As luck would have it, I am working from home today. Thanks to a mishap with my toilet, I needed to call a plumber to repair the flush on my throne. It is a far more efficient idea than the temporary practise of flushing with a bucket of water. This allowed me to sit in my pyjamas and plot my strategy. Continue reading Theatrical: I know what I am talking about
Yesterday was the final rehearsal in the studio for my looming play ‘Mother’s Little Treasure’. Next weekend is the get-in to the theatre. When the fun and frolics begin in earnest. As luck would have it Dublin is on total lockdown next weekend as the Pope is in town. He’ll be doing two gigs – one in the Phoenix Park for half a million faithful; and the other in Croke Park for 80,000 people. The entire city centre is shut from about 8am on Saturday morning, until midnight on Sunday night. Highly inconvenient for an atheist trying to carry the set for a play, to a theatre for a Tuesday premiere. Continue reading Theatrical: ‘Mother’s little treasure’
During lunch break today I sat at my desk browsing the internet (my brow furrowed while doing so, in case anyone passing thought I was slacking). I read a heart-breaking story about a mother and her six children seeking refuge in Tallaght Garda Station for the night, because there were no available emergency beds through homeless services. As there are currently 10,000 people in Ireland officially homeless (including 4000 children), the housing crisis has escalated to emergency levels. Continue reading The occupation of 35, Summerhill Parade
Brighton is a town that I love. Since my first visit in 2010, I have travelled there on an almost annual basis. The seaside atmosphere, the faded grandeur, the alternative vibe, the vegan shoe shops, the markets, the Pier with its haunted hotel. And the gays. I’d heard tales of the preponderance of homosexuals in the town. Continue reading Brighton in Summer
In February 2017, Firedoor Theatre held one of their successful ‘Uncut’ evenings at the Pearse Centre in Dublin. This is a regular showcase event where writers, actors, directors are given a platform to try out material. If you have written a piece then you can stage it. A particular monologue you’ve always wanted to try out in front of an audience – well here is your opportunity. Continue reading The return of ‘Mother’s Little Treasure’
My original tickets were for Friday July 20th. However as I was sunning myself in Malta on that date, somebody else got the use of them. Having seen his previous play ‘Town is Dead’, I was keen to see Irish playwright Phillip McMahon’s latest work ‘Come on home’ at the Peacock Theatre. I booked a new ticket for last night. Continue reading Theatrical: ‘Come on home’
With my wounded finger, I was uncertain whether I would be in attendance or not. Having checked the website for bus transportation on the Friday, it appeared like all travel tickets were sold out. Seemingly the decision had been made for me. I would spend the Sunday recuperating, before my triumphant return to the Wastelands the following day. A quick Google search on Saturday night showed that bus tickets directly to the destination were on sale again. Departure at 11am in the morning. Like a hot snot, I was all over that ticket. Ladies and gentlemen (and others), I was on my way to Knockanstockan 2018. Continue reading Knockanstockan 2018: ‘The revolution shall wear a uniform’
The picture above is of a window box that is in widespread use across Malta. It is attached to the stone buildings. It allows people to sit, and observe the world go by. They are very pretty and popular across the island. There tends to be five or six windows in these window frames in total. One at each side; and three or four at the front. All can be opened. Continue reading Me against the Maltese window
(Read about part 1 of the holiday HERE.)
I had commented to my friend how civilised Malta seemed for a holiday island. How respectable. How safe. How thoroughly elegant, despite the throngs of people everywhere you turned. On Thursday night I had a little rethink. We decided to take a promenade along the seafront as the Victorians preferred. As we are now more seasoned individuals it seemed like a classy thing to do. I was struck again by how built up it all seemed. Then again with so many people living in such a small space, what else can you expect? We dined in an Italian restaurant, run by a Croatian brother and sister, along the Maltese waterfront. Afterwards we went wandering. And ended up in the seventh circle of hell. A place called Paceville. Continue reading Gozo – and beyond!
‘Ladies and gentlemen, welcome aboard Ryanair Flight FR4272. This is your captain speaking. Unfortunately, due to Ryanair strikes all over Europe, take-off will be delayed by ninety minutes. So, I invite you to sit back, relax and enjoy the wait.’ Continue reading Malta
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