Barnstorm play - a fitting tribute to a wonderful stalwart of theatre

The Bus by Maeve Ingoldsby and Philip Hardy is currently on stage at the Watergate in Kilkenny and is a great celebration of the playwright’s work writes Mary Cody.

Maeve Ingoldsby and Philip Hardy are both names that are synonymous with Barnstorm Theatre Company in Kilkenny.

Maeve wrote numerous plays for the company as well as being a valued member of its board and friend of the company for many years, and Philip has been at the helm in the role of artistic director for over three decades.

In 2002 Barnstorm Theatre Company first produced The Bus, which has recently been updated by Kilkenny’s John Morton for audiences in 2024. This autumn The Bus is back in a fitting tribute to Maeve Ingoldsby, who died in 2021.

Maeve is remembered as gregarious, generous and outgoing - always pushing others into the limelight while quietly blending into the background herself. She was one of Ireland’s most prolific writers, working both individually and collaboratively. Maeve was passionate about theatre and especially for theatre for children and is fondly remembered by those fortunate to have met her through her involvement in Barnstorm.

Maeve’s longstanding engagement with Barnstorm started with Crabs in a Bucket which she wrote following a playwriting workshop and series of devising sessions with their early youth theatre members.

Maeve continued working with Barnstorm and was hugely effective in supporting new and emerging writers through a series of projects like the Confinement Monologues, Love in Lockdown and Bench Tales.

GALA PERFORMANCE

A gala performance of The Bus, took place in The Axis Theatre in Ballymun, last Friday, as part of the Dublin Theatre Festival.

Executive director of The Abbey Theatre, Mark O’Brien attended the gala performance.

“It is such a privilege to be asked to talk about Maeve Ingoldsby at a wonderful evening celebrating her work, in the presence of the McDonagh/ Ingoldsby family at The Bus Gala performance at the Axis in Ballymun,” he said adding that it was ‘also great to mark Barnstorm Theatre Company - Kilkenny’s role in children’s theatre, and Philip Hardy as he steps down’.

“Meeting Maeve and getting to work with Maeve has been one of the great experiences of my life. Her legacy is felt not just in theatre for young audiences, but in Ireland and internationally. It is a great privilege to be here tonight.

“Maeve had brilliant collaborators in Philip Hardy and Vincent Dempsey. It is impossible to talk about Maeve’s legacy without mentioning Barnstorm. Philip, congratulations on your career in Barnstorm and what you have achieved,” he said.

A special publication of The Bus will honour Maeve’s legacy as a writer, especially for young audiences. Some of her grandchildren had never seen or a read a play by their granny and this was remedied on Friday night when they were presented with a copy of the book from Philip Hardy (who recently announced his retirement).

The publication was supported by a grant from the Kilkenny Arts Office.

Seóna Ní Bhriain, Head of Young People, Children and Education also spoke at the gala event and remarked that ‘it is fantastic to have a moment to mark Maeve and Philip’s incredible work over the years in theatre for young audiences’.

“Barnstorm has been at the forefront of developing theatre for young audiences in Ireland.

“When we see in the Arts Council so many different proposals coming in from people who might have acted in a Barnstorm show, or was inspired by their work that they’ve seen and are now keen to make their own work for young audiences and with young people, that is because of the work that you trailblazed. So thank you, Philip and Barnstorm.”

There was much joy and celebration at the gala performance as the audience watched in wonder as seven actors depict the 17 characters in this fast-paced show.

The massive impact made by Maeve Ingoldsby and Philip Hardy and Barnstorm Theatre Company on audiences and especially young audiences is felt by many and last Friday was a fitting tribute to all involved.

The Bus is currently running at The Watergate until October 22 with performances daily at 10am and 12.30pm.