We held a competition in late 2017 when we asked people to write either a monologue or a playlet based on a painting by an Irish artist. Below are the recordings of  some of the finalists.

Click here to listen to Paddy by Jules Garvey Walsh performed by Paul Lavery based on the painting ‘A Firm Grip on Reality’ by Jimmy Lawlor.
Paddy is an elderly man, adept at using the computer who is about to find out the impact that it can make on his life.

 

This piece by Nick Maynard, performed by Kevin Bohan was inspired by the painting ‘Leaving It All Behind’ by Jimmy Lawlor. In it the speaker explains why he feels unable to remain in his home in Northern Ireland and has moved to Scotland.

 

 

John Murtagh’s piece was based on the painting of Dog’s Bay in Roundstone by Cloe Cloherty. The painting catches the eye of two pensioners in Hampstead High Street, North London. The piece is performed by Sharon Wymark and Nora Connolly.

 

 

In this piece Elizabeth McGregor reflects on her mother’s life as a nurse in England. It was inspired by the painting ‘Irish Nurses’ by Bernard Canavan. The piece is performed by Sharon Wymark.  Click here to listen.

 

 

Many Irish men and women met their partners at an Irish Dance Hall. In this piece ‘The Galtymore’ by J P Murtagh  an Irish elder reflects on the impact a night at the Galtymore had on her. The  painting ‘The Galtymore’ is by Bernard Canavan.

 

 

Only a visit from the Virgin Mary can resolve differences between a woman and her late husband. This piece  by Rosemary Clerkin was inspired by the painting ‘No Goodbye’ by Gillian Hyland.  It is performed by Nora Connolly and Sharon Wymark.

 

 

In this piece based on the painting ‘Holyhead to Euston’ by Bernard Canavan was written by playwright Clare Knights. In it
an elderly Irish woman  reflects on her journey to England. It is performed by Nora Connolly.