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Join Wayne Brown each Sunday for Showtime - the very best of music from the world of musicals and stage. Wayne brings his wealth of knowledge and experience of theatre to the radio waves and chats to people involved in the industry.

  1. 4d ago

    Omega 3 Orchestra Return to Garter Lane

    Omega 3 Orchestra Return to Garter Lane Live music can be difficult to describe when it refuses categories.The Omega 3 Orchestra is a perfect example. The Waterford group returns to Garter Lane this Saturday, September 19th.Francie White and Gerry Madden joined Wayne to discuss the concert,their unusual musical mix, and what audiences can expect. Despite the name, Omega 3 isn't a conventional orchestra.The eight-piece group features several talented multi-instrumentalists. Their music moves freely between jazz, swing, folk, traditional music and classical compositions. That variety creates some wonderfully unexpected moments. Paganini and Mozart can sit alongside energetic instrumentals, while familiar songs bring another dimension to the performance. The group has around ninety pieces in its repertoire, so creating the right setlist takes careful thought. Gerry explains how they balance fast and slower numbers,while also mixing songs with instrumental performances.The result keeps the evening varied, entertaining and unpredictable. The musicians bring an impressive range of instruments to Garter Lane.Mandolin, guitar, bass, piano and accordion all feature.Saxophone, clarinet, percussion and harmonica add further colour. The atmosphere matters just as much as the music.Their concerts often feel like a relaxed fireside session.The musicians enjoy playing together, and audiences respond naturally. That connection can turn familiar songs into shared experiences.Beatles and Elvis classics regularly encourage audiences to sing along.The orchestra doesn't simply perform for its audience.They invite audiences to become part of the show. Local songwriter Shane Barry will also feature on the night.He opens the concert with his own material,before potentially joining the orchestra later in the evening. The Omega 3 Orchestra performs at Garter Lane at 8pmon Saturday, September 19th. Tickets cost €20,with limited availability remaining. For a night of live music in Waterford,Omega 3 offers something genuinely different.Expect great musicianship, familiar favourites and plenty of surprises. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Omega 3 Orchestra Return to Garter Lane

  2. 4d ago

    Jekyll and Hyde Comes to Waterford

    Waterford Musical Society is taking on one of musical theatre’s most dramatic shows. Next May, Jekyll & Hyde will come to the Theatre Royal, marking the first time the production has been staged in Waterford outside the festival. In this episode, Wayne chats with director Margaret Kavanagh about the exciting new production. Margaret explains why Jekyll & Hyde represents such a significant challenge for Waterford Musical Society. She also reveals why the show offers tremendous opportunities for performers, both onstage and backstage. With its dark story, demanding characters and powerful score, Jekyll & Hyde gives performers plenty to explore. Margaret describes the roles as particularly substantial, both vocally and dramatically. The ensemble also plays an important part, with everyone onstage helping to tell the story. The production also welcomes people who haven't worked with WMS before.Whether you want to perform, help backstage or support fundraising, there's a role for you. Margaret encourages anyone interested to complete the expression-of-interest form. The conversation also explores the social side of musical theatre. Rehearsals provide a great opportunity to meet people during winter. Fundraising events bring the wider society together too. While producing a major musical takes plenty of hard work, Margaret believes everyone should enjoy the experience. Jekyll & Hyde will become Waterford Musical Society’s tenth production. The society has previously tackled shows including Oklahoma!, Fiddler on the Roof, Oliver! and Evita. This latest production takes the society in a darker, more dramatic direction. The show also boasts a fantastic musical score. Audiences will recognise This Is the Moment, Someone Like You and Once Upon a Dream. Margaret points out that the soundtrack contains many more memorable songs. Auditions will take place on October 11th and October 18th.The process will cover singing, acting and movement. Ensemble auditions will take place in groups, helping performers feel more comfortable. Expressions of interest are now open across Waterford Musical Society’s social media.Search for Waterford Musical Society on Facebook and Instagram. If you've ever wanted to join a musical, this could be your moment. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Jekyll and Hyde Comes to Waterford

  3. Aug 17

    Luke Corcoran and Robyn Brady talk Pub Theatre

    Luke Corcoran and Robyn Brady talk Pub Theatre Waterford Pub Theatre Returns With Two Exciting Productions Luke Corcoran and producer Robin Brady joined Showtime on Sunday. They discuss new actors, fresh writing, and local theatre opportunities. Their project creates exciting opportunities for emerging Waterford theatre talent. Luke launched pub theatre after working with new actors. He wanted to create opportunities outside traditional theatre funding systems. Waterford has plenty of pubs, so Luke embraced that advantage.He writes short plays and performs them before live audiences. The format delivers multiple short plays during one great night. This summer brings Pub Theatre Royale to Waterford audiences. The programme offers comedy and thought-provoking storytelling. Each play explores different characters, relationships, and social themes.The performances focus strongly on actors and powerful writing. Tactile explores language, culture, immigration, identity, and human connection. Pavlo Bondarenko speaks Ukrainian throughout his character's journey. Kanisha Duvall speaks Irish during their powerful exchanges together. Their performances show how emotions can cross language barriers. Good Christopher combines comedy with sharp commentary about language. Peter Wright and Gillian Walsh lead this entertaining production together. The final play, Forty, delivers a very different experience. David Green leads seven actors through an unusual competition. The story follows Forty, a legendary local drinking champion. However, Forty shocks everyone when he orders red lemonade instead. The podcast also explores another important Waterford theatre project. A Village brings recovery programme participants onto the Theatre Royal stage. Luke created the play through his In Other Words Project. The production explores Brehon Law through humour and storytelling. The project also shows how theatre can build confidence. Participants have already found new opportunities through their acting experiences. Their stories demonstrate theatre's potential beyond entertainment and performance alone. Pub Theatre Royale takes place Thursday, August twentieth, this week. Theatre Royal hosts the show, with tickets costing €22.50. A Village takes place Tuesday, August eighteenth, at seven.Both productions celebrate Waterford theatre, creativity, inclusion, and community. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Luke Corcoran and Robyn Brady talk Pub Theatre

  4. Aug 17

    Remembering Mona Manahan with Jim Nolan

    Remembering Mona Manahan with Jim Nolan This podcast pays tribute to Waterford theatre legend Mona Manahan. Mona sadly passed away last week, leaving a remarkable legacy. Many people knew Mona as Des Manahan’s devoted wife. However, she built an impressive career within Irish theatre. Lifelong friend Jim Nolan shares his personal memories. Jim joined us to remember Mona’s extraordinary life and work. He recalls Mona’s important role with Red Kettle Theatre. Mona worked as a costume designer for many productions. She also served as a director within the company. Jim describes her as a vital member of their theatre family. Her creativity, discipline, and imagination shaped countless productions. Mona always knew exactly what she wanted. She also shared honest opinions about every theatrical decision. Her honesty sometimes created tensions with fellow theatre makers. Yet everyone respected her passion and professional standards. Jim remembers working with Mona on several major productions. These included The Kings of the Kilburn High Road. She also designed costumes for The Salvage Shop. Her theatre work showed remarkable skill and dedication. Mona also played a central role within Red Kettle. She helped create a strong sense of family. Jim remembers her kindness towards younger theatre professionals. He describes Mona and Des as inspiring personal role models. Their relationship showed the strength of true partnership. They worked together across theatre, music, and community projects. They also contributed greatly to the local arts scene. He also recalls special family visits to their home. Those moments remain among his most treasured memories. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Remembering Mona Manahan with Jim Nolan

  5. Jul 27

    Behind the Scenes at Spraoi on Showtime

    Behind the Scenes at Spraoi on Showtime Spraoi returns to Waterford this week with another packed programme. We looked behind the scenes of Ireland's biggest free street arts festival. We chat with Spraoi programmer Deirdre Dwyer. She explains why street theatre feels so different. Performers must win the audience every minute. There are no curtains. There are no barriers. Every performance happens right beside the crowd. Deirdre shares some of her top festival picks. She highlights MDR – Death From Laughter by Catalonian company Los Galindos. The award-winning clown show opens on Thursday night. Numbers stay limited, so arrive early. The conversation also celebrates Waterford's own creative talent. Curious State returns with Morbid & Sons: Bone Idle. David Duffy and Ksenia Parkhatskaya bring back The Most Dangerous Animal in the World.  We also hear about exciting new work from Natasha Everett and Martina Acostarama. Their latest street theatre piece makes its first public appearance during the festival. The interview explores Spraoi's community spirit. Every event remains free. However, the festival still needs support. This year brings a new fundraising idea. Limited-edition Spraoi T-shirts will help cover artists' travel costs. Later, we catch up with Artistic Director Mike Leahy. He reveals the inspiration behind this year's parade, Howl. Wolves, folklore and fairy tales shape this colourful spectacle. Around 300 performers will fill Waterford's streets with music, comedy and giant creations. Mike also explains the huge teamwork behind every parade. Artists, musicians, costume makers and volunteers spend weeks preparing the event. The audience only sees the finished magic. Spraoi transforms Waterford every summer. It brings colour, creativity and unforgettable moments to every street. In this episode: Why street theatre creates unique audience connections. Deirdre Dwyer's festival highlights. New Waterford productions to watch. Behind the scenes of the spectacular Howl parade. How the community helps keep Spraoi free for everyone. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Behind the Scenes at Spraoi on Showtime

  6. Jul 20

    Wayne Power & Team Visit Showtime

    Wayne Power brings another original Waterford story to the stage with Kicking and Screaming. The new comedy arrives at Theatre Royal on 7 August for one night only. During my visit to rehearsals, the writer, director and cast shared what audiences can expect from this funny and heartfelt production. At its heart, Kicking and Screaming follows best friends Stevie and Dylan. The pair feel stuck in Waterford and dream about something bigger. They wonder if life lies elsewhere or if home still offers everything they need. Their story explores friendship, family, ambition and the difficult decision many young Irish people face when considering emigration. Director Sinéad Hourigan believes local audiences will immediately recognise the world Wayne Power has created. Waterford streets, businesses and familiar landmarks shape the story. Those local references create laughs while grounding the characters in a place everyone knows. The cast also praised the script for its natural dialogue and relatable characters. They described a rehearsal room full of laughter and genuine friendship. That chemistry shines through every scene. What audiences can expect: A fast-paced comedy with plenty of Waterford humour. Familiar local references that audiences will instantly recognise. Honest characters facing real-life challenges. A story about friendship, belonging and finding your place. Emotional moments balanced with big laughs throughout. An original play written by one of Waterford's emerging theatrical voices. Wayne Power hopes audiences leave entertained while recognising parts of themselves in the story. Although the play tackles serious themes, humour always leads the way. The result promises an evening filled with laughter, warmth and genuine heart. Kicking and Screaming plays for one night only on 7 August at Theatre Royal. With strong early ticket sales already reported, theatre lovers should book soon. If you enjoy original Irish theatre and want to support Waterford's thriving arts scene, this is a performance worth catching. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Wayne Power & Team Visit Showtime

  7. Apr 16

    Showtime Podcast with Martine Rogers of the Stagecoach

    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.

    Showtime Podcast with Martine Rogers of the Stagecoach

  8. Mar 30

    Showtime Podcast with plenty of Moonshine

    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.

    Showtime Podcast with plenty of Moonshine
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About

Join Wayne Brown each Sunday for Showtime - the very best of music from the world of musicals and stage. Wayne brings his wealth of knowledge and experience of theatre to the radio waves and chats to people involved in the industry.

Information

  • Channel
    WLR FM
  • Creator
    WLR
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    94
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 WLR
  • Show Website
    Showtime

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