This week's visiting critic is bestselling author Cathy Kelly. She's not a fan of musicals so naturally we sent her to one! But did she love it? Find out here. She also spoke of her cancer journey and on how important her work with charities is to her. Hamilton is running at Bord Gáis Energy Theatre until the 16th November
Catch up with Oliver on the weekend. Lynda La Plante reflects on her childhood and how she achieved success in her career, Francis Brennan taught us all how to make the perfect cup of tea and on how disguises don't always work, and Cathy Kelly gave us an insight into her cancer journey and on finding new love.
Oliver talked to Ella Lily Hyland about how she got into acting, excruciating exercises in drama school and he work to date including Amazon Prime series Love Fifteen with Aidan Turner, and the RTÉ Storyland drama Wrapped. She’s currently in Grania – the Lady Gregory play which is on at the Abbey Theatre for the next few weeks.
Eilish Fisher joined Oliver to talk about her debut verse novel Fia and the Last Snow Deer. Vermont born, she now lives in Wicklow where she set this mystical, winter flecked tale in pre-historic Ireland. Eilish takes a look at themes of gender and identity through the two main characters as she beautifully flip the steroptyical gender roles.
Francis Brennan joins Oliver ahead of 'At Your Service' returning to our screens for its 14th season. He gave Oliver tutorial in how to make the perfect cup of tea and told him how his disguises aren't enough to fool his fan base! You can catch At Your Service on RTÉ One this coming Sunday a 7.30 PM
In a wide ranging interview Lynda La Plante talked to Oliver about her childhood, how she got into acting and how she went on to break ground with the award-winning Prime Suspect. You can read all about her incredible life in her memoir Getting Away with Murder: My Unexpected Life on Page, Stage and Screen
Seanchoíche founder Ciaran Gaffney joined Oliver and told him how an Irish storytelling night that started in Dublin in 2021 has gone global. Seanchoíche - which is a portmanteau of the Irish words ‘seanchaí’ and ‘oíche’ - it’s aim is to bring people together and revive the ancient Irish art of storytelling.
Capuchin Franciscan Friar Brother Richard Hendrick joined Oliver and told him about his work with his order in Dublin supporting the poor and homeless. He also gave advice on how we can learn to be present through meditation and mindfullness. His new book is called ‘Calming the Storms’.
Catch up with Oliver on the weekend. Richard Osman on his latest murder mystery book 'We Solve Murders', Christine Campbell on her ovarian cancer diagnosis and raising awareness for the disease, a wide ranging interview with Roddy Doyle and chats with Davy Fitzgerald at the Ploughing Championships.
World Famous Brain Hacker, Mentallist and entertainer Keith Barry joined Oliver to tell him about his new book out entitled Sleep Hacks. He offers tips on getting better sleep, applying the principles of science and the techniques of hypnosis to achieve the shuteye of your dreams.
Willa White is this week's visiting critic. Find out how he got on watching 'The 3.30 at Cheltenham' show in the Civic Theatre. For tickets
Richard Osman on the beauty of Pierce Brosnan and setting his latest novel in Ireland. We Solve Murders is out now.
Barry told Oliver about featuring in an exhibition in Monaghan County Museum called ‘Bordering Realities, Monaghan People and Stories'. The exhibition is on between 10am to 5pm this Saturday – in the peace campus Monaghan town.
Christine told Oliver about getting her devastating diagnosis, and how she is now on a mission to help other women by raising awareness about Ovarian cancer and its symptoms.
Davy Fitzgerald joined Oliver and told him about his new tole as Antrim Hurling Manager, being co-creator and coach of 'Ireland's Fittest Family' and is now coach of participants at 'Ireland’s Fittest Farmer’ competition at the Ploughing Championships!
In a wide ranging interview Roddy Doyle tells Oliver about the strong reaction he received to "The Family" series in the 90s, and how he decided to bring his beloved character, Paula, back in his new book The Women Behind the Door.
Bryan Murray and Una Crawford O’ Brien who play Renee and Bob in Fair City respectively, joined Brendan to tell them how they have been coping since Bryan's dementia diagnosis.
Mixed media artist, Aaron Sunderland Carey, told Brendan about working in socially engaged art. Aaron's latest exhibition 'Stones' opens in the Axis on Wednesday. 'Stones' takes its inspiration from his hometown – Ballymun – both past, present and future.
The Boyne Valley Trails Walking Festival takes place from the 15th to the 22nd of September and two of its guides, Dusty Flanagan and Anthony Murphy, talk to Brendan about the wonders of the region.
Tara O'Halloran Cronin, Team Leader for Team Ireland, tells Brendan about the 17 Irish people who will compete against 1,500 others in the World Skills competition in France.