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Irish Post
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Post
Ten Mins With...Suzy Crothers
SUZY CROTHERS is a theatre-maker, performer and writer from Belfast. She makes massive hearted multidisciplinary shows that illuminate unheard stories. Her solo show 'Troubled' will be showing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival at Summerhall from July 31 – August 25 and then touring the UK. In 2026, she'll be touring a new show Have a Nice Death which is 'part disco, part wake, part sandwich fest'. She's super happy to have just worked on the just released audiobook of Thirst Trap by Grainne O'Hare, a new writer from Belfast. This week she took time out to talk to The Irish Post... Suzy Crothers What are you up to? Taking my solo theatre show 'Troubled' to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Which piece of music always sends a shiver down your spine? Joga by Bjork. Which writer has most influenced you? Edna O'Brien. What's on your smartphone playlist at the minute? Doechii, the American rapper and singer. Who is your favourite author? George Orwell. What's your favourite film? Casino. What are your Irish roots? Béal Feirste. What is your favourite place in Ireland? Ballycastle, Co. Antrim Which book has really moved you? One Day by David Nicholls. Cried my lamps out. Have you a favourite actor? Andrew Scott is incredible and Sharon Horgan is a Queen. Which living person do you most admire? I'm fortunate to be surrounded by great people so I don't really have one answer, maybe my friend Amy, who is so wise and a mentor to me. In celeb terms, I like Dolly Parton and the work she has done on literacy with all the kids books she gives out. Plus I love Oprah. Which person from the past do you most admire? Audre Lorde, the US writer, philosopher and civil rights activist What would be your motto? I can, I have, I am. Have you a favourite quote from a play or poem that you just like? 'The only ones for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars.' - Jack Kerouac What books are on your bedside table at the minute? All Fours - Miranda July Thirst Trap - Grainne O'Hare Down and Out in Paris and London - George Orwell In terms of inanimate objects, what is your most precious possession? My threadbare childhood teddy - Ted What's the greatest lesson life has taught you? You can. You have. You are. What do you believe in? The kindness of strangers. What do you consider the greatest work of art? The Giants Causeway - nature did a great job there. Who/what is the greatest love of your life? My work. My partner Finbar. Catch Suzy Crothers on July 31st - August 25th - Summerhall, Edinburgh, Sept 10th - Belgrade Coventry and Nov 4th - Sheffield Theatres. Visit
Irish Post
15-07-2025
- General
- Irish Post
New network connects Irish women in Wales
A NEW network is being launched to connect Irish women living in Wales. The Irish Women's Network in Wales is designed to bring together those with "a strong connection to Irish identity, culture, or heritage" and its founding organisers have issued a call out to those who may wish to join. 'The network aims to provide a vibrant, supportive, and inclusive space for Irish women of all backgrounds, generations, and professions who are living, working, or studying in Wales,' they told The Irish Post. Founding members of the Irish Women's Network in Wales (l-r) Sharon Thompson, Cllr Jennifer Burke, Ciara Riordan, Michelle Ryan, who is Ireland's Vice-Consul to Wales, Aoife Blight, Margaret Keenan and Pauline Lomax 'It will celebrate heritage, build community, and amplify Irish women's voices in Welsh society, arts, education, and civic life,' they added. The group is calling out for members to help shape the vision of the network further. 'Whether you're second-generation Irish, a recent arrival, a student, artist, carer, teacher, activist, or business owner, your input and presence are valued,' they said. 'This is a chance to be part of something new and meaningful,' they added. 'A space where Irish women can connect, collaborate, and feel seen. 'We want this network to reflect the diversity and strength of Irish women in Wales today.' Planned activities include cultural events, networking meet-ups, creative collaborations, heritage projects, and advocacy work. The network is also keen to explore intergenerational conversations, and partnerships with other women's groups, Irish organisations, and Welsh cultural institutions. The first meeting of the network is due to take place this week, on July 16 at 6pm. For further details or to get involved, email [email protected]. See More: Irish, Irish Women's Network In Wales, Wales, Women
Irish Post
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Post
Sisterhood and survival - Kelly Gough takes us backstage on London revival of Run Sister Run
KELLY GOUGH is starring in a revival of Chloë Moss' 2020 play Run Sister Run which opened at the Arcola Theatre this month. Born in Ennis, Co. Clare and now living in London, at 38 years old she has been in the acting business for more than two decades. Moss's play explores the highs and lows of sisterhood through the entwined lives of siblings Connie and Ursula. Gough, who has five sisters of her own, plays Ursula. This week she told The Irish Post what drew her to the show and why she loves it… Kelly Gough stars in Run Sister Run at the Arcola Theatre this month (Pic: Hackney Headshots) What drew you to this revival of Chloë Moss' 2020 play? Truthfully: the story. The script landed in my inbox, I loved the story, and many, many, many people moved heaven and earth to make it happen for me. However much I earn, I have accrued debts I will never be able to repay on this one. How has director Marlie Haco approached this version? Marlie's approach reminds me of work I've seen back home, particularly the work of Sarah Jane Scaife, Pat Kinevane, Bryan Burroughs and David Horan. It is unapologetically theatrical and I love it. Theatre and television are very, very, different mediums and Marlie really leans into that- the confluence of lean, naturalistic dialogue and imaginative theatre feels wildly exciting to me. How would you describe the story? Thought-provoking. What is your character like? The name of the character says it all. Ursula comes from the Latin meaning 'little she-bear'. She is wild, furious, fierce and (somewhat accidentally) hilarious. When she isn't hibernating, Ursula comes at the world roaring - I love the character. What's been most challenging about the role? Everything. I was in the process of completing my PGCE, while working full-time as an English and Drama teacher when I signed on. The final fortnight before half-term was a blitz of marking, handovers, and completing my final essay for university. It's been a massive challenge, one that continues to keep me firmly in what Vygotsky (1978) called the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD). Learning happens just outside your comfort zone…suffice to say, I'm learning LOADS. Kelly Gough in rehearsals with Jo Herbert and Charlie Beaven (Pic: Toby Mather) The play centres on the complexities of sisterhood. Has it been intense, enjoyable, both? I'm not sure 'intense' is the word I'd use to describe it. É sin ráite, I'm a pretty 'intense' individual myself so it's hard to know for certain. That's the great thing about great writing - it's endlessly open to interpretation. Similarly, I'm not sure 'enjoyable' is the word I'd choose to describe the process of building the show…the word 'muscular' feels more accurate. It's always great to go into a rehearsal room where the director has a clear vision. Nowadays, it's easy for actors to default to telly acting, to neglect the body and the voice- the raw tools of our trade - and Marlie steadfastly refuses to let that happen. It's been a great challenge. It was a huge decision to return to the stage, and I don't regret a single second. That said, I'm looking forward to returning to teaching in September. It's all just another thread in life's great tapestry. Have you channelled any personal experiences with your own sisters for this role? I have five sisters. On the surface (with the notable exception of my twin sister Ciara) we're not especially close. Below the surface, I love them all bone-deeply and I pose a legitimate threat to the health of any individual who dares speak ill of any of them at any time. Inarguably, they are all great teachers for me. Personally, I'm not into 'channelling' personal experience…something about that feels somewhat dangerous to me. The writing is what does the work. I follow it religiously. The show runs at the Arcola Theatre until July 27 (Pic: Toby Mather) Your sister Denise is also an actor, are there benefits of working in the same field or do you draw a line between your work and personal life? I don't know that I draw a line between work life and family life. There's just life. Brutal, beautiful, precious life. The more people you have in your corner-or field the better. Especially when you're wired the way I am. Like Mum, Dad, and all my siblings (Shane, Niall, Zita, Daragh, Angie, Gerard, John, Aideen and especially Ciara), Denise is in my corner. Plus, Shelley and Aunty Denise are in there too. Regardless of my many failings, I have a clergy of Goughs, Hughes, and the late Bishop Willie Walsh looking after me. Undoubtedly, I am very lucky. Did you bond easily with your stage sister, Jo Herbert? Are there any tricks you can use for that? The main 'trick' is casting. Casting is a much-overlooked art form, and our casting director Gabrielle Dawes played a blinder on this one. I couldn't imagine anyone else playing Jo's part (Connie), nor could I imagine anyone else playing Adrian (Theo Fraser-Steele) or Jack (Charlie Beavan). It's just as well really…the theatre only has the one dressing room. That's a great trick: shove all the excellent, eccentric actors in together, and see what ensues. What can the audience expect from the show? A great night at the theatre. What are the highlights of this production? The writing, design, music, lighting, direction and performance. Marlie is creating something wildly theatrical, the likes of which I haven't seen since I left Ireland. Even if I wasn't in it, I would want to see it. Will anyone come over from Ireland to see you in the show? Yes. Denise will be converting her London home into a small, highly exclusive hotel which will host various combinations of Goughs, Hughes, and in-laws. I have no doubt her patience will be tested, and it'll be wild craic. I strongly suspect she will host a convey from Clare, a couple from Sligo, at least one woman from Waterford and a very vocal contingent from Dublin. Gan amhras ar bith, all my people are the best. Run Sister Run runs at the Arcola Theatre until July 27. For tickets and listings click here. See More: Arcola Theatre, Chloë Moss, Kelly Gough, Run Sister Run
Irish Post
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Irish Post
New easier British citizenship route for Irish citizens launched
IRISH people living in the UK will soon be able to apply for British citizenship under a new easier, cheaper route, strengthening the unique relationship between the two countries. This is on foot of the Private Members' Bill introduced by Rt. Hon. Gavin Robinson MP which gave the Home Office the opportunity to focus on this aspect of immigration law. Migration and Citizenship Minister Seema Malhotra is visiting Belfast today (3 July) to formally welcome the commencement of the British Nationality (Irish Citizens) Act 2024. The new route, part of the Act, makes it easier for Irish citizens to become British. Applicants will be subject to a more streamlined digital application process and will not be required to demonstrate knowledge of English language or sit the Life in the UK test. The registration fee will be 50% cheaper than for other nationalities, at £723 for adults and £607 for children. Children looked after by the local authority will be processed free of charge, as will those who can credibly demonstrate they can't afford the application fee. Minister Malhotra said: 'The UK and Ireland enjoy a close and continued shared history and geographic links that have fostered deep cultural connections and family ties across generations. 'This new route represents the unique relationship between our two countries and builds upon the Common Travel Area arrangements that have benefited citizens of both nations for decades. "I am pleased the route will enable eligible Irish nationals who have made their home in the UK to fully participate in British society while maintaining their Irish citizenship.' From 22 July 2025, which is when the British Nationality (Irish Citizens) Act 2024 comes into force, Irish citizens living in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man will be able to apply for British citizenship under this new, easier route. An Irish citizen will be able to register as a British citizen where: — They can show they have been living in the UK for the previous five years — During the five years, they must have not been absent for a total of more than 450 days — During the final year, they must have not been absent for more than 90 days — During the five years, they must have not been in breach of the immigration laws — They are of good character. Minister Malhotra told The Irish Post: 'These changes are about recognising what makes the UK's relationship with Ireland so special. 'From 22 July, as our closest friends and neighbours, eligible Irish people will be able to benefit from a simpler British citizenship registration process and won't be required to take English language or Life in the UK tests. 'This change honours the unique contribution of Irish people to British society, who have helped shape our culture, build our infrastructure and strengthen our communities across every region of the UK for generations. 'It's about giving Irish nationals the chance to officially embrace both identities, and this new pathway cements that special relationship for the future.' A spokesperson from the Home Office said that there has not been a huge demand for this facility – with only around 300 to 400 Irish people a year, from the Irish Republic, applying to become British citizens. Background to the law: The new British citizenship route for Irish citizens resident in the UK has been a long-standing consideration by Parliament and has been raised previously at both the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee (who released a report on 30 June 2021 advocating for an easier and cheaper pathway for Irish citizens living in the UK to become British citizens: Citizenship and Passport Processes in Northern Ireland) and in Westminster Hall debates. The Home Office statement says: "The Private Members' Bill introduced by Rt. Hon. Gavin Robinson MP gave the Home Office the opportunity to rectify this deficiency in British nationality law." See More: British Citizenship, Gavin Robinson
Irish Post
01-07-2025
- Health
- Irish Post
Young organ donation campaigner honoured at President Higgins' garden party
YOUNG organ donation campaigner Dáithí Mac Gabhann was a guest of the President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins at a garden party held at Áras an Uachtaráin over the weekend. The eight-year-old, who was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, was among the special guests for the Family Day party on June 29. It is thought to be one of the last few garden parties that will be hosted by the President before he completes his term in November. Awaiting a heart transplant since January 2018, Dáithí and his Belfast-based family have successfully campaigned to change the law around organ donation in Northern Ireland to a soft opt-out system. Named in his honour, Dáithí's Law came into effect on June 1, 2023. Their successful Donate4Dáithí campaign was celebrated at the party, where President Higgins paid tribute to Dáithí in his speech. 'It's hard to put into words how proud we are to have been invited to Áras an Uachtaráin,' Dáithí's dad Máirtín Mac Gabhann, who is the spokesperson for the campaign, told The Irish Post. 'To stand there, as a family, representing our campaign, and to hear President Higgins acknowledge Dáithí, the campaign, and the law change in his speech, we were blown away,' he added. 'We've always said this campaign is about community, compassion and change,' he explained. '[This] was a reminder that if any campaign or cause keeps going; that even the smallest of voices can be heard all the way to the highest office in the country.' Each year, President Higgins and wife Sabina have hosted a series of garden parties to celebrate the work of people and organisations who have been active in projects and areas that are central to his presidency. The parties continue a tradition established by past presidents, which welcomes people from all over the island of Ireland to Áras an Uachtaráin, its house and gardens.
