meet Our Team

PEADAR DONOHOE – Artistic Director, Writer and Performer

Peadar is well known for his versions of Shakespeare’s plays: “The Shakespeare Sessions” which are abridged versions with new material that break the fourth wall and invite learner interaction, participation and discussion while making the work accessible and thought provoking. He also directs and writes Cyclone’s Bullying Prevention Session which tours to schools nationwide. He is a Drama coach and director for CIT Cork School Music. His research in anti-bullying initiatives for Primary and Secondary schools has been highly successful and numerous articles can be found on ResearchGate. Peadar has been an invited speaker at conferences, and has delivered lectures and workshops in numerous academic and professional institutions.

MARCUS BALE – LEAD Performer

Marcus trained in Buenos Aires for 7 years in different Actors’ Studios. He studied all over the world Improvisation, Clown, Mime, Physical, Mask and Anthropological Theatre. He has performed, devised and directed in Ireland and abroad more than 70 plays ranging from Shakespeare to Clown. For 20 years he has taught in Ireland, Germany, Italy, Canada & Argentina Improvisation, Clowning, Commedia and the Techniques of Grotowski, LeCoq & Boal’s Theatre of the Oppressed, always focusing on physical aspects of Theatre. Since 2006 he divides his time between performing Shakespeare with Cyclone Rep, being a core member of Snatch Comedy Improv, doing Freelance Performance and Direction and being a husband and father of two VERY energetic boys!    

Paula mcglinchey - lead performer

Paula was born in Galway and spent part of her life in Zimbabwe & South Africa working in political and community theatre. She is a stage & screen actor, voice over artist, drama coach and centre director of Stage School Ireland. Paula is based in Dublin. Her recent work includes: WHAT I DON’T KNOW ABOUT AUTISM Donal Gallagher ABBEY THEATRE; ABOUT:BLANK Eoghan Carrick Audio Immersive DUBLIN THEATRE FESTIVAL; THE BED a one woman play about Anne Hathaway, Shakespeare’s wife, by Ger FitzGibbon Cork Midsummer Festival; A Great Arrangement by Pat Talbot GAIETY THEATRE; EVERYMAN CORK, MAC BELFAST, YOGA FOR BEGINNERS a solo play by Adam Wyeth’s SCENE & HEARD FESTIVAL; When living in Cork, Paula was a member of BROKEN CROW, producing dynamic new work and was a company member of Cyclone Repertory Company for seven years. She is delighted to be working with them again on one of her favourite plays.

AOIFE BYRNE - Stage Manager

Aoife Byrne is a stage manager from Cork. She has a degree in Theatre and Drama from MTU and a Professional Diploma in Event Management from UCD. She was assistant stage manager for Tin Soldier (Produced by Theatre Lovett, Gate Theatre June 2022) Bang (Smock Alley, October 2021) How It Is (produced by Gare St Lazare, Everyman Theatre, September 2021) To The Lighthouse (produced by Hatch Theatre, Everyman Theatre, April 2021). She was touring stage manager for Cyclone Rep in 2019 and 2022. She stage managed Iphigenia in Splott (produced by Conflicted Theatre, 2019), Primal (directed by Shaun O Connor and Eadaoin O Donoghue, 2019). Aoife co-founded A.Tack Theatre and produced Herstory (Cork Arts Theatre, 2019),) Jaqueline (Galway Theatre Festival, 2018), Locked Within (Triskel, 2017).

DAVID O’BRIEN - SALES, MARKETING & ADMIN OFFICER

David has a bachelor's degree in Drama and Theatre Studies from UCC and an MA in Public Relations with New Media from MTU. David has worked on a number of plays in a wide range of roles including acting, directing, writing, production management, stage management, costume design and more. He worked as a PR intern for the Alumni Department at MTU and hosted 3 episodes of MTU's Alumni Podcast Series. In 2022, he began work on a play of his own writing which he will direct and act in and continues to write plays alongside his work with Cyclone. He also has experience with acting in film and will be seen in a feature-length film called Midnight City due to be released in 2023.

NIALL CUDDY - TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

Niall Cuddy is a multi-disciplinary artist and technical director based in Cork. He has captivated audiences for two decades, first as guitarist and singer with psych-synth rockers Ilya K and in more recent years as a solo artist (VITA, Niall Cuddy).   His current artistic practice aspires to be a fusion of sound, video and word. To date, Niall has released four studio albums and has performed extensively across Ireland and throughout Europe (www.niallcuddy.com).
Niall is currently under contract in a technical capacity with Dance Cork Firkin Crane, a dynamic hub for dance and performance in Cork City.  In 2023 he also joined the technical ranks of Cyclone Rep and offered technical support on the nationwide "Shylock’s Revenge" direct to schools tour.  He also facilitates songwriting and sound appreciation workshops in Primary and Secondary schools and is the Irish & UK booking agent for World Music act Huun Huur Tu.