Showtime

This episode of the Showtime Podcast dives straight into Portlaw panto. We celebrate 44 years of Portlaw Panto with pure community heart. Every laugh, song, and cheer comes straight from local spirit.

We shine a light on “Rapunzel and the League of Princesses” this year. The show brings a fresh twist to well loved fairy tales. Committee member Freddy Kelly stars as Glimmer the Panto Fairy. He drives the mayhem with sharp comedy and quick wit. Director Bill Stafford joins the chat to share his vision. A full cast of locals and newcomers joins the fun on stage. They bring big voices, big characters, and big heart to the hall.

You’ll hear from the creative team behind the scenes. They talk through ideas, rehearsals, and last minute changes. Local performers share stories from years in Portlaw Panto. They chat about nerves, craic, and pure joy on stage.

We dig into the buzz of working with a live band. The music lifts every scene and every gag in the show. We talk timing, tech headaches, and magic when it all lands. Opening night pressure meets backstage chaos and big belly laughs.

Tickets go on sale very soon, so keep the ears peeled. We share dates, booking details, and what nights suit families. If you love local theatre, this one is made for you. Hit play, get the info, and line up a great night out.

In this week’s episode of the Showtime Podcast, we’re absolutely delighted to welcome 'Scene and Heard Productions' — an exciting new theatre group making a real buzz here in Waterford! Founded by David Hennessy, a well-known name on the local theatre scene, and John Upton, a fresh new face bringing energy and passion to the table, Scene and Heard is all about creating genuine opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities to take centre stage and shine.

David and John chat with us about how the group came together, their shared vision for inclusive theatre, and the fantastic local support that’s helping their dream take shape. They also tell us about their brand new play, “Up the Déise,” a funny and moving story following an inclusive five-a-side football team chasing All-Ireland glory. It’s packed with laughs, heart, and plenty of Waterford character — a real crowd-pleaser that will celebrate the power of community and creativity.

We’ll be talking about their upcoming workshops, the buzz around their rehearsals, and the amazing support across the Déise. If you love theatre, local talent, and great storytelling, you won’t want to miss this one — because as the guys say - in Waterford, everyone deserves to be 'Scene and Heard!'

In this week’s episode of Showtime, we’re rolling out the red carpet for the much-anticipated film Saipan! Joining us for a proper chat is Waterford’s own Jamie Beamish, who gives us an insider’s look at the film ahead of its big charity gala screening in aid of Solas. There’s a real buzz in the air, and we’re diving right into it.

Jamie shares what it was like filming Saipan — not on a sun-soaked tropical island, but surprisingly in Belfast! He talks about the craic on set, working with the great Steve Coogan, and the emotional depth behind the story that’s already stirring up plenty of conversation. You’ll hear honest insights, a few laughs, and some touching reflections from one of Waterford’s most talented actors.

It’s the perfect listen for anyone who loves good chat about film, theatre, and local talent doing brilliant things on the big stage. So, grab a cuppa and listen into  an episode packed with stories, humour, and heart — all building up to that big gala night on January 4th in support of Solas.

In this episode of the Showtime Podcast, we're diving into the world of "Les Misérables" as De La Salle College gears up for their highly anticipated performance.

With just three weeks to go, we chat with cast members Sam Marsden and Luca McCann, who share their insights on the challenges and excitement of bringing this iconic musical to life.

We also catch up with Cian Kennedy and Chloe Byrne, who play the comedic roles of the Thenardiers, discussing the demanding vocal workload and the camaraderie among the cast.

Plus, hear from Jennifer White, the driving force behind the production, as she reflects on the evolution of the show and the exceptional talent involved.

With a special segment featuring Keith Dunphy sharing his experiences from the film, this episode is packed with the low down on this highly anticipated production.

In this week's episode of the Showtime Podcast, we celebrate a milestone—the 40th anniversary of Waterford Youth Arts! Join us as we chat with members Joe Meagher, Hannah Carberry and Leon Kavanagh about the legacy and impact of this vibrant artistic community in our city.

We chat about the exciting events planned for the weekend, including an intriguing set of plays created in just 24 hours. You can hear how this unique challenge allows young (and not so young!) passionate creators to showcase their skills under pressure and artistry!

We also reflect on the journey of Waterford Youth Arts and the influence it has had on aspiring artists over the years.

This weeks Showtime Podcast kicks off the festival season with a heape sderving of local flavour and a full preview of this year’s Spraoi Festival. It’s all happening the August Bank Holiday weekend. I sit down with General Manager Niamh Colbert for the inside word on Spraoi. Expect a brand-new dance piece that really catches the craic of Irish club nights, jaw-dropping acrobatics from Parasite Circus, and a wild dose of Catalonian samba bands. The festival line-up is a proper smorgasbord—something for everyone, from the art-curious to the flat-out fun seekers.

Then, we talk about the Ted and Mary O’Regan Arts Bursary—this is a big deal for the local arts scene. The bursary props up home-grown artists, helping them take big steps in their careers. I chat with committee members about the nuts and bolts of the scheme. They tell what makes the awards tick and why they matter to every creative punter in town. The bursary isn’t just a cash boost—it’s a vote of confidence for artists who want to try something new, push boundaries, and make Waterford's cultural life even brighter.

One of this year’s recipients, Natasha Everett, joins the show to share her story. Natasha’s a contemporary performance artist, and she’s full of plans for the months ahead. She tells us how the bursary will help her train for her work abroad. It’s a real window into what makes the local arts community tick.

In this week’s episode of the Showtime Podcast, we explore the unique concept of the Adult Youth Orchestra of Ireland with founder Barbara Dowling. Discover how this vibrant ensemble brings together musicians formerly members of the various Youth orchestras in Ireland, who are still passionate about orchestral music.

Next we chat with Billy O'Brien about the upcoming Waterford Chamber Music Festival. With a strong lineup of local talent and exciting premieres, this year's festival promises to be bigger and better than ever. There's no less then 5 concerts on offer over the festival weekend and Billy explains all.

This weeks podcast has a great variety! We’re diving into the lively world of musical theatre. The Dungarvan Junior Musical Society Stageschool takes centre stage with Seussical. Cast members Cian Lacey, Mai Veale, and Kyle Tutty join us for a chat. They share their excitement about playing some of Dr. Seuss’s famous characters. You’ll hear about their roles and the fun they have together. There’s a real sense of teamwork in the group. The cast can’t wait for the shows at Dungarvan Sports Centre. Mark your calendar for June 18th to 21st. It’s set to be a brilliant run.

Next, Pamela Harrison pops in to talk about a special concert. Christchurch Cathedral will host the Houston Chorale and Waterford Choral Friends this Sunday coming. Pamela leads the Irish side as conductor. Every cent raised goes to a great cause. Listen in for all the details.

We also hear from Ellen Harrison, a young playwright with big ideas. Her play “800” is part of StageMad’s “Five for 25.” Ellen brings a modern twist to the stage. She’s also Pamela’s daughter, so talent runs in the family.

To finish, Pamela shares memories from her teaching days. She’s just retired from De La Salle College after 33 years. We chat about her proud legacy and the impact she’s made.

Don’t miss this episode for music, stories, and inspiration. Subscribe for more chats and updates on Irish theatre.

Welcome to the Showtime Podcast! Today, we’re shining a spotlight on StageMad, one of Tramore’s theatre companies. They’re celebrating a whopping 20 years of bringing stories to life. To mark this milestone, they’ve launched something truly special—“Five for 25.”

This project features five cracking short plays, all penned by talented local writers. Host Wayne Brown is joined by Derek Flynn and Sean O’Kelly to dive deep into what makes this collection unique. You’ll hear all about the creative process, the laughs, the tears, and the pure magic of community theatre.

StageMad, founded by the passionate James Power, has always championed local talent in Waterford. This event is no different. Expect a rollercoaster of emotions—plenty of humour, a dash of drama, and stories that will stay with you.

If you love theatre, you won’t want to miss this. Get the inside scoop on StageMad’s journey, their passion, and the bright future of the arts in Tramore. Grab your tickets for June 20th to 22nd at the Coast Guard Station. Celebrate 20 years of unforgettable theatre with StageMad.

In this week's episode of the Showtime Podcast, we celebrate a landmark event: an evening with Jim Nolan hosted by the talented Carrie Crowley, marking the 40th anniversary of his iconic play, The Gods Are Angry Miss Kerr.

Join us as director Andrew Holden shares exciting insights about this special night that blends nostalgia with a new generation’s experience. Not only will audiences get the chance to hear from Jim himself, but they'll also enjoy selected scenes from the play, performed by a stellar cast including Joe Meagher, Anne O'Riordan, Kieran Walsh, Shauna Farrell, Nicola Spendlove and Adam Phelan.

This isn't just a night of reminiscing; it's a celebration of local talent and a chance to support the Ted and Mary Regan bursary for young writers in Waterford. Have a listen to discover why this event is a must-attend, full of humour, memories, and a heartfelt tribute to Jim Nolan's artistic legacy.

The evening is presented by Bowler Hat Theatre Company. For tickets click here.