The Truth and the lies of an Old Reprobate

“fantastic , seductive writing with a fund of accent and language”- “fantastic enveloping voice of Shay Flannery, storyteller, which draws you in”  (reviewed on radio 1 "the Sunday Show")
Joe O’Neill from Mountmellick who died in 1997 left copybooks of his writings which were salvaged after his death by his niece, Denise O’Driscoll.  Denise brought the copybooks to Nuala Hayes, who was Artist-in-Residence with the Arts Office, Laois County Council.  Under the direction of Nuala Hayes the material became the basis for a performance by actor Shay Flannery.

The show is a selection of his writings and tells the story of Joe’s “Fair town” of Mountmellick, his family and his own life - warts and all.  There are stories from his childhood, anecdotes and reflections of life in a small town, and the brutal truth of living through alcoholism and its effects on himself, and his family.  " I never drank for pleasure, always for effect" . 

This is a production that could be performed in any part of Ireland (and indeed further afield) and loved by everyone who sees it. It tells the story of Joe O’Neill, a man from a small town who died in 1977 who left copy books of his writings after his death – a selection of these were used to put together this story of Joe’s life. There are stories from Joe’s childhood, accounts of growing up in a small town, his own account of living with alcoholism and the effects it had on people around him.

Joe O’Neill has a wonderful capacity to incorporate dark wry comedy in his writing.  Shay Flannery, as the voice of Joe O’Neill proves himself to be a sensitive and authentic interpreter of a difficult but lovable man.

The life and writings of Joe O’Neill was the subject of a radio documentary in the series “Tales at the Crossroads”, broadcast on RTE Radio 1, produced by Nuala Hayes.  The Confessions, the Truth and the Lies of an Old Reprobate was first performed during the Laois Arts Festival in 2003 in Mountmellick, then at the Dunamaise Arts Centre, and as part of the Bloomsday celebrations in Dublin.  The show has completed a very successful nationwide summer tour,  venues included the Dunamaise Theatre, Portlaoise, The Moat Club, Naas, the Civic Theatre, Tallaght, The Helix, Glasnevin, Burncourt Co Tipperary, St. John’s, Listowel and Cloghane, Dingle. 

Reviews

I believe there is a Joe O’Neill in every town, and I have no doubt that everyone in every audience knows him, you will recognise him straight away.

Shay Flannery’s delivery of Joe is flawless, he brings passion, sadness and comedy to the character exactly when required and without exaggeration or “stage-Irishness” . For the full hour and a half of the performance he IS Joe O’Neill. I had the pleasure of chatting about this piece with Shay before the show and his description of Joe and recount of the stories Joe left behind him were on the tip of his tongue, he loves this character and this is evident in his performance, but more importantly he understands him – he performs honestly and is true to the character at all times.

Shay is truly a wonderful storyteller and has a beautiful singing voice – you could listen to him all night.

The audience were unanimous in their appreciation of this beautifully performed production.

It was no surprise that following this excellent performance Charlestown Arts Centre invited Shay back to Mayo as part of their Winter Programme. This show travels very well and I believe everyone should get a chance to see it. 

The confessions the truth and the lies of an old Reprobate performed at The Space @ the Helix ......storytelling at its very best……engaging, creative, funny and real in the best sense of the word…… Full Houses! for both nights.  Incredible reaction from a mixed audience from both town and country.  We loved it ….. Marie-Louise O’Donnell, Artistic Programmer, The Helix.

Locals and visitors alike delighted in the trip down memory lane that Shay Flannery’s stunning performance brought them.  A moving performance that brought tears and laughter to an engrossed audience.  This show is a must see!!!
Trish Hendrick Manager at Halla le Cheile, Cloghane.

Following a recent performance in the Town Hall, Nenagh as part of Spleodar week, Labour Senator Kathleen O’Meara remarked “What struck me about the story is how powerful it was.  It could have been about any small community in the country.  Not a rose tinted view of real life in a small town but one that’s real and authentic.  The anger is not hidden, and Shay is fantastic at telling a story of emigration and raising children in a time that many people relate to. This is a truly fantastic experience that’s so good you would want to go see it again a second time.”

Biogs
Shay Flannery was born in Nenagh, County Tipperary and has lived in Mountmellick for twenty years.  He is an award winning actor and producer and was a broadcaster for three years with local radio.  He is a gold medal winner from L.A.M.D.A. and he is presently involved with the Mountmellick Pioneer Drama Group.  Shay also played a small part in two episodes of  RTÉ s “Fair City” screened in September.

For further details contact:
Shay Flannery,
21 Brockview,
Davitt Rd.,
Mountmellick
Co Laois.
Tel:  0502 44067  087 6364362
Email:  shayflannery@yahoo.co.uk