Cyclone Rep Production History

Sex, Drugs and Rock and Roll - 1998

Sex, Drugs, Rock and Roll was Cyclone’s very first production. Directed by company founder Peadar Donohoe, it included signature elements that came to be foundations of the Cyclone’s theatrical approach: a strong social message, breaking the fourth wall, great performances and rib-tickling comic touches. 

In photo from left: Peadar Donohoe, Eoin Slattery; Poster design: Peadar Donohoe.

Cyclone Improv - 1999-2021

Cyclone Improv was Cork’s first improvisational comedy troupe. Featuring Ger Barry, Donal Courtney, Peadar Donohoe and future Cyclone Rep Company Manager Marcus Bale. During its tenure Cyclone Improv premiered at the Cork Arts Theatre to appreciative audiences and toured to various venues in the Munster region. Unfortunately and fortunately, Peadar has to disband the Improv Troupe as demands of parenthood were prioritised.

Poster design: PI

Play the piano drunk - 2002

Play the Piano Drunk, a co-production with Medazza, was based on the works of Charles Bukowski and adapted for the stage by Jon Whitty, as well as featuring Jon as the eponymous lead. The production initially performed in Cork at The Granary and went onto to tour nationally to great acclaim.

Poster design: Jon Whitty

Murder at the Yummy Hotel - 2004

Featuring Mick Twomey, this Roald Dahlesque romp, written and directed by Peadar Donohoe, and also starring his daughters Jessica and Christine, was Cyclone’s first play for young audiences.

Plot: There’s a sweets convention in town and Brian Brainfreeze, Sally O’Cavity and Professor Chewgump have come to show off their scrumpdiddlyumptious wares. They’re all staying at the Yummy Hotel where the proprietor, Mr. Keptidee and his two daughters, run a strict no mess hotel or else! Of course, Brainfreeze, O’Cavity and Chewgump are bunch of messers and so they must die!

In poster: from left: Jessica Donohoe, Mick Twomey and Christine Donohoe; Poster design by Joleen Cronin

Letter from Iraq - 2005

Letter from Iraq premiered at the Half Moon Theatre in Cork. The script was co-written by Peadar Donohoe and Colin O’Doherty. It examined ‘the fake war’ in Iraq through the microcosm of the O’Reilly family who’s dysfunctional household acted as a metaphor for the macrocosm of the Iraq war. A war justified by lies (the search for Saddam Hussein’s ‘Weapons of mass Destruction’).

It has been theorised that our actions and interactions as adults in the world are hugely influenced by how we have learned to deal, or not deal with, interpersonal matters at an early age.  If negative personal matters that hurt us as a child are not reflected upon and discussed, with an attempt at healing the past, it can affect how we interact with the outside world. The unhealed scars of past can potentially culminate in wars, which are the ultimate negation of all our brothers and sisters.

Romeo and Juliet - 2006

This production, adapted and directed by Peadar Donohoe, premiered in The Half Moon Theatre. Set in the Wild West, high-energy production focussed on the comic elements of Shakespeare’s masterpiece which dominate the first three acts. After Mercutio’s death, the production took on a much darker tone that focussed on the nightmarish visions that Romeo and Juliet both foresee.

The production was a huge hit for it’s intended teenage audiences as it made Shakespeare fun - something students weren’t expecting! The success of the production led director Peadar Donohoe down the path of staging more of Shakespeare plays for young audiences.

Also, inspired by his MEd, Peadar asked teacher’s for written feedback on the production - something teachers weren’t expecting! This began the cycle of Stakeholder feedback which helped to create and shape Cyclone Theatre-in-Education productions to this day!

Merchant of Venice - 2007

This second Cyclone production of a William Shakespeare play, adapted and directed by Peadar Donohoe, premiered in The Half Moon Theatre. The production went onto tour nationally with the support of Cork Opera House. The production was stylistically framed within the Commedia dell’arte context.  Commedia dell’arte comes from Italy and originated during the 15th and 16th century.  It is a very physical and comic form of theatre that was originally performed in the streets during fairs. Commedia dell’arte has been a huge influence on modern comedy from Charlie Chaplin to the Simpsons. As you might imagine, our teenage audiences were delighted with this show as they never realised that Shakespeare could be so much fun.

SUICIDE NOTES - 2008

Suicide Notes reflects on and explores the contributing factors, notions, attitudes and fallout of the stigmatic quagmire of the suicide issue.

"In a real and evocative way the play holds a mirror to society - and investigates society's responsibility for creating the circumstances that might lead people to consider suicide or self-harming behaviour as a release from their pain."  - Phil Mortell, Social Care Co-ordinator, CIT

"The entertaining and humorous elements of the play will appeal to all audiences while still giving an impact of the seriousness of issues that could happen to all of us." - Antoinette McCarthy, Publicity Officer, Cork Samaritans 

"The response to this play was exceptional.  It allowed the audience to discuss a taboo and they really engaged in the discussion. Breaking the silence empowers people to seek appropriate help. The play was moving, entertaining and very true to real life experiences." - Brenda Roche, Counsellor

In the picture actor Carol Mann is sitting in contemplation by the River Lee; Photo and Poster design: Joleen Cronin

LOneStar - 2008

The first Cyclone production of James McClure’s Lone Star play, directed by Peadar Donohoe. Starring Shane Casey, Sean McNally and Damian Punch.

Lone Star: Roy, a Vietnam vet, comes back to his hometown to re-live his glory days as a high school jock, cruising for girls and drinking beer with his buddies out behind the local bar & grill and reclaim his prized possession, a 1959 Thunderbird convertible. But his plans to start life again where he left off are confounded by events his little brother Ray and super-nerd Cletus wittingly and unwittingly orchestrate.

From left: Damian Punch, Shane Casey and Sean McNally; Poster and photo: Joleen Cronin

Romeo and Juliet and The Merchant of Venice revivals – 2008-09

A double bill featuring the Western version of Romeo and Juliet and the Commedia dell’arte version of The Merchant of Venice. Following the highly succcessul runs of Peadar Donohoe’s adaptations of these Shakespeare’s classics, Cork Opera House supported the plays on a national tour which took the company throughout the island of Ireland.

The romeo and Juliet session - 2010

Following on the heels from the Hamlet Session, schools demanded a Shakespeare Session of Shakespeare’s other great play about the star-crossed, doomed lovers Romeo and Juliet. The Romeo and Juliet Session, adapted with original material by Peadar Donohoe, toured alongside Hamlet to venues throughout Ireland to great acclaim.

From left: Marcus Bale, Sean McNally, Marie O’Donovan and Peadar Donohoe; Photo: Joleen Cronin

Cork’s World Theatre - 2010

Self assembly - 2011

From author Aiden O’Reilly: ‘Is too much truth compatible with life?  When we strip our (constructed) personalities down to their basic motives is anything noble or honest left? The core conflict in Self-Assembly is the protagonists choice between an unquestioned, complacent life or a life that may be filled with doubt and fear but which he faces all its terrible beauty.’

Self Assembly was a workshop production of an original short story by author Aidan O’Reilly. The production was directed by Peadar Donohoe and featured long-time Cyclone collaborators Shane Casey, Shane Falvey and Paula McGlinchey. It opened in Summer, 2011 at the Triskel Arts Centre during the Corca Dorca stewardship of the theatre space.

the Merchant of Venice Session - 2011

Following the success of the Hamlet and Romeo and Juliet Sessions, The Merchant of Venice recieved the session treatment. With original material and direction by Peadar Donohoe this Session play joined Romeo and Juliet and Hamlet for a national tour that featured long-time Cyclone collaborators Marcus Bale, Paula McGlinchey, Sean McNally and Shane Casey.

From top: Peadar Donohoe and Marcus Bale; Photo: Joleen Cronin

The Macbeth session - 2012

Macbeth was the fourth Shakespeare Adaptation to get the session treatment. The adaptation and direction by Peadar Donohoe with original material supplied by Marcus Bale, Peadar Donohoe and Paula McGlinchey. The Macbeth Session toured with Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet and The Merchant of Venice from 2012-2013 extended and helped to seal Cyclone’s Reputation as Ireland’s leading provider of Shakespeare adaptations for schools.

the King lear Session - 2013

The King Lear Session joined the touring roster in 2013 while Hamlet bowed out for the time being (Shakespeare plays are cyclical on the curriculum). The adaptation and original material was by Marcus Bale alongside direction (company director Peadar Donohoe took a leave of absence to focus on his PhD). The production was produced by Peadar Donohoe and featured performances by long-time Cyclone collaborators Marcus Bale and Sean McNally alongside newcomers Angela Newman, Marie O’Donovan and Dave Peare.

Artwork by Danny Greenhalgh (Early Draft)

The Bullying Prevention Session - 2013

Peadar Donohoe put his PhD to work, he wrote an original play entitled The Bullying Prevention Session (Peadar’s PhD was on the uses of Drama to help prevent school bullying). Riffing on the ‘Session’ concept Peadar delivered a play with dramatic and comic elements alongside information about bullying, a Q&A section and a workshop designed to engage students to share ideas on what could work to prevent bullying in their school. The play would go on to tour direct to schools nationally until 2000 when Covid stopped all live touring. Featured in this production were longtime Cyclone collaborators Luke Barry, Martin Condon and Marie O’Donovan.

The Bullying Circle, created by Peadar Donohoe with Artwork by Davy Dummigan (based on the work of Dan Olweus). This Bullying Circle version contains no nouns for the participant players in bullying incidents (e.g. Bully, Henchman, Victim). Nouns can stigmatise whereas verbs are verbs can be more constructive for change. Instead of blaming, verbs describe a behaviour that individuals can choose to change with education and awareness of the harm bullying can cause.

The Poetry Session - 2014

Written by Paula McGlinchey and Adam Wyeth in collaboration with Peadar Donohoe, this Session staged elaborate scenes based on the lives and poems of poets studied by students as part of their English exams. Poets in this session play included Elizabeth Bishop, Emily Dickinson, Seamus Heaney and William Butler Yeats.

The Othello Session - 2014

The Othello Session joined the touring roster in 2014 while Macbeth bowed out for the time being (Shakespeare plays are cyclical on the curriculum). This adaptation and original material were supplied by Marcus Bale alongside direction, while company director Peadar Donohoe took a leave of absence to focus on his PhD. The production featured long-time Cyclone collaborators Marcus Bale, Luke Barry and Angela Newman.

From left: Angelina Ryle and Marcus Bale; Photo: Joleen Cronin

Julius Caesar NI - 2015

Julius Caesar NI (Northern Ireland) was inspired by Nelson Mandela’s analysis of Julius Caesar which helped him cope with his long-term confinement on Robben Island.

Taking a fresh spin on the Session idea, Julius Caesar NI (Northern Ireland) incorporates the session elements of performance, discussion and interaction by intertwining them into the action of the play itself.

Adapted from Shakespeare’s play, with original material by Martin Condon and Peadar Donohoe, Julius Caesar NI is set during 1981 in the toxic environment of The Maze Prison Northern. Two prisoners, who have been dubbed ‘Blanket Men’, perform their version Julius Caesar while struggling with their internment and the spectre of the hunger strikes. As they come to grips with the themes of play, they explore how characters and situations in the story mirror their own lives and those of others who participate in the struggle against oppression. 

Artwork by Robert Carey, poster concept by Martin Condon and Peadar Donohoe 

Bullying prevention session primary - 2016

Building on the success of The Bullying Prevention Session for secondary schools, Peadar wrote and directed a version for primary audiences which was well received by the demographic. The concept for this production intertwined information, performances, Q&A and the workshop instead of having them as separate elements. Featured in this direct to schools show were longtime collaborators Luke Barry, Martin Condon and Marie O’Donovan.

BILLY’s Choice - 2017

Written and directed by Peadar Donohoe, Billy’s Choice was a co-production between Cyclone Rep and The Cork and Kerry Alcohol Strategy Group.

Billy’s Choice is about the choices we make around alcohol.  Not only the choice to drink and how much, but how, individually and collectively, we make choices that may influence young people to drink.  Through a dramatic and comic inquiry the lives of Billy and his classmates, Vikki and Oisin, are explored.  These reflections include the parental, social and drinks industry factors that influence young people’s choice to drink.  In the end, Billy’s Choice asks the audience to consider what we value in life and to reflect if heavy drinking sustains that vision or not.

Flyer design: The Cork and Kerry Alcohol Strategy

Shakespeare on the bus - 2018

Invited by Cork City Council to stage performances for bus riders on Culture Night, Peadar Donohoe directed and adapted scenarios to work in this unusual performance medium. Hence, Romeo meets Juliet on the bus instead of at the ball, Donald Trump as Mark Anthony rales at riders as he foments rebellion against the government and Helen from Midsummer Night’s Dream gives out to passengers about Cupid’s fickle fancies. Featuring Peadar Donohoe, Donal Gallagher and Angela Newman.

Romeo and Juliet featuring William Shakespeare! – 2019

This Shakespeare Session was haunted by William Shakespeare himself! Albeit actor Mike Keep played the part of Shakespeare. Written and directed by Peadar Donohoe, this Shakespeare Session was a fun and exciting romp introducing young audiences to the language of Shakespeare. And not only the language, but the juxtaposition of Shakespeare’s Elizabethan worldview with that of the modern-day actors. This allowed for discussions on the fact that women weren’t allowed to perform in Shakespeare’s day, nor were public discussions on homosexuality tolerated and then there are the exciting changes to the theatrical medium since his time: the use of electric lights, recorded sound and music, audio visuals which allow a playful discussion about stagecraft, and, to top it all off, Shakespeare is astonished that there’s a roof on the theatre! Peformances don’t have to be cancelled and audiences don’t have to be worried about being rained upon! Such modern conveniences we take for granted but they are mind-blowing to someone from over 400 years ago.

Artwork by Danny Greenhalgh

King Lear: Nature amok - 2019

King Lear: Nature Amok heralded a new direction for Cyclone. For this new era Director and writer Peadar Donohoe would focus on a key theme of a given Shakespeare play and give it a modern twist in order to make the story more relatable for secondary school audiences.

The concept for this adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic was that nature has run amok, not only because the God’s are unhappy with Lear’s rejection of Cordelia, but also due to his lack of respect for the natural world. Lear has contributed to poisoning of the atmosphere from heavy reliance on the weapons’ industry whose furnaces continue to pump out toxins. However, Lear’s arrogance and vanity are put into perspective when confronted by the chaotic power of a global environmental catastrophe which he has helped to create. 

Romeo and Juliet: Keeping Up with The Capulets - 2020

This Cyclone production of Romeo and Juliet was created for online audiences as a response to the restrictions of the Covid pandemic.

The theme of Conflict is central to this take on Shakespeare’s classic. With the adaptation and original material by Peadar Donohoe, this version focused on the Capulets as the model family of Verona. However, behind closed doors all is not well: a once compliant teenage Juliet turns rebellious, an authoritarian father over-reacts and then there’s the ongoing feud with the Montagues!

King Lear: Not Just Business as Usual - 2020

King Lear: Not Just Business as Usual is set in the world of finance and focusses on the abuse of power. King Lear is upsetting the natural order by breaking up his corporation amongst his daughters and giving the lion’s share to his youngest child, Cordelia. However, Lear’s retirement doesn’t go according to plan as he is confronted by his power-hungry daughters Goneril and Regan. In the ensuing fallout his failings as leader and father in a land rife with homelessness are exposed. In tandem with the action, Director and Writer Peadar Donohoe and Actor Marcus Bale discuss the major themes of the play.

This Cyclone production of King Lear was created for online audiences as a response to the restrictions of the Covid pandemic.

Othello: the colour of skin - 2021

In this adaptation, with original material and direction by Peadar Donohoe, racism is the key theme. In Othello: The Colour of Skin Shakespeare’s play is set in the modern day and begins in Venice, Louisiana – an American southern state that has had a long, troubled history of racial tensions.

Making racism the key theme was inspired by The Black Lives Matter movement. Because of this movement we are more acutely aware of the scourge and damage that racism can cause. Especially in light of events such as: Charlottesville, the murder of George Floyd and how news outlets can manipulate viewers, fanning the flames of racial hatred.

This production of Othello was created for online audiences as a response to the restrictions of the Covid pandemic.

Othello: The Colour of Skin – National tour - 2022

With the lifting of Covid restrictions Cyclone was finally able to tour again. This production of Othello grappled with the theme of racism as described above. It was joy to be able to perform Shakespeare’s classic to live audiences on stages once again!

From Left: Peadar Donohoe as Iago and Marcus Bale as Othello

Shakespeare in the Pods - 2022

Once again, Cyclone was invited by Cork City Council to stage a Shakespeare themed performance for Culture Night. The pods referred to in the title were made for the Covid pandemic when meeting in offices was considered too risky. Hence, two person pods were created which had two entrances and a perspex window to seperate participants.

From left: Oskar Smith, Peadar Donohoe, Marcus Bale and Paula McGlinchey; Photo: David O’Brien

Bullying Prevention Session - Online workshops - 2022

In response to Covid the educational and workshop elements of The Bullying Prevention Session were taken online. Written and produced by Peadar Donohoe with animations by Marcus Bale these resources were well received by schools and continue to be accessed from our website for free thanks to the HSE!

Macbeth: profit before people - 2023

Adapted with original material by Peadar Donohoe, Macbeth:Profit Before People continued Cyclone’s theme-focussed adaptations of Shakespeare’s plays.

The play is set during the boom years of the Celtic Tiger in the world of finance. Excessive greed was a hallmark of this time period and is analogous to Macbeth’s tragic downfall. Macbeth’s ruthless desire to hold onto ill-gotten gains no matter what the cost is leads him to ruin his country and his life.

Graphic design by Marcus Bale.

shylock’s revenge - 2023 to present

Written by Marcus Bale and Peadar Donohoe, based on a concept by Peadar Donohoe, Shylock’s Revenge is a Theatre-in-Education adaptation of William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice.

The Merchant of Venice presents us with a ruthless Shylock hellbent on cutting a pound of flesh from the body of his lendee, Antonio. What has driven Shylock over the edge? In Shylock’s Revenge Marcus Bale takes Junior Cycle students through the plot of the play as he discusses the character’s motivations, Shylock’s plight of being a Jew in a Christian society that hates him and how that unrelenting rancour finally pushes him over the edge.

Photo: Joleen Cronin; Design: Marcus Bale

bullying Prevention Circle commentary film - 2024

This commentary version of The Bullying Prevention Circle, narrated by Dr. Peadar Donohoe, expands upon the types of bullying and scenarios depicted and includes discussion on the research and science that influenced Peadar’s crafting of the film script.

Photo: Peadar Donohoe

Hamlet: Cybermadness - 2024

With the adaption and original material by Peadar Donohoe, Hamlet:CyberMadness focussed on the addictive usage of social media. In this production Peadar suggests that Hamlet’s ‘Madness’ is fuelled by his addiction to social media, resulting in Social Media Anxiety Disorder which inlcudes Hamlet presenting symptoms of anxiety, paranoia, feelings of isolation and depression - all which tie in with the theme of Madness - a key topic of concern in the play.

This production of William Shakespeare’s timeless classic connected students with the language of the bard by intertwining the plot with a relatable topic that brought the story into their modern world.

Design: Marcus Bale

The Madness of Macbeth - Coming in 2026

With an adaptation and n new material by Peadar Donohoe, Marcus poses questions about the eponymous anti-hero in The Madness of Macbeth: Did Macbeth know what he was doing every single step of the way or was he driven mad? What about the supernatural creatures and events? Did they drive Macbeth over the edge? Did the witches’ prophecies - which all come to pass - drive him to insanity? And don’t forget his best friend Banquo, who Macbeth has murdered, comes back to haunt him! Drenched in blood! Wouldn’t that drive anyone crazy! Or do they all combine to fuel the corrupt downward spiral of a tyrannical king?

Using the theme of Madness as a counterpoint, the audience is taken through the plot of the play with key performances intertwined with discussions on Ambition, Corruption, Kingship, Guilt, The Power of Lady Macbeth, the Pressures of the Patriarchal World and Fate. As always, this Shakespeare Session will feature excellent performances with a dose of humour that will help students excel in their English exams.