“Thank you Anne for a very entertaining session and to the performers. Took me back to our front room in Ireland when the neighbours would come in (before television) and we all took a turn entertaining, and my Dad played the piano accordion.”
We asked our performers to write a few words about themselves. This is what they wrote:
Eithne Cullen
I was born in Dublin and moved to London when I was six years old, this experience has shaped the stories I tell.
I live in East London. I taught in Hackney and Waltham Forest schools for a long time and have been writing a lot more since retiring.
A member of Forest Poets and Write Next Door, I have had poems and stories published in magazines and anthologies. I was the poet in residence for Hysteria Writing Competition. I have had some success in poetry competitions, including the Journal of the pre Raphaelite society, as a second place winner and being highly commended. I have written two novels: The Ogress of Reading and Never Not in my Thoughts (published by New Generation) and a book of short stories, Pencils and Other Stories.
Eithne will be reading two of her own poems: “Soundscapes” and “The Shrine”.
Terence O’Flaherty
Terence O’Flaherty is a singer/songwriter from Ennistymon, Co. Clare. He is from a family of singers and learned his earliest songs from local singers and musicians and travelling storytellers and singers. In the early 1970s, he emigrated to London and joined the thriving Irish music scene in the capital. He has performed with musicians from many different backgrounds, including, The Chieftains, Planxty, The Furys and De Danann. He has performed across genres with classical, jazz and funk artists and has performed widely in the UK, Europe and the USA. His debut album, Crosscurrents , was very well reviewed as were the following Ghosts and Trace albums. He is about to release a fourth album called Backtrack.
Terence will be performing “Return To Camden” a song he wrote about his life in the building trade for us this evening.
Michael O’Sullivan
“Michael was born in London to Irish parents, both of whom had emigrated from County Cork in the1950’s. Having listened to many an Irish tale as he was growing up, he is now carrying the tradition of inventing stories with his playwriting and children’s stories. His biggest fans are his two daughters; although the oldest has now left for University to study English Literature. Michael is also an amateur opera singer, and met his wife Gina (who is a professional singer) on the set of the Marriage of Figaro. Such is the magic of theatre!”
Michael will be performing a piece from the Well of Saints by J M Synge.
Nora Connolly
An experience actor and writer, Nora who hails from Connemara, County Galway has been acting and performing her poetry for many years. She us a great supporter of Green Curtain theatre and has appeared in several productions for us.
Nora will be performing two pieces for us. The first is from the ‘Tinker’s Wedding’ by J M Synge and the second is a poem entitled ‘The Oxters’.
Wallis Hamilton Felton
Wallis is an actor, writer and vocalist from Wicklow. She trained at the Mountview Academy of Performing Arts. Credits include: Anne in Anne of Green Gables at the Unicorn Theatre and Deb in Ordinary Days at the Soho Theatre. Her debuted play, Dirty Laundry premiered in 2018 to 5* reviews and was revived in 2019. Her new play, Rúin, is having a professional staged reading facilitated by The Space theatre next Tuesday 2nd February.
Wallis will be singing “She Danced Through The Fair” and performing a piece from Marina Carr’s play : “The Mai”.
Chris Moore
As an amateur baker and travel enthusiast, Chris loves cooking up a storm and exploring new places. He brings these skills to his writing where he concocts fiendish scenarios and explores fictional worlds. Chris is passionate about teaching and has taught on the BA and MA in Publishing programmes at the University of Central Lancashire. His first book – Fall Out – was published in June and his latest novel, Gut Feelings, published in January and explores his own experiences with growing up with a chronic illness in Ireland.
Chris will be performing two of his poems from ‘Gut Feeling’. You can purchase his book from either of the these two outlets: “Hive” and “Book Depository International”.
Mairead Ni Fhinn
I grew up in Roscommon, Southern Ireland. Left for uni in Nottingham – not by choice but story far too long…….After graduation, I worked as a language teacher in Kent, married (an Englishman) and have two daughters.I also spent time overseas, and it was during a spell in Ecuador, South America, that I found ‘a hole in my heart’ where my native tongue should have been. On my return I set about restoring it and now spend my free time on all things Irish
Mairead will be reading one of her favourite poems in Irish: ‘Bean Sléibhe ag Caoineadh a Mac’ – by Patrick Pearse
Crystal Baiget
I came from Dublin to London in 1987 to specialise in Neuro Nursing. Cutbacks in
Ireland meant no jobs and UK needed us! But London was the one place I could never see myself living! I loved playing my music and writing songs – in a strange land.
One old Irish song I loved was Be Thou My vision – asking God to lead me and keep my eyes and heart following; I’ve always found strength from the words of this song, but when Maire Brennan sang it in Irish, my heart was complete. Could this song sound any better than in my native tongue. I seriously think I have become more Irish since living here in London!
Crystal will be singing Bí Thusa Mo Thúile. She will be accompanied by her husband Simon.
Jackie Pulford
Jackie’s previous theatre credits include Elegies (Union Theatre) Karaoke Play (Bunker Theatre) and Love and Money (Soho Theatre), as well as roles for short film, commercial & corporate projects. Jackie can be heard on the recently released concept album for Catfish The Musical.
Jackie will be performing two pieces: a monologue from Brian Friel’s “Dancing at Lughnasa” and a comedy monologue which she wrote.
Gerry Molumby
Gerry hails from Thurles Co. Tipperary. However in 1980, Gerry relocated to Britain and brought his altruistic attitude with him. “I have been involved in the welfare and cultural scene of the Irish in Britain for over 30 years” he stated. After his relocation, Gerry held a position at the National Health Service in his new home country, at the world’s largest publicly funded health service. At the NHS, ” I am recently retired but my career was working with and for older people in health and social care. Gerry is well known as a singer and actor to the Irish in living in the UK.
Gerry will be performing ‘The Four Farrellys'” by Percy French.