Encore with Claire O' Brien

Episode 104

This week on Encore with Zoe Ryan Ballinagore born teacher Olive Robinson tells us about bringing Vanessa Galligan’s acclaimed play ‘My Therapist Needs Therapy’ to Athlone Little Theatre for three special performances next weekend in an effort to raise funds for much needed resources. Following their set at Dunamaise Arts Centre’s Battle of the Bands competition earlier this month, newly formed, midlands-based four-piece southern rock band 'Soulberry' discuss their unique sound and what’s next for them. Soprano Helen Hancock reveals her knack to getting more people listening to opera music and the challenges of pursuing a career in classical music ahead of her concert at St Mary's Church of Ireland in Athlone this weekend alongside The Triskel Ensemble. And on the eve of the homecoming of their original play 'The Burned Man' to Esker Arts, Patrick Fogarty and Daniel Murray of Fomóire Productions reflect on the journey so far of going independent.

Episode 103

Coming up tonight on Encore with Zoe Ryan. Peggy McHale, Programmer at Dublin International Film Festival, gives us all the details on the ESB Short Film Award, their collaboration with the electricity company to mark their milestone anniversaries (25 and 100 years respectively), offering young film makers in the midlands and across the country the chance to have their short film funded and premiered at DIFF 2027. In the aftermath of the Road to Forest Fest Battle of the Bands competition in Portlaoise last weekend, we have music from contestant, up-and-coming singer songwriter Becca Mitchell. Tullamore business owner, chef turned pole dancing instructor Savanna Jacqueline, discusses her latest venture - opening the first games cafe in the Midlands, appropriately titled, 'The Bards Rest.' Floral Artist Anna Browne of Big Sky Flowers explains spatial poetry ahead of her upcoming workshop in the artform at Castlepollard Library.

Episode 102

Encore with Zoe Ryan

Episode 101

Music Industry and Event Management students at Birr LOETB Jack Concannon and Molly Kavanagh along with their Teacher John McFadden reveal the thinking behind their timely, “What Makes a Hit in 2026,” event. Westmeath Writer Liza Costello talks about trying her hand at writing for the stage in the wake of the announcement that she has been chosen as one of the three 'Selected Writers' for the annual Script's Playwriting Festival, taking place in Offaly this Summer. Portlaoise-based Creative Moumita Pal and CEO of Dunamaise Arts Centre Ciara O'Connell discuss 'Solas,' an upcoming concert (Saturday, June 20th) at the Laois venue showcasing, with the help of local groups such as Lynam School of Irish Dancing and Camross Comhaltas, what happens when you fuse Indian and Irish song and dance together. We will also have new music from Laois Artist June Kirwan.

Episode 100

Encore with Zoe Ryan