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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. 5d ago

    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

  2. 5d ago

    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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. Mar 3

    Showtime - Natasha Everitt tells us about 'Time Passes'

    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.

    Showtime - Natasha Everitt tells us about 'Time Passes'

  8. Jan 27

    Showtime - The Portlaw Panto 2026

    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.

    Showtime - The Portlaw Panto 2026
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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
    92
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 WLR
  • Show Website
    Showtime

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