The Big Tech Show: How an Irish PC game about a well-known Dublin landmark secured Hollywood funding
Gambrinous newest game is called Eyes of a Hellfire, which is a supernatural multiplayer game played on PC. The game has secured backing from Hollywood production company, Blumhouse Games.
You can listen to the full episode here, on the Irish Independent website or wherever you get your podcasts.
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Irish Times
18 minutes ago
- Irish Times
What Are You Afraid Of? at Kilkenny Arts Festival: Peter Hanly's stage fright study is provoking, enlightening and enriching
What Are You Afraid Of? Watergate Theatre, Kilkenny ★★★★★ 'I don't know this,' he begins. It's an actor's nightmare. The thing is, it's all of our nightmare, the fear that something familiar, what we know well, where we fit in the world, suddenly disappears. Peter Hanly was an accomplished and well-known actor, familiar from decades performing in Rough Magic productions, at the Abbey, at the Gate and on other stages, and on screen from Braveheart to Ballykissangel. Then, in 2011, at dress rehearsal for Brian Friel's monologue play Molly Sweeney in the Gate in Dublin, he had a sudden, overwhelming anxiety that he would forget the lines he knew well. 'I just couldn't believe that I knew them, that they would all be there waiting for me when I needed them.' Ultimately the terror, the severe stage fright, meant he disappeared from view for more than a decade. 'I was an actor for 30 years, show after show after show, and then it stopped. Did no one fucking notice? Did you not miss me?' READ MORE Now here he is, in this Rough Magic and Kilkenny Arts Festival production, back on stage as actor and playwright – and subject. This is Hanly's story, but it's much more than that. He explores what happened, both in life and in his head. Domhnall Herdman plays his grandfather Tom Hanly, a drapery apprentice at Clerys who died before Peter was born, and here is both provocation and guardian angel. Niamh McAllister is the stage manager's voice, terrorising, taunting, bullying ('Loser. Quitter'), a counterpoint to his grandfather. They are characters are in his head, theatrical devices, his inner voices; part of his anxiety, and performing his anxiety. There are 'real' people, too, including McAllister's myriad and often wickedly amusing therapists he visits in his distress. This manages to be both complex and simple, an exploration of how anxiety works on the human mind, but also a really strong narrative. There's interaction between Hanly, real and imagined characters, the voices, screen versions of himself. It toys with the nature of memory, time travel, inner life and outer life; the interplay between what's happening to him, as his parents' own memories flicker, is tender and illuminating. What Are You Afraid Of?: Peter Hanly, Domhnall Herdman and Niamh McAllister. Photograph: Ros Kavanagh This is both playful and profound. Lynne Parker directs her long-time colleague with sensitivity and sureness and nuance, and a deft comic touch that envelops the audience. It skilfully bounces between the delicacies of the human mind, how exposed vulnerabilities can paralyse a life, and enlightening entertainment. This is clever and very funny. It breaks the fourth wall, connecting with the audience, and there is a delightful self-consciousness in what they are about; 'move the story on,' Hanly is urged. And it revels in accomplished, swish stagecraft: video (Eoin Robinson), sound and composition (Fiona Sheil), set and lighting (Zia Bergin-Holly) and costumes (Sorcha Ní Fhloinn) are all intrinsic to the sophisticated telling of Hanly's story. It glories in all these machinations, but they also serve the telling in a way that is totally appropriate to its theme. The script in hand, the autocue, are part of this theatricality, and part of the meaning. This is an extraordinary piece of work. A totally absorbing, moving and funny piece of theatre made by someone who can no longer act. Oh, but he can: Hanly's performance is deft and complex, vulnerable, honest, warm. 'Who are you when you're not an actor?' he asks himself. The anguish it has taken to get here is clear, as is the extensive development . It's about theatre but mostly about being human. [ Peter Hanly was one of Ireland's most recognisable actors. Then he vanished Opens in new window ] This universality is pointed up from the start, the audience invited to share their own fears on cards, anonymously. This is raw, and rich. It holds the audience with compassion, while provoking, enlightening, enriching. At Watergate Theatre, as part of Kilkenny Arts Festival , until Tuesday, August 12th, and at Smock Alley, as part of Dublin Theatre Festival , from Thursday, September 25th, until Saturday, October 4th
Irish Times
an hour ago
- Irish Times
Oasis at Croke Park: Stage times, set list, ticket information, how to get there and more
The highly anticipated global Oasis Live '25 reunion tour arrives in Dublin for two performances at Croke Park on August 16th and 17th. The tour marks the duo's first live appearance since they spilt in 2009. The band, originally comprised of brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher, Paul 'Bonehead' Arthurs, Paul 'Guigsy' McGuigan and Tony McCarroll, formed in their native Manchester in 1991. Their debut album Definitely Maybe released in 1994 propelled them to pop stardom, the group quickly becoming one of the defining bands of the Britpop era. Between 1991 and 2009 they released seven albums and had eight number one singles and 23 top 10s. However, the brothers' relationship was always fraught and tumultuous – they would often be seen arguing on or off stage and private screaming matches between the two were regularly reported in the press. Both brothers made numerous threats to leave the band before eventually splitting in 2009 during their Dig Out Your Soul Tour. After the group disbanded Noel and Liam each formed their own bands, regularly slinging insults back and forth in the press, with Liam suing Noel over comments made about the cancellation of a 2009 V Festival performance. READ MORE In 2019 Liam Gallagher said he would like to reunite with Noel but accused him of wanting to be a solo artist in order to, 'get all the coin and be surrounded by yes men you can fire and hire whenever he wants'. Last summer speculation began mounting that the duo were set to reunite for a 30th anniversary tour. When the announcement came of their reunion tour, on August 27th last year, tickets for all UK and Ireland dates sold out in less than a day. When and where will they play? The band will play two concerts at Croke Park in Dublin on Saturday, August 16th, and Sunday, August 17th. Are tickets still available? While the tour did immediately sell out, the odd very pricey resale ticket has been popping up on Ticketmaster . The resale website Twickets is Oasis's official resale partner. To avoid looking back in anger, buy tickets from accredited sources only. How does my ticket work? The organisers have advised concertgoers to download their tickets from the Ticketmaster website or app on to their phones in advance of the event. Screenshots will not work as the barcodes on the tickets are live and updated regularly. Where should I go if I have a problem with my ticket? The Ticketmaster box office will be located at Mountjoy Square East, marked on the map below with a blue 't'. Provided by MCD Who are the support acts? Get ready for an evening of complete Britpop nostalgia as English singer-songwriter Richard Ashcroft , former frontman of '90s alternative rock band The Verve, and Liverpool indie rock band Cast, provide support. What time should I arrive? Doors open at 5pm, with the support acts expected to begin at 6pm. Oasis have typically been starting their two-hour set around 8.15pm. The concert is expected to end around 10.30pm. As the venue is expected to be very busy, concertgoers should aim to be at Croke Park 45 minutes before the show starts. Merch will be available at the gigs, and at the official Oasis pop-up shop at St Stephen's Green Shopping Centre. How do I get there and home again? Fans should allow for sufficient travel time to and from the venue. As traffic and parking delays are inevitable, you are encouraged to walk, cycle, use public transport and private coach services. By train : The nearest railway stations are Drumcondra and Clonliffe Road which are both about a five-minute walk from Croke Park. The closest Dart stations are Connolly, which is a 15-20 minute walk, and Clontarf, which is a 20-25 minute walk. By Luas : The closest Luas stop on the Red Line is Parnell and, on the Green Line, Marlborough (from northside) and O'Connell Upper (from southside) – both a 15-minute walk. By bus: Dublin Bus routes 1, 7, 13, 14, 16, 19, 27a, 29a, 31a, 31b, 32, 33, 40, 40b, 40d, 41, 41b, 41c, 42, 43, 44, 53, 123 and 122 serve Croke Park. Expressway is working with the concert's promoters and offering return coach services both days from Cork, Limerick and Galway to Croke Park. Other commercial coach operators, like Concert Buses , Irish Concert Travel , Concert Bus , Concert Express , Murray and Son Coaches , will also serve Croke Park By car: There is no public parking at Croke Park and traffic cordons will be in place at least two hours before the event. The organisers advise against parking in local residential areas. If you must drive you are advised to use a car park in the city centre, like Claremont Parking or Q-Park, and then get public transport to the venue. By bike: The nearest Dublin bike locations are on the North Circular Road and at Mountjoy Square. There are cycle locking facilities around the stadium, including the Cusack Stand car park and two-tier bike storage in the Davin Stand car park. Irish Rail has added a late-night service for the concert on Sunday, August 17th, from Heuston to Galway, leaving Heuston at 00:30. What's the deal with all the different venue entrances? Your ticket will tell you which entrance to use. If you go to the wrong entrance you will be denied entry. There are four entrances: Blue route: Enter via Jones Road/Russell Street (for Hogan Stand Seating/Premium Seating). Red route: Enter via St James Avenue off Cloniffe Road (for Cusack Stand Seating/Premium Seating). Yellow route: Enter via St Margaret's Avenue (for Davin Stand Seating). Green Route: Enter via Foster Terrace (for Standing). What will they play? Oasis on stage at the Principality Stadium, Cardiff, as the band's long-awaited reunion tour kicks off in Wales. Photograph: Jordan Pettitt/PA Oasis are likely to play all their greatest hits. Here is their set list from August 3rd when they performed at Wembley Stadium in London: Hello Acquiesce Morning Glory Some Might Say Bring It On Down Cigarettes & Alcohol Fade Away Supersonic Roll With It Talk Tonight Half the World Away Little by Little D'You Know What I Mean? Stand by Me Cast No Shadow Slide Away Whatever Live Forever Rock 'n' Roll Star The Masterplan Don't Look Back in Anger Wonderwall Champagne Supernova What's the story with security? Strict security checks will be in operation; everyone will be subject to a search. Due to health and safety regulations, there are no camping/collapsible chairs permitted on site. Concertgoers are advised not to bring large bags/backpacks as they may experience delays or be refused entry. There will be no storage facilities on site. Bags larger than A4, signs/flags bigger than A3, flag poles, glass or cans, umbrellas, alcohol, selfie sticks, flares, professional cameras and audio recording equipment will not be permitted; see the full list of prohibited items on MCD's website . Soft, collapsible water skins permitted in seated blocks. No hard plastic, metal or glass reusables permitted. There will be free water points for pitch customers. What about disabled access? If you have a general admission ticket and would benefit from accessible accommodation you can request it here . Please note that all forms close five days in advance of the event date. Accessible ticketholders don't need to contact the concert organisers as they will be contacted directly regarding accessible parking options. All accessible parking must be arranged in advance. Anything else I should know? There will no be readmission to the concert if you leave. All under-16s must be accompanied by an adult over 25 at all times. Unaccompanied 16s will be refused entry without a refund. This concert is not recommended for those under five years of age. What's the weather forecast? Met Éireann has said that high pressure will be dominating the weather in Dublin the week of the concert. This will bring predominantly settled conditions with much drier than average conditions. Mean air temperatures will be above normal for the time of year.
Irish Examiner
2 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
Rising star architect Courtney McDonnell designed the revamp at €750k Mount Oval home
FANS of RTÉ's Home of the Year may recall the Pink House, a bold piece of architectural exotica in suburban Stillorgan that made it through to the finale of the popular television series in 2023. The Pink House in Stillorgan, with extension by Courtney McDonnell, has a hint of the exotic A stunning example of how to turn a boring 1950s semi-d in to the kind of vibrant home you might find on Spanish or Moroccan shores, it was a big hit among the viewership, many of whom had their own aspirations to transform mid-century suburban semis. The creative mind behind the Pink House was Dublin-based architect Courtney McDonnell, of Courtney McDonnell Architects, whose star continues to rise. Her firm (set up in 2017) won for both building of the year and house extension refurbishment (for their house project on Griffith Avenue in Dublin) at the 2025 Building & Architect of the Year Awards (pictured below). The judges praised the skillful balance of preserving the original 1950s character of the property with introducing light-filled contemporary elements, creating a strikingly stylish family home. So what has Courtney McDonnell's growing list of achievements got to do with the house featured here? Well, she was the architect hired to design the natty rear extension at no 57 Dewberry, in Rochestown's Mount Oval, by the couple that bought the property in 2018. No 57 Dewberry, Mount Oval Having returned from London, the couple moved into the three-storey, detached no 57 in 2019. 'When we moved in, the kitchen/living was an L-shaped layout, separated by a prominent steel beam that supported the rear structure of the house. As part of a major renovation and extension, we set out to create a bright, open-plan kitchen and living space for our growing young family,' the couple say. They hired Courtney McDonnell, a good friend of the woman of the house. 'It was great to work with Courtney on the overall design, and the layout works so well for us,' she says. Extension to the rear of No 57 Dewberry, Mount Oval Kerry-based Lauragh Construction were hired for the build work. To create the space that they wanted, a steel column was removed and replaced with two substantial steel beams, running the full width of the new extension. In addition, two further steel beams were installed to support the new flat roof and a 3.7-metre custom-made roof light. Between the substantial roof light, floor-to-ceiling windows, and patio doors, natural light floods the space. Picture windows frame garden views Garden views are beautifully framed by equal-height picture windows. Porcelain tiles add style out back 'We inherited a mature garden from the previous owners,' the woman of the house says, adding that Lane Paving helped with improvements in the west-facing rear garden in 2022, including the laying of porcelain tiles. They also extended the front driveway to better accommodate two cars. The owners say the 20 sq m rear extension transformed a 'pokey kitchen' in to a layout 'perfect for modern family living'. As part of the process, the utility was reconfigured to make it bigger, but also less visible, accessed via 'a secret door'. Secret door to the utility In the kitchen area itself, appliances are hidden, countertops are granite, the splashback is mirrored, and the centrepiece is a three-metre long island. It was fitted by Pat Sheehan, of Creative Designs Kitchens, and includes a full-height, in-built pantry. 'Pat did an amazing job,' the owners say. The couple also replaced the original internal doors with glass panel doors and ripped up downstairs flooring, replacing it with herring bone. Herringbone flooring throughout the downstairs On the two upper levels, carpets were replaced. Two middle-floor en suites were fully renovated (the main bedroom has an extended en suite) and the children have their own sleeping quarters on the top floor, where you will also find the main bathroom. While much change was wrought at no 57, the couple opted to retain the original, split-level design of the now-extended open-plan living space. 'We kept the split level, as it created nice zones, separating the living area from the kitchen,' the owners say. A couch was specially made by Finline Furniture to fit the living space. A Dru panoramic, three-sided gas fire can be viewed from all angles of the room. Split level living with bespoke sofa and Dru panoramic feature fireplace 'We spend most of our time in the kitchen/living area that flows out to the garden,' the owners say, adding that 'it's a great, open space to have friends and family over'. There's a separate living room to the front. Front living room at No 57 'In the winter months, we love to light a fire in the front room and relax there. It's been a really happy home for our family and we have so many great memories,' the couple say. It's been a comfortable home, given it has a B3 energy rating, which will help with mortgage rates. The owners love the family-friendly Mount Oval location — there are c 800 units in this O'Flynn Construction scheme — where children can scoot to creche in the morning and where Scoil Phádraig Naofa national school is within walking distance. Douglas village and a range of sporting facilities are easily accessed. Garryduff Woods is close, too, where family-friendly, pooch-friendly walking trails are open year round. Garryduff Woods Kevin Barry, of Barry Auctioneers, is overseeing the sale of this Dewberry home, which previously featured in House and Home magazine, as well as in Irish Examiner Property, after it was chosen by online design platform Houzz as a dream kitchen/living space in 2022. Mr Barry describes the extension as 'stunning' and expects keen interest from families seeking to trade up. 'This is the seventh detached house we have had in Mount Oval in the last year, of which five were were bought by someone trading up, already living in Mount Oval. That says a lot about the area,' Mr Barry says. The agent is guiding the 165 sq m, four-bed home at €750,000. VERDICT: Stylish trade-up in a family-friendly neighbourhood. The extension is the crowning glory.
