To close out 2020, it’s a brand new short audio drama from Rise Productions. Commissioned as part of the Arts Council’s COVID-19 Crisis Response Award, “Another Auld Lang Syne” is set on New Year’s Eve, and is written and performed by Aonghus Óg McAnally.

A director of unparalleled skill and vision, Selina Cartmell’s trademark style has been wowing audiences for over 15 years. Here, in our very final episode, she discusses her time at Trinity and Central, the formation of Siren Productions, her mentorship with Julie Taymor, smash hit shows Titus Andronicus and Punk Rock, and her new role as Artistic Director of Dublin’s iconic Gate Theatre. It’s the Rise Productions: Irish Theatre Podcast, Series 2, Episode 52 – Enjoy!

From South Wales to the Abbey Theatre, via the bright lights of Broadway, Neil Murray’s path through the world of theatre has been both eclectic and comprehensive. Here he discusses paying dues as an usher, stage hand, and front of house manager, his time with 7:84 and Glasgow’s renowned Citizens Theatre, running the Tron, his role in the inception of the ground-breaking NTS, and his current position alongside Graham McLaren as Co-Director of Ireland’s National Theatre. It’s the Rise Productions: Irish Theatre Podcast, Series 2, Episode 51 – Enjoy!

An icon and a trailblazer, Garry Hynes is director with a global reputation for excellence. Here, she talks about directing her first play in 5th class, the founding of Druid, the impact of Tom Murphy on the company, her time at the Abbey, becoming the first woman to win the Tony Award for Best Director, and how central the Druid ensemble has been to the work. It’s the Rise Productions: Irish Theatre Podcast, Series 2, Episode 50 – Enjoy!

One of the most exciting directors to appear on the scene in recent years, Ronan Phelan is a breath of fresh air. Here, we talk about school plays in Scoil Mhuire, training at DIT Rathmines, his time on the Seeds programme, being resident Assistant Director at the Abbey, and working Boyz II Men into Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. It’s the Rise Productions: Irish Theatre Podcast, Series 2, Episode 49 – Enjoy!

The biggest name in Independent Pro Wrestling and a Godfather of podcasting, Colt Cabana is a legit global superstar. For our 100th episode, Aonghus sits down with the original inspiration behind this podcast to discuss breaking into the business, life on the road as a freelance performer, the similarities between Theatre and Pro Wrestling, the impact of his own podcast, and his love of the Edinburgh Fringe. It’s the Rise Productions: Irish Theatre Podcast, Series 2, Episode 48 – Enjoy!

A gifted composer and multi-instrumentalist, Tom Lane has shaped much of the soundscape of Irish theatre throughout this decade. Here we talk about his beginnings playing violin as a child, studying music at university and beyond, composing scores for theatre and dance shows, his innovative takes on opera, and his current sell-out production of Hamlet at the Gate Theatre. It’s the Rise Productions: Irish Theatre Podcast, Series 2, Episode 47 – Enjoy!

The physical embodiment of a triple threat, TKB has exploded onto the Irish Theatre scene in the last year. Here we talk about growing up in Dublin’s North inner city, his love of dance, training at both Bull Alley and The Gaiety School, and his prolific career as a playwright. It’s the Rise Productions: Irish Theatre Podcast, Series 2, Episode 46 – Enjoy!

One of the most dynamic producers of his generation, Matt Smyth is a man in demand. Here we chat about his brief teenage stint on Fair City, performing stand up in Edinburgh, his groundbreaking work with Anu and Collapsing Horse, and his new venture programming The Cat Laughs festival. It’s the Rise Productions: Irish Theatre Podcast, Series 2, Episode 45 – Enjoy!

A writer and performer of exceptional talent, Fionnuala Gygax shines brightly as one of the leading lights of her generation. Here she talks about studying Drama at Trinity, turning down the offer to train at the Lir, her big TV break with Eipic for TG4, her groundbreaking piece Hostel 16, and the formation of her new company Chaos Factory. It’s the Rise Productions: Irish Theatre Podcast, Series 2, Episode 44 – Enjoy!

From Shakespeare, to Shaw, to contemporary takes on Synge, Liz FitzGibbon has amassed an enviable acting CV. Here, she chats about studying at Goldsmiths in London before training at the Gaiety, the impact of the global crash on Irish theatre, her love of ensemble work and devising, her background in competitive kickboxing, and her experience with Show in a Bag. It’s the Rise Productions: Irish Theatre Podcast, Series 2, Episode 43 – Enjoy!