Arts picks: Lisa Gaffney

Highlights of 2023

Lisa Gaffney

Theatres Marketing Manager

Best arts event: So many to choose from, but one that particularly stands out in my mind was Lisa O’Neill’s ‘All Of This Is Chance’ album launch in the Townhall.

A poetic yet powerful album, with the idyllic accompaniment on banjo and fiddle by Colm Mac Con Iomaire, and a guest appearance by John Spillane, it was a special, special night.

One to watch: Alan Bradley (Award Winning Documentary Director)… the powerful, yet hugely important messages in both “Unspoken” and the more recent “Patrick A Young Traveller Lost” create essential awareness into some of the less spoken issues across society. Alan’s work is superb.

Best Film: “The Banshees Of Inisherin” by Martin McDonagh – The sense of despair, the sadness due to loss and the hopelessness of the characters leave your heart aching. Flawless acting from start to finish.

Best Book: “Poor” by Katriona O’Sullivan – a story told with immense honesty and courage, where the value of self-belief and determination cannot be underestimated.

Best music: Grian Chatten ‘Chaos for the Fly’ – On repeat at present. One of my all-time favourites Mick Flannery’s ‘Goodtime Charlie’ comes a very close second.

Best Theatre: ‘King’ written and performed by Pat Kinevane. A masterclass in acting, writing, performing and stage presence.

He had the audience in the palm of his hand from the get-go. It will make you laugh, make you cry, but most importantly it will make you think and feel which is what good theatre is all about.