina Cartmell’s trademark style has been wowing audiences for over 15 years. Here, in our very final episode, she discusses her time at Trinity and Central, the formation of Siren Productions, her mentorship with Julie Taymor, smash hit shows Titus Andronicus and Punk Rock, and her new role as Artistic Director of Dublin’s iconic Gate Theatre. It’s the Rise Productions: Irish Theatre Podcast, Series 2, Episode 52 – Enjoy!

From South Wales to the Abbey Theatre, via the bright lights of Broadway, Neil Murray’s path through the world of theatre has been both eclectic and comprehensive. Here he discusses paying dues as an usher, stage hand, and front of house manager, his time with 7:84 and Glasgow’s renowned Citizens Theatre, running the Tron, his role in the inception of the ground-breaking NTS, and his current position alongside Graham McLaren as Co-Director of Ireland’s National Theatre. It’s the Rise Productions: Irish Theatre Podcast, Series 2, Episode 51 – Enjoy!

An icon and a trailblazer, Garry Hynes is director with a global reputation for excellence. Here, she talks about directing her first play in 5th class, the founding of Druid, the impact of Tom Murphy on the company, her time at the Abbey, becoming the first woman to win the Tony Award for Best Director, and how central the Druid ensemble has been to the work. It’s the Rise Productions: Irish Theatre Podcast, Series 2, Episode 50 – Enjoy!

One of the most exciting directors to appear on the scene in recent years, Ronan Phelan is a breath of fresh air. Here, we talk about school plays in Scoil Mhuire, training at DIT Rathmines, his time on the Seeds programme, being resident Assistant Director at the Abbey, and working Boyz II Men into Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. It’s the Rise Productions: Irish Theatre Podcast, Series 2, Episode 49 – Enjoy!

The biggest name in Independent Pro Wrestling and a Godfather of podcasting, Colt Cabana is a legit global superstar. For our 100th episode, Aonghus sits down with the original inspiration behind this podcast to discuss breaking into the business, life on the road as a freelance performer, the similarities between Theatre and Pro Wrestling, the impact of his own podcast, and his love of the Edinburgh Fringe. It’s the Rise Productions: Irish Theatre Podcast, Series 2, Episode 48 – Enjoy!

A gifted composer and multi-instrumentalist, Tom Lane has shaped much of the soundscape of Irish theatre throughout this decade. Here we talk about his beginnings playing violin as a child, studying music at university and beyond, composing scores for theatre and dance shows, his innovative takes on opera, and his current sell-out production of Hamlet at the Gate Theatre. It’s the Rise Productions: Irish Theatre Podcast, Series 2, Episode 47 – Enjoy!

The physical embodiment of a triple threat, TKB has exploded onto the Irish Theatre scene in the last year. Here we talk about growing up in Dublin’s North inner city, his love of dance, training at both Bull Alley and The Gaiety School, and his prolific career as a playwright. It’s the Rise Productions: Irish Theatre Podcast, Series 2, Episode 46 – Enjoy!

One of the most dynamic producers of his generation, Matt Smyth is a man in demand. Here we chat about his brief teenage stint on Fair City, performing stand up in Edinburgh, his groundbreaking work with Anu and Collapsing Horse, and his new venture programming The Cat Laughs festival. It’s the Rise Productions: Irish Theatre Podcast, Series 2, Episode 45 – Enjoy!

A writer and performer of exceptional talent, Fionnuala Gygax shines brightly as one of the leading lights of her generation. Here she talks about studying Drama at Trinity, turning down the offer to train at the Lir, her big TV break with Eipic for TG4, her groundbreaking piece Hostel 16, and the formation of her new company Chaos Factory. It’s the Rise Productions: Irish Theatre Podcast, Series 2, Episode 44 – Enjoy!

From Shakespeare, to Shaw, to contemporary takes on Synge, Liz FitzGibbon has amassed an enviable acting CV. Here, she chats about studying at Goldsmiths in London before training at the Gaiety, the impact of the global crash on Irish theatre, her love of ensemble work and devising, her background in competitive kickboxing, and her experience with Show in a Bag. It’s the Rise Productions: Irish Theatre Podcast, Series 2, Episode 43 – Enjoy!

An actress of immense skill and talent, Karen Ardiff is one of Ireland's most powerful performers. Here, she chats about making her Abbey debut at 11, touring the world with the English Shakespeare Company, working on contemporary classics like Tarry Flynn at the Abbey, and her recent collaborations with Deirdre Kinahan. It’s the Rise Productions: Irish Theatre Podcast, Series 2, Episode 42 – Enjoy!

A star of stage and screen, Laurence Kinlan is one of the most likeable characters in Irish Theatre. Here he talks about breaking into the business aged 14, filming with the legendary Heath Ledger, the phenomenon that was Love/Hate, his love for pranks in the rehearsal room, and the time he kidnapped his best friend. It’s the Rise Productions: Irish Theatre Podcast, Series 2, Episode 41 – Enjoy!

One of the real heavyweights of Irish theatre, Denis Conway is an actor at the height of his powers. Here we discuss his beginning in school plays, his time teaching in Zimbabwe, coming home to Meridian Theatre Company, his breakthrough with Richard III, his relationship with great Irish writers, and his current run in the West End. It’s the Rise Productions: Irish Theatre Podcast, Series 2, Episode 40 – Enjoy!

One of our very finest directors, the current buzz around Caitríona McLaughlin is both palpable and deserved. Here we talk about her beginnings as a scientist, the move to theatre, her time at the Royal Court and influential summers in New York, and her recent towering achievement with Marina Carr's On Raftery's Hill. It’s the Rise Productions: Irish Theatre Podcast, Series 2, Episode 39 – Enjoy!

One of our most iconic theatre actors, Des Cave has been gracing Irish stages since the early 1960's. Here we talk about performing in Gilbert & Sullivan shows directed by Tomás Mac Anna while still at school, training at the famed Abbey school, joining the Abbey company, his breakout role in Cacoyannis's landmark production of Oedipus, filming Friel's Philadelphia, Here I Come with Donal McCann, and more recent work on the Abbey stage. It’s the Rise Productions: Irish Theatre Podcast, Series 2, Episode 38 – Enjoy!

One of our finest freelance directors, Annabelle Comyn is famous for her rigorous interrogation of text. Here we talk about her competitive streak when it came to school plays, her formative years as an Assistant Director in London, her successes with Hatch Theatre Company and her recent smash hit success Asking For it. It’s the Rise Productions: Irish Theatre Podcast, Series 2, Episode 37 – Enjoy!

As she launches her first festival as Director of Dublin Fringe, we caught up with woman of the moment Ruth McGowan. Here she chats about growing up surrounded by amateur drama in Donegal, studying for a masters in Theatre, her magical year in New York, working with literary greats at the Abbey, and now taking the reigns at Fringe. It’s the Rise Productions: Irish Theatre Podcast, Series 2, Episode 36 – Enjoy!

One of our most prolific performers, Caitríona Ennis consistently creates magic on our stages. Her she talks about the refuge of childhood drama classes with Hilary Cahill, being Auditor of UCD's Dramsoc, her heartbreaking performances with Anu, and the benefits of having her own theatre company. It’s the Rise Productions: Irish Theatre Podcast, Series 2, Episode 35 – Enjoy!

An award-winning writer for both stage and screen, Christian O'Reilly is one of our finest contemporary playwrights. Here he talks about his aspirations to be a professional soccer player, his first forays into writing, the highs and lows of working on big British TV series, and of course, his work on The Good Father. It’s the Rise Productions: Irish Theatre Podcast, Series 2, Episode 34 – Enjoy!

One of thew most recognisable faces on Irish TV, Michael Sheehan is a star of stage and screen. Here he talks about studying law in Wales, coming home to train as an actor, his background in boxing and being a Pro MMA fighter, playing Dan Coyle Jnr. in Fight Night, his ongoing role in Fair City, and breaking out into action movies. It’s the Rise Productions: Irish Theatre Podcast, Series 2, Episode 33 – Enjoy!

Portmarnock's finest, Gus McDonagh is on a serious roll of late, and things are only set to get better. Here he talks growing up with Paul Reid, his theatrical family, training at DIT Rathmines, his early work for Children with Barnstorm, working in the Corn Exchange's trademark style, The Brownbread Mixtape, and his recent run of form with work on screen. It’s the Rise Productions: Irish Theatre Podcast, Series 2, Episode 32 – Enjoy!

Artistic Director of Cork's iconic Everyman, Julie Kelleher is a powerhouse of Irish theatre. Here, we talk about her early days in the business, the significance of her time "apprenticing" in Dublin, why living and working in Cork is so important to her, and her vision for Theatre outside the capital. It’s the Rise Productions: Irish Theatre Podcast, Series 2, Episode 31 – Enjoy!

One of the most iconic artists ever to grace an Irish stage, Olwen Fouéré has been at the cutting edge of theatre for over four decades. Here we talk growing up in a French speaking home in Connemara, early work at the Focus Theatre, her approach to making work and why she never uses the word "career." It’s the Rise Productions: Irish Theatre Podcast, Series 2, Episode 30 – Enjoy!

Growing up surrounded by leading lights in Irish Theatre, it's no surprise Gemma Reeves has made such a mark on the business. Here we talk about being the child of two theatre artists, her parents remarkable successes, breaking into the business as an ASM, playing iconic leading roles at the Abbey, transitioning into theatre administration, and her current role as General Manager at Rough Magic. It’s the Rise Productions: Irish Theatre Podcast, Series 2, Episode 29 – Enjoy!

With one of the most fascinating routes through the business, Louise Kiely has a unique perspective on performing. Here, we chat about growing up in South Africa, studying Law in Cork, training at the Gaiety School, taking the leap into Casting, and how she collaborates with directors to assemble the perfect cast. It’s the Rise Productions: Irish Theatre Podcast, Series 2, Episode 28 – Enjoy!

As a welcome break from the grind of touring, this week we sit down with the cast of The Good Father, Dan Monaghan and Marie Ruane. We chat about training after training, luxury yachts in Cannes, making the move to London and also moving back, plus what it's like to be stuck in a van with Aonghus for 13 weeks. It’s the Rise Productions: Irish Theatre Podcast, Series 2, Episode 27 – Enjoy!

It's the halfway point of Season two, and we're marking it by sitting down with the great Jim Culleton. We chat about his beginnings as a child actor, his time studying at TCD, the formation of Pigsback and its evolution to Fishamble, his dedication to new writing, and marking 30 years in business. It’s the Rise Productions: Irish Theatre Podcast, Series 2, Episode 26 – Enjoy!

One of the brightest lights (see what we did there?) in theatre north of the border, Ciaran Bagnall is a designer's designer. Here we chat about his early experience as an actor, his time training in Cardiff, making the leap from technician to designer, coming home to Ireland from the West End, and the importance of his ongoing collaboration with Belfast's Prime Cut. It’s the Rise Productions: Irish Theatre Podcast, Series 2, Episode 25 – Enjoy!

A worldwide star of music, theatre, and musical theatre, Lisa Lambe can do it all. Here she chats about her formative years with Billie Barry, her appearances on the iconic Late Late Toy Show, her training at Trinity, and weaving her twin passions of Theatre and Music into a brilliant career. It’s the Rise Productions: Irish Theatre Podcast, Series 2, Episode 24 – Enjoy!

With one of the most diverse skillsets in Irish Theatre, Laura Honan is a hardworking powerhouse with a serious passion for new writing. Here we talk growing up with Red Kettle in Waterford, her first forays into working lights and stage management, her ongoing work at the Abbey, and her pivotal role as Creative Director of Theatre Upstairs. It’s the Rise Productions: Irish Theatre Podcast, Series 2, Episode 23 – Enjoy!

A star at home and abroad, Clare Dunne is truly one of our finest and most inspirational actresses. Here, she talks about her struggles during drama school, her dream debut with Druid, the phenomenal all-female Shakespeare trilogy, and her burgeoning career as a writer for both stage and screen. It’s the Rise Productions: Irish Theatre Podcast, Series 2, Episode 22 – Enjoy!

An actor with an enviable CV, and an award-winning writer, Ian Toner's career is in rude good health. Here he chat's about his time at DramSoc and the Gaiety School of Acting, his work on screen, his writing process, and the challenges in tackling difficult parts. It’s the Rise Productions: Irish Theatre Podcast, Series 2, Episode 21 – Enjoy!

One of the most vital voices in Irish theatre, Patrick Lonergan is an academic with an unique perspective on the industry. Here we chat about discovering his love of theatre at Belvedere, the excitement around Dublin theatre in the early 90s, the importance of the digitised archive at NUIG, and the potential for change presented by Galway 2020. It’s the Rise Productions: Irish Theatre Podcast, Series 2, Episode 20 – Enjoy!

With over 50 years experience across almost every theatrical discipline, Michael Scott is a genuine trailblazer. Here he chats about growing up in a theatrical home, making his debut as a child actor, woking with many of the greats of Irish Theatre, his formative years at Project, his work with iconic writers from Yeats to Keane, and his innovative touring model. It’s the Rise Productions: Irish Theatre Podcast, Series 2, Episode 19 – Enjoy!

One of the most dynamic partnerships in Irish Theatre, Jeda de Brí and Finbarr Doyle are the engine behind Sickle Moon Productions. Here we chat about their roots into the business via Film School and DramSoc, how their writing partnership began, their ambitious residency at Theatre Upstairs, their process for making new work, their freelance careers outside the company, and the revival of their Fringe smash hit Tryst. It’s the Rise Productions: Irish Theatre Podcast, Series 2, Episode 18 – Enjoy!

With a multi-award winning career across both stage and screen, Nick Dunning is one of the very best in the business. Here we talk about finding his love of theatre at school, training at the prestigious RADA, his time in rep, the differences between working for camera and a live audience, his techniques for constructing a character, and his groundbreaking approach to NLP for actors. It’s the Rise Productions: Irish Theatre Podcast, Series 2, Episode 17 – Enjoy!

With a leading role in shaping the new breed of Irish theatre technicians, Kate Ferris is an integral and invaluable part of the Irish theatre machine. Here we talk about growing up in small town Australia, getting a formal training in stage management in Queensland, staging epic events in Doha, arriving in Ireland by accident, her role at The Lir, and her passion for creating theatre for young audiences. It’s the Rise Productions: Irish Theatre Podcast, Series 2, Episode 16 – Enjoy!

With a love of the classics, a flair for opera, and a keen eye for comedy, Conor Hanratty's skillset is constantly in high demand. Here we talk about school plays at Belvedere, being part of a golden era at Trinity, studying and working in London, Greece, Japan and Los Angeles, learning from mistakes along the way, his collaborations with composer Tom Lane, and his exceptional Hamlet Podcast. It’s the Rise Productions: Irish Theatre Podcast, Series 2, Episode 15 – Enjoy!

Two titans of Irish theatre, Jane Daly and Siobhán Bourke are a formidable force for good in our industry. Here we talk about their earliest days in the business, the vibrant theatre scene of Dublin in the 80's, their involvement in the birth of Rough Magic and the evolution of Druid, touring Irish work internationally, their jumps from secure jobs to the freelance world, and the journey from Theatre Shop to the invaluable resource that is Irish Theatre Institute. It’s the Rise Productions: Irish Theatre Podcast, Series 2, Episode 14 – Enjoy!

One of our most respected Dramaturgs and academics, Dr. Tanya Dean has forged a career that seems to perfectly balance the theory and practice of making great theatre. Here we chat about her first forays into acting, discovering her love of academia, her time at Irish Theatre Magazine, moving to America to study at Yale, and her groundbreaking research for #WakingTheFeminists. It’s the Rise Productions: Irish Theatre Podcast, Series 2, Episode 13 – Enjoy!

A genuinely unique artist in the world of Irish theatre, Eimer Murphy is one of the truly unsung heroes of the Abbey. Here we talk about growing up in the USA, the transition back to rural Tipperary, trying to make it in the Film industry, touring the world with Barabbas, and being in America with Riverdance on September 11th 2001. It’s the Rise Productions: Irish Theatre Podcast, Series 2, Episode 12 – Enjoy!

One of our very finest actors, over a glittering career Marion O'Dwyer has amassed a CV that is as impressive as it is varied. Here we talk about taking acting classes at The Gate while still a schoolgirl, breaking into the business, her time with RTE's radio rep company, her long association with Brian Friel, and starring alongside Anjelica Huston on Agnes Browne. It’s the Rise Productions: Irish Theatre Podcast, Series 2, Episode 11 – Enjoy!

With nearly 40 years experience across stage, screen, and radio, it's fair to say Jonathan White has done it all. Here we chat about his formative years growing up in New York, securing his Equity card whilst still at TCD, early work with the Gate and Rough Magic, the last minute legal madness surrounding Anglo: The Musical, his role at Landmark Productions, and of course, Fr. Ted. It’s the Rise Productions: Irish Theatre Podcast, Series 2, Episode 10 – Enjoy!

Having achieved so much in such a staggeringly short period of time, Rise Productions regular Rachel O'Byrne is at the very top of her game. Here we talk about growing up in the business, being part of the "First 15" graduates from the Lir Academy, clocking up the credits at the Abbey, Gate, Druid and Dublin Theatre Festival, her work with independent companies like Rise and Anu, and her ambitions for the future. It’s the Rise Productions: Irish Theatre Podcast, Series 2, Episode 9 – Enjoy!

With one of the most varied and impressive CVs in Irish theatre, Loughlin Deegan has more than made his mark on the industry. Here he talks about his time at Limerick's Belltable Theatre, working with Druid and Rough Magic, his career as a playwright, his time as Artistic Director of Dublin Theatre Festival, and his current role at The Lir Academy. It’s the Rise Productions: Irish Theatre Podcast, Series 2, Episode 8 – Enjoy!

It's the Christmas special! Designer and Arts Manager Lian Bell chats about her time at Players, her masters in London, being Programme Manager at Dublin Fringe, her work on Artist Support schemes, and of course, the phenomenon that was Waking The Feminists. It’s the Rise Productions: Irish Theatre Podcast, Series 2, Episode 7 – Enjoy!

From her roots in West Cork to becoming one of the most important players in independent Irish theatre, Jen Coppinger has done it all. Here we chat about her initial aspirations to work in Film and TV, her time at Players in TCD, helping to create Show in a Bag while at ITI, her time with Rough Magic's Seeds programme, and her upcoming role at the Abbey Theatre. It’s the Rise Productions: Irish Theatre Podcast, Series 2, Episode 6 – Enjoy!

Equal parts actor, designer, and photographer, Ste Murray has almost single-handedly shaped the aesthetic of how independent Irish theatre is presented to the public. Here we chat about his beginnings as a student architect, his time at UCD's DramSoc, his process as a designer and photographer, and his continuing career as an actor on stage and screen. It’s the Rise Productions: Irish Theatre Podcast, Series 2, Episode 5 – Enjoy!

A superstar of stage and screen, Clare Monnelly has been making waves at home and abroad. Here we chat about her route into the business, working a 9 to 5, training at the Gaiety School of Acting, the worldwide success of Moone Boy, and her burgeoning career as a writer. It’s the Rise Productions: Irish Theatre Podcast, Series 2, Episode 4 – Enjoy!

One of Ireland's hardest working actors, Stephen Jones is at the top of his game. Here we chat about his time at UCD's DramSoc, studying for his masters, taking to the Gaiety stage in Corn Exchange's Dubliners, and his cult hit web series The Goo. It’s the Rise Productions: Irish Theatre Podcast, Series 2, Episode 3 – Enjoy!