John O’Shea (part 2)

John O’Shea saw a need to amalgamate Cork City’s theatre companies to form one drama group, The Father Mathew Hall, which originated in the CCYMS, Castle Street, and which moved later to the Capuchin Hall, and finally to the Palace Theatre. John detailed the circumstances which led to the use of each venue, the logistics involved, and how the company sought to re-establish themselves in the successive locations. This could not have happened without the financial support of the business people of Cork he declares, in particular the Barrys. He talks about his reasons for retiring from the stage, and how the Palace Theatre, once known as the Playhouse, now has a good reputation for musicals, opera and dance as well as for stand-up comedy. This is a very informative recording with John O’Shea, which details many important aspects of the history of theatre in Cork city.