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Irish Post
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Post
From Disco Pigs to adapting Sing Street for the stage, Enda Walsh tells all
ENDA WALSH is an Irish writer, playwright and screenwriter. He cast Cillian Murphy in his first play Disco Pigs and recently worked with him on the film Small Things Like These. In his latest project, Enda takes us back to the 80s with an adaptation of his book, Sing Street at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, West London. He chatted to CLAUDIA REDMOND about the show, being mistaken for a Corkonian, and what it was like being taught by Roddy Doyle. Enda Walsh has adapted his book Sing Street for the stage So what are you up to? We are here today at a rehearsal showing of Sing Street. I think it is pretty joyful: it is set in 1984-1985 in Ireland. A group of school kids put a band together, they go from their school uniforms to dressing up like Duran Duran. It is pretty chaotic but they end up finding their voices. It is a story about friendship and community. It's a beautiful film that John Carney made. It's a beautiful story and a real honour to put it on stage. It is bitter sweet at times, it's all the Irish stuff, it's quite chaotic, funny, a little bit sad: that sort of vibe. What was your look back in 1985? The thing about the 1980s was every sort of three months there seemed to be like a different style of dress. I went through the early electronic sort of stuff, Duran Duran, Gary Numan all that sort of thing, and Human League. But by 1985 I was probably into The Smiths, so there were a lot of cardigans. Roddy Doyle was one of your teachers at school. What was he like and was he strict? He was an extraordinary teacher. Roddy got us all into English, I turned out a writer but there were other people in my class who were probably better writers: I just stuck with it. It seemed like we did the curriculum and then he opened up this cabinet at the end of the room, and it was full of these books. A lot of American literature. He introduced us to a whole range of different writers, and it was true we used to sort of bum cigarettes off one another in the yard and talk about Charles Bukowski or whoever it was. What is your favourite Roddy Doyle book? When I read Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha he talks about the estate Kilbarrack being built that was just behind my house. So I know that terrain really well as a very young boy. It's a beautiful book: the story of a relationship breaking down, a divorce, but through a kid's point of view. What are your Irish roots? I am a Dubliner but a lot of people in Ireland think that I'm from Cork because I started making work in Cork. I had a play called Disco Pigs when I was a younger man, and a Dublin man moving to Cork was a bit of a strange move. They gave us a civic reception, and when the Cork people found out that I was a Dublin man they almost took it away from me. There was a bit of 'What!? You're actually a Dub! Jesus!' But I loved that city. Cork is an amazing City, it's always been great, the scale of it is fantastic. The shape of it is like an amphitheatre, so to me as a Dubliner moving down there it was always very theatrical. Cork people themselves because it is the second city they've got a lot to prove, so I've always loved their attitude. Cork star Cillian Murphy You're well known for giving a famous Cork man, Cillian Murphy, his start. How did that come about? Cillian was in a band not unlike the Sing Street guys. He was 18 at the time and in a band called The Sons of Mr Green Genes. They were like kids just like these fellas here, a fantastic band and they were just about to be signed to an Acid-Jazz label and I had a play called Disco Pigs that we were casting. I wrote it for Eileen Walsh this great Cork actor, and she was very young at the time, she was 18, but I had seen her in a play and thought she was extraordinary. Then we were looking for this guy and we were all obsessed with Cillian in this band. He just had this magnetism and it just turned out that he could act, so I auditioned him, gave him the role. We've made a ton of work since: he's just got something. What is the next project you have in mind to work on together? We always want to work with one another. We made a movie last year: 'Small Things Like These.' When you work with friends the shorthand is there, it's quite joyful and fun and I'm sure we will work again together. The cast of Sing Sing (Pic: Richard Southgate) What is your favourite theatre in Ireland? It's just about to be pulled down, and it's barely a theatre. I love Galway a lot, and I've premiered a lot of my own shows in the Black Box in Galway, which is in a car park. I remember bringing producers from around the world, they would come to see my shows and they would walk through this car park asking, 'what are you doing here?' But the venue itself has an amazing atmosphere and that is my favourite place. I have made a ton of shows in there and now they are pulling it down which is super sad. How do you think theatre is doing in Ireland at the moment? I don't live there, but I go back. We've always had incredibly strong actors but I think now we've got really great directors, so I think the work has become really quite dangerous and expressive and unusual, and I'm really proud of that. It's changed a lot in the last 15 years, a lot of young companies. But it's hard work. It's hard to keep it going I think for all of them. But it's always been like that. Even when I was a boy in my twenties it was always a difficult profession to be in and to stay in. I am excited though when I go back and see these really quite arresting productions. The Irish are taking over London at the moment, with Conor McPherson having back to back productions at the Old Vic with The Brightening Air and Girl from the North Country and yourself of course. Are you surprised? Yes and Mark O'Rowe at the Kiln Theatre with Reunion. When I play in America and they say 'Why are there so many Irish writers?' I think it has to do with our geography. I think it has to do with the fact that we're on the edge of Europe so a lot of the work is to do with identity and self-analysis, about who we are. Who we are in relation to Britain used to be the old plays, or who we are in relation to America, a whole load of plays about that. Back in the day in the 1700s, back in the villages you had the Seanchaí in the town who would stand up and proclaim who we were at the time and talk out these stories. It's all about where we are, who we are, what we're doing, what we want to do, and that's a very island mentality. Irish people have always been like that. That is why there are a ton of writers, poets, and musicians. What is your favourite memory as a child back in Ireland? I grew up in Dublin and on a Sunday we would go on a walk around Howth: it's very beautiful. If anyone is in Dublin they should take the DART out there, get off at the harbour and there is a great chipper at the end of the harbour. I have had so many conversations with my mother walking up there, and she used to take all of us. I still do it with my brother or friends, it is a ritual thing. What advice would you give to aspiring writers? It is tricky, but when I was in Dublin in my twenties and starting out, I worked with friends at the back of pubs, or the centre of pubs. In Cork we were given the Triskel Arts Centre to do shows and it was just trying out material. Over the course of three years we got our Arts Council funding and we took it very seriously. Young people just need to persevere and have a go at it. A lot of it is luck, most of it is luck. I have been incredibly fortunate. You have to be ready for the luck so you have to show up a little bit. What's your next project? I'm doing a lot of film at the moment. I am working for MGM on Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, a new version of it, which is really fun, so I'm writing that at the moment, so my head is in that incredibly weird, dark, funny world. Sing Street runs from the July 8 to August 23 at the Lyric Hammersmith. Click here for tickets. See More: Cillian Murphy, Disco Pics, Enda Walsh, Sing Street
Tom's Guide
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
Netflix shares first look at 'Oppenheimer' star Cillian Murphy's new movie — and we already have a release date
"Peaky Blinders" lead Cillian Murphy is heading back to Netflix for "Steve," a new drama movie due to arrive this fall — and the streaming service has just shared several key details about the new release. "Steve" is a reimagining of "Shy," a bestselling novel from English author Max Porter that Netflix bills as "a moving glimpse into the lives of two troubled souls." Written by Porter himself and directed by Tim Mielants (reuniting with Murphy after helming "Small Things Like These" in 2024), "Steve" is the story of a head teacher fighting to prevent the impending closure of his reform school. Steve's story is told in parallel with that of the struggle of one of his troubled students, Shy (played by Jay Lycurgo). In addition to giving us our first look at our lead (see the image above), Netflix has also shared some key info about the story, the cast, and we've already got a release date. Here's what we know about "Steve" right now. Netflix has shared a plot synopsis for "Steve," and it offers a few more details about this emotional drama. It reads: "Set in the mid-'90s, "Steve" is a reimagining of Max Porter's Sunday Times bestseller "Shy." The film follows a pivotal day in the life of head teacher Steve (Academy Award winner Cillian Murphy) and his students at a last-chance reform school amid a world that has forsaken them. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. "As Steve fights to protect the school's integrity and prevent its impending closure, he grapples with his own mental health. In parallel to Steve's struggles, we meet Shy (Jac Lycurgo), a troubled teen caught between his past and what lies ahead as he tries to reconcile his inner fragility with his impulse for self-destruction and violence." In addition to Cillian Murphy, "Steve" also stars Tracey Ullman, Simbi Ajikawo, and fellow "Small Things Like These" star Emily Watson. Their roles remain undisclosed at the time of writing. While we don't have a trailer just yet, Netflix has already confirmed the "Steve" release date. The movie's due to hit "select theaters" in September, before premiering globally on Netflix on Friday, October 3, 2025. In the meantime, if you need more streaming suggestions to tide you over, check out our round-up of the best movies on Netflix for tons more top recommendations.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Check out first look of Cillian Murphy from 'Steve'
The makers of Cillian Murphy starrer 'Steve' have unveiled his first look in the upcoming drama film. The makers of Cillian Murphy starrer 'Steve' have unveiled his first look in the upcoming drama film. Netflix has released a first-look image of the 'Oppenheimer' actor in the upcoming drama based on Max Porter's 2023 novella Shy, with Murphy in the movie's title role as Steve and Jay Lycurgo as Shy, reported People. Directed by Belgian filmmaker Tim Mielants (Small Things Like These) from a screenplay by Porter, Steve also stars Tracey Ullman, Simbi Ajikawo and Emily Watson. "Set in the mid-'90s, Steve is a reimagining of Max Porter's Shy. The film follows a pivotal day in the life of headteacher Steve (Murphy) and his students at a last-chance reform school amidst a world that has forsaken them." "As Steve fights to protect the school's integrity and impending closure, we witness him grappling with his own mental health," the synopsis continues, reported People. It concludes, "In parallel to Steve's struggles, we meet Shy (Lycurgo, 27), a troubled teen caught between his past and what lies ahead as he tries to reconcile his inner fragility with his impulse for self-destruction and violence." Murphy, Alan Moloney and Tina Pawlik make up the producing team for Steve, with Porter also on as executive producer. '28 Years Later' director Danny Boyle, who has worked with Murphy multiple times in the past, including on 2002's 28 Days Later, revealed in interviews that Murphy, who starred as Jim in the original film, will also appear in 2026's The Bone Temple, reported People. 'Steve' is in select theatres this September, streaming from October 3 on Netflix.
Irish Independent
6 days ago
- General
- Irish Independent
New Ross can become ‘Wexford's premier town' says new chair of municipal district
"We have an outstanding town, and we have a chance to make it the premier town of Wexford, this is down to the dedicated team of professional people we have here who are behind all the work that's happening here,' he said. 'We have taken some gigantic steps in the last year, they might not seem gigantic but in comparison to what we had here before they are.' Praising district manager Alan Fitzhenry and director of services Eamonn Hore for their work behind the scenes, the new cathaoirleach said that the staff and officials in New Ross were the 'envy of every district in the county'. Cllr Michael Sheehan was on the same council as Cllr Dwyer back in 1999 and described his long-time colleague as 'very experienced, fair, and decent' and 'an upstanding individual'. This was echoed by Cllr Murphy who said the new cathaoirleach was a 'decent, passionate individual' whose 'honesty and truthfulness' made him a rare breed in the world of politics. Further congratulations came from Cllrs Pat Barden, Marty Murphy, and John Fleming with the latter assuming the role of leas cathaoirleach and, potentially, co-host of a new podcast. 'With the two Johnnies in place we can't go wrong,' noted Cllr Fleming. "I look forward to the podcast,' remarked Mr Fitzhenry. As outgoing cathaoirleach, Cllr Bridín Murphy offered her 'heartfelt thanks' to all those in the chamber for their work over the past 12 months. Describing the completion of works at Brennan's Lane as the highlight of her year, she also paid tribute to the team behind the scenes. 'We have a team here which works tirelessly in the background and doesn't always get the credit it deserves, I wish everyone the best for the year ahead and look forward to working with you all,' she said. Praising Cllr Murphy for her work, Mr Fitzhenry mentioned some of the big projects and events which had made the outgoing chair's year such a success. 'There have been so many projects which have progressed in that time: The Shambles, Duncannon Fort, the skateboard park, we had the premiere of Small Things Like These, the taoiseachs visit to Kennedy Summer School, you have represented the district exceptionally,' he said. Cllr Murphy's ability to chair a meeting effectively was praised by Cllr Barden who said she had managed the 'almost impossible' feat of being very fair to everyone at all times. As a new councillor, Marty Murphy said his namesake had welcomed him into the chamber and been very helpful during his first year in office. Meanwhile, Cllr Sheehan's congratulations came with a thinly-veiled reference to the behaviour of those from outside the chamber. 'You've had an outstanding year and been an amazing representative for New Ross,' he said to Cllr Murphy. 'The criticism you received was unfair and unnecessary; to those who did that, I remember who you are and your day will come. But Cllr Murphy you showed what New Ross is; a bright, energetic, and confident district.' Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
Pink Villa
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Cillian Murphy's FIRST LOOK for Netflix Film Steve Out: Everything We Know So Far Including Release Date, Cast and More
Cillian Murphy looks fine as Steve. The actor is set to return to the screens in the upcoming school-based drama, Steve. The movie is directed by Tim Mielants, and the Oscar-winning star will share the screen space with Emma Watson. The makers of the new film dropped the first look of Murphy as his character, who fights to save the integrity of the school while dealing with his own mental health. Meanwhile, the Oppenheimer star has collaborated with the filmmaker, Mielants, on Steve after almost a year. The duo previously worked together in Small Things Like These. The movie did impressively well and is available to stream on Netflix. What will Steve be about? Cillian Murphy will portray the lead character of Steve in the upcoming Tim Mielants directorial. The actor's upcoming role is described as the reimagination of Max Porter's best-selling novel, Shy. Moreover, the British author came on board to pen the script of the film. To provide further details on the character, Netflix revealed, "The film follows a pivotal day in the life of headteacher Steve (Academy Award winner Cillian Murphy) and his students at a last-chance reform school amidst a world that has forsaken them." The official synopsis further mentioned, "As Steve fights to protect the school's integrity and impending closure, we witness him grappling with his own mental health.' The streaming platform's description of Steve went on to add that further in his journey, Murphy's character meets with Shy, who is living a parallel life to that of Steve. Shy, portrayed by Jay Lycurgo, is a troubled teen who finds himself stuck between the past and what lies ahead of him, amid reconciling his inner fragility with his impulse for self-destruction and violence." As for the cast members, Cillian Murphy, Emma Watson and Lycurgo are joined by Tracey Ullman and Simbi Ajikawo, who is also known as the rapper Little Simz. Steve will hit select theaters in September and will release on Netflix on October 3, 2025.
