Showtime

The Stage Coach is bringing Alice in Wonderland to Barron Hall in Stradbally, County Waterford this week. It promises a bright, imaginative, and family-friendly production from one of the area’s best-loved stage schools.
Martine Rogers, the school’s owner and main tutor, leads the team. She joined me on last week’s Showtime to tell me all about the production, and it was lovely to hear how much care and creativity has gone into it.
Audiences can expect familiar characters, lively performances, and plenty of colour on stage. The show gives young local performers a chance to shine in a welcoming community setting.
Barron Hall continues to be a great home for The Stage Coach. It supports local arts and helps keep theatre vibrant in Stradbally.
The Stage Coach has built a strong reputation for quality youth productions in County Waterford. This latest show looks set to continue that tradition in style.
Tickets can be booked by calling Martine on 087 9609614.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Quay Players are back on stage at Garter Lane Theatre with Moonshine — a gem from the pen of local legend Jim Nolan. Best known for plays like Blackwater Angel and The Red Iron, Nolan’s writing always captures Waterford’s heart and humour. Moonshine is one of his earlier works, and it’s a real treat to see it revived — you don’t often get the chance to catch this one performed live!
Joining me in studio this week were director Shauna Farrell and cast member Paula Weldon, who shared their excitement about bringing this rarely staged play to life. They spoke about the warmth and wit of Nolan’s script, and the sense of community that runs through every scene — something that feels perfectly at home in Waterford.
If you love theatre that’s both heartfelt and steeped in local storytelling, this production is not to be missed. Moonshine promises laughter, nostalgia, and that unmistakable spark that Jim Nolan’s work is known for.
Catch Moonshine by Quay Players at Garter Lane Theatre from Wednesday, April 15th to Saturday, April 18th. Tickets are available now from garterlane.ie — support local talent, celebrate one of Waterford’s great writers, and enjoy a night of classic Irish theatre done right.
Listen to my full chat with Shauna and Paula on the podcast to hear behind‑the‑scenes stories from the production and the creative magic bringing Moonshine to life.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our guest this week is Natasha Everitt - Theatre Maker. She brings her one-woman play to the stage this week - Time Passes. She plays Jennifer. As the blurb for the show says -
Meet Jennifer.
Jennifer lives with her Mother.
Jennifer stopped going to therapy.
And if that wasn’t enough,
Jennifer daydreams of being a lawnmower.
Time Passes lets us look at her dissociative and dissatisfied day as she ambles around the town. The play shows us what the world looks like through a lens that is foggy with daily crisp binges, divine femininity, and a disdain for therapists.
A dreamy, surreal, fast paced and funny show, packing a punch with brutal honesty, exploring human resilience and the mind of a machine.
This is an extended version of our on air chat with Natasha.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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!'
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.