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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

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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'

  6. 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

  7. Jan 19

    This week on Showtime - Scene and Heard productions.

    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.

    This week on Showtime - Scene and Heard productions.

  8. 12/29/2025

    Showtime Podcast - Saipan - Jamie Beamish's Charity Gala

    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.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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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
    90
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 WLR
  • Show Website
    Showtime

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