Arena
Arena is an arts, culture and entertainment programme from RTÉ Radio 1. Presented by Rick O'Shea, it covers what's happening in the world of arts and culture, including interviews, reviews and features. The show offers a weekly look at the latest developments in these fields.
Episodes
Fritz Lang
Steven Benedict discusses Austrian film director, screenwriter, and producer Fritz Lang, 50 years after his death.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mcgrath performs live in studio
Donegal singer McGrath (Mick Russell) chats to Rick and performs live in studio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Film reviews
Tara Brady and Declan Burke review Sunny Dancer, Tony, The End of Oak Street and Our Hero, Balthazar.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Arena's eclipse soundtrack
To mark the partial solar eclipse, which fell during tonight's Arena, we opened the show with a specially curated selection of words and music, to accompany this rare event as it unfolded across Ireland.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
13 Songs from Nobodaddy
Choreographer and dancer Michael Keegan-Dolan discusses ‘13 Songs from Nobodaddy’, a new work coming to Teac Da?sa’s home in the West Kerry Gaeltacht.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dublin Fringe Festival - Pretty Vacant
Director Jo Mangan and performer Ruth McGill discusses Pretty Vacant, a musical satire about Eurovision and gentrification which will part of this year's Dublin Fringe Festival.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sirens
Director Theodora Byrne and performer Lasairfhíona Ní Chonaola discuss Sirens, a unique project bringing together some of the most distinctive female voices in contemporary music.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Pedro Almodóvar
Ahead of the release of Bitter Christmas, Paul Whittington takes a look back at the incredible career of Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra - 2026 Invincible Tour
Canadian-Ukrainian conductor Keri-Lynn Wilson, founder of The Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra, discusses their upcoming 2026 Invincible Tour.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Judy – End of the Rainbow at The Gaiety
Singer Anna-Jane Casey discusses playing Judy Garland in Judy – End of the Rainbow.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kilkenny Arts Festival 2026
Deirdre Falvey reviews this year's Kilkenny Arts Festival.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Eleanor McEvoy
Eleanor McEvoy chats to Rick and performs new music live in studio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
TV reviews
Chris Wasser and Jenn Gannon review Ted Lasso S4 (Apple TV), The Shards (Disney+) and Possession (Sky).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Album reviews
Graham Smyth and Eoin Sweeney review new releases from Role Model, Margaret Glaspy and Man/Woman/Chainsaw.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Film reviews
Paul Whittington and Sarina Bellissimo review Love Me Tender, Have You Never Heard of Bill Fuller? and The Summer Book.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dublin Fringe Festival - Chronically Hopeful
Beth McNinch discusses Chronically Hopeful, a production blending live music, movement, text and visual design, coming to this year’s Dublin Fringe Festival.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Have You Never Heard of Bill Fuller?
Producer Jim Carroll discusses a new film about Kerry music mogul Bill Fuller, Have You Never Heard of Bill Fuller?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Flood Tide
Eithne O'Neill discusses translating her father Seamus’s 1947 novel Flood Tide.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Whitney Houston
Kelly Ann Byrne takes a deep dive into the life and work of Whitney Houston.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Intentionally Offline - Niamh Bagnell
Niamh Bagnell discusses Intentionally Offline, a literary journal produced and assembled entirely offline, without computers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Pilgrims
Ahead of their upcoming NCH concert and nationwide tour Pilgrims perform live in studio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sweep the Cobwebs Off the Sky - Mary O'Donnell
Mary O'Donnell discusses her new novel, Sweep the Cobwebs Off the Sky.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Film Noir
Stephen Higgins discusses the timeless appeal of film noir.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
TV reviews
Chris Wasser and Jenn Gannon review Gomorrah: The Origins (Sky/NOW), Stuart Fails to Save the Universe (HBO Max), and Lucky (Apple TV).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Album reviews
Cian Sullivan and Louise Bruton review new releases from Ariana Grande and Shania Twain.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sean Rocks remembered
Tribute to Sean Rocks on the first anniversary of his death.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Catcher in the Rye
Paul Whitington discusses the 75th anniversary of Salinger’s iconic novel The Catcher in the Rye.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Anthony Vahni Capildeo
Trinidadian Scottish writer and poet Anthony Vahni Capildeo discusses their non-fiction debut, Masqueraders: Selected Essays, and an upcoming appearance at The Shaking Bog festival.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Film reviews
Donald Clarke and Cara O'Doherty review Ish and Spider-Man: Brand New Day.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Glen Hansard
Today the Irish music world lost a giant: a friend, mentor, favourite son and artist whose influence reached far beyond music. An activist, extraordinary live performer, collaborator and Oscar winner. Maria Doyle Kennedy, Lisa O'Neill, Julie Feeney, John Meagher, Colin Davidson, Thomas Bartlett and Mundy pay tribute.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dior's Irish Connection
As Dior prepares to unveil a collection in Dublin's iconic Long Room at Trinity College, Bairbre Power explores the legendary fashion house's enduring links with Ireland.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Art in Focus: Energy Made Visible
Artist Garrett Phelan discusses Energy Made Visible at Ormston House, sharing his response to the work of Dublin born artist, Michael Asher and the ideas behind the exhibition.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Live Music with Jack Talty, Mark Redmond and Michael McCague
Irish Traditional musicians Jack Talty on concertina Mark Redmond on uilleann pipes and Michael McCague on guitar live in studio to perform music from his new album, Coire an Cheoil.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mirandolina: A Modern Classic
The writer Marina Carr and director Caitríona McLaughlin talk Mirandolina and their sharp new take on Goldoni's classic, bringing power, desire and independence to the Abbey stage.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Cut! Ireland's Film Censors
What didn't Irish audiences get to see? In the Opinion of the Censor explores the films that were banned, cut and censored, as former film censor John Kelleher reflects on a remarkable chapter in Ireland's cultural history.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Stream for Free
Why pay more? Dee Molumby shares the best free streaming platforms packed with great TV shows, films and hidden gems.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
TV Reviews with Chris Wasser and Jenn Gannon
We review Gomorrah: The Origins, Stuart Fails to Save the Universe and The Rapture. Three very different shows!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Album Reviews with John Meagher and Zara Hedderman
New music, big opinions! We dive into the latest albums from Charli XCX, The Strokes and Gracie Abram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Remembering, The Wind That Shakes the Barley
A film which shook the souls of the Irish and its diaspora. Remembering, The Wind That Shakes the Barley, which is 20 years old with Steven Benedict.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Film Review
Declan Burke and Arlene Hunt review films, On The Sea, Brunello: The Gracious Visionary, Chicken Run - Remastered.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New Opera - The Curing Line
Michael Gallen and Shawn Fitzgerald Ahern on the world premiere of Michael Gallen’s new opera The Curing Line, coming to the Kilkenny Arts Festival.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Story Behind The Blind Fiddler
Marie Jones discusses The Blind Fiddler, a heartfelt journey through 1970s Belfast where one woman's memories of growing up above a bustling pub reveal long-buried family truths.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Dark Side of AI Love: Kate Dolan Talks Soulm8te
What happens when technology promises to replace loss? Director Kate Dolan dives into Soulm8te, discussing AI, obsession, grief, and the horror behind humanity's desire to recreate the people we love.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Barry Ward - On the Sea
Barry Ward talks about starring in On the Sea, Helen Walsh's moving coastal drama exploring identity, family and the life-changing arrival of a mysterious stranger.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Guggi: From Post-Punk Pioneer to International Artist
Internationally celebrated painter and sculptor, Guggi talks about reinvention, creativity, his Broken series currently exhibiting at the Boyle Arts Festival, and the new documentary chronicling his life and work.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Alice Project Brings Kilkenny's Dark History to Life
The Alice Project, a five-part site-specific production inspired by the story of Dame Alice Kyteler, transforms Kilkenny into a living stage this August. Medb Lambert and Donal Gallagher join us to discuss the new work premiering at the Kilkenny Arts Festival.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
My Bloody Valentine and the Rise of Shoegaze
Music writer Eamon Sweeney joins us to review Simon Reynolds' deep dive into the shoegaze movement.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jane Casey on Everything She Didn’t Say
Jane Casey discusses her latest novel, Everything She Didn’t Say, and the ideas and inspiration behind her newest work.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From Rembrandt to Matisse: Masterpieces on Paper
Step inside the National Gallery of Ireland's Print Room with curator Niamh MacNally as we explore From Rembrandt to Matisse - A Celebration of Works on Paper.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Galway International Arts Festival: Did It Deliver?
Galway came alive for the International Arts Festival, bringing together world-class performances, stunning art, and vibrant energy. Here's our review of this year's festival.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Remembering Brenda Fricker
Arena pays tribute to Academy Award-winning actor Brenda Fricker, whose death was announced today at the age of 81.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Two: Fourteen Lives, One Pub
Jim Cartwright's acclaimed, Two returns in a new production from Decadent Theatre Company. Director Andrew Flynn and actor Clelia Murphy join us to discuss this funny and moving drama.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For Dolores: From Page to Stage
Eva O'Connor and Jim Culleton discuss bringing For Dolores from page to stage, exploring the creative process, collaboration, and the journey behind this powerful new production.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From Gaeltacht Dreams to Full-Speed Chaos
Live music, coming-of-age storytelling and high-octane comedy collide as the creators of Saoirse and Burnout Paradise share the inspiration behind their standout Galway productions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ireland's Greatest Trickster Takes the Stage Again
Deception, rebellion and unforgettable characters. The cast of Druid's The Shaughraun share the story behind the company's long-awaited return to one of Ireland's most celebrated plays.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Art Bringing Galway to a Standstill
From Eyre Square to the Claddagh, Presence is captivating visitors. Seán Henry and Paul Fahy discuss the monumental sculptures redefining Galway's cityscape.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Bringing The Brightening Air to Life
Playwright and director Conor McPherson, and actor Seán McGinley, who plays Fr. Pierre, discuss the inspiration, characters and creative process behind The Brightening Air.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Epic Everyone's Talking About
Film critics John Maguire and Ruth Barton set sail with Christopher Nolan's highly anticipated epic, The Odyssey.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Unlocking Trinity's Treasures
Discover the remarkable transformation of Trinity College Dublin's iconic library as Librarian and College Archivist Helen Shenton discusses its redevelopment and introduces the new series, Trinity's Treasures.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Christopher Nolan filmography
Ahead of the release of Christopher Nolan's movie The Odyssey, journalist Paul Whittington sat down with Rick to profile the career of the Academy award-winning filmmaker.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Homecoming of Joseph Grace - Play
Playwright Deirdre Kinahan and theatre director Louise Lowe joined Rick to discuss their project.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
John Cleese - Fawlty Towers
English comedian and actor on Fawlty Towers, the play, which is coming to Ireland.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Bill Nighy - Ride or Die
Actor Bill Nighy discusses his latest action drama Ride or Die with Sinead Egan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Remembering Sam Neill
The handsome kiwi who brought a deep sensitivity and intelligence to his roles, whether it was in blockbusters such as Jurassic Park or in films such as in Dead Calm, The Piano or more latterly in Peaky Blinders or in the drama series Untamed, directed by double-Bafta winner Neasa Hardiman.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How to read The Odyssey?
Rick is joined by Professor Ahuvia Kahane, Regius Professor of Greek at Trinity College Dublin who tells us how to read Homer's epic ahead Christopher Nolan's magnum opus release.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
TV reviews
Chris Wasser and Dee Molumby review Ann Droid, Little House on Prairie and The Five-Star Weekend.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Album reviews
Carol Moran and Louise Bruton review new releases from Jack White, The Rolling Stones and Cat Power.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Film reviews
Donald Clarke and Cara O'Doherty review Moana, Evil Dead Burns and Rosebush Pruning.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Rolling Stones: The Biography
Ahead of tomorrow’s release of the new Rolling Stones album, Pat Carty discusses their new biography by Bob Spitz.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Flight - GIAF
Darkfield Co-Artistic Director Glen Neath discusses Flight, a new immersive theatre project at this year's Galway International Arts Festival.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Gwenno
Ahead of her upcoming Irish tour acclaimed Welsh/Cornish musician Gwenno chats to Rick.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The National Gallery’s latest acquisitions
Jess Fahy discusses the National Gallery’s latest acquisitions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jonathan Coe - The Proof of My Innocence
Author Jonathan Coe discusses his latest satire The Proof of My Innocence and an upcoming event at the West Cork Literary Festival.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Contrapposto
Author Dave Eggers discusses his new novel, Contrapposto.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
250 years of the USA
250 years of the USA - How one piece of art stoked the flames of the American Revolution.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Carnation - GIAF
Tom Rack, co-founder of Welsh-based company NoFit State, discusses bringing their show Carnation to the GIAF.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
U2 release new single, Street of Dreams
Alan Corr discusses U2's new single, Street of Dreams.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Terry Loane - Faraway Home
Director Terry Loane discusses his new film Faraway Home, which is premiering at this year’s Galway Film Fleadh.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Louise Brangan - The Fallen
Louise Brangan discusses her new book, The Fallen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mick Lennox - The Power of Dreams
Mick Lennox of Power of Dreams discusses their upcoming performance at Forest Fest.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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