58 years of stage life for Cork's Marion Wyatt

Marion Wyatt pauses for a moment in the middle of rehearsals. Around her, actors gather scripts, compare notes, and prepare for another scene. It’s a familiar sight.

“I directed my first play in 1968,” she says with a smile. “Little did I think then that, more than half a century later, I’d still be gathering casts, shaping stories, and preparing for opening nights.

“I’m apparently still bold enough not to know when to stop”

This summer, Wyatt returns to Cork Arts Theatre with BOLD, a new play she has written and is directing.

Set in Cork during the late 1960s and early 1970s, it tells the story of Madeleine ‘Maddie’ Miller, a determined young woman whose passion for theatre leads her to challenge expectations, question authority, and carve out her own path.

“It’s a story about resilience, ambition, and finding your voice,” says Wyatt. “Maddie refuses to accept the limitations placed upon her by school, family or society. She wants more, and she isn’t afraid to ask difficult questions.”

The play follows Maddie from youth club halls to backstage corridors, where she discovers friendship, mentorship, first love, and heartbreak while learning every aspect of theatre production.

“People often think theatre is just about performing,” Wyatt says. “But there’s a whole world behind the scenes – directing, stage management, props, costumes, lighting, building sets. Maddie is fascinated by all of it.”

Although BOLD is set more than 50 years ago, Wyatt believes that its themes remain universal.

“It captures the excitement of youth and the determination required to pursue a dream,” she says. “Many of us, at some point in our lives, have been told we’re too much of something – too curious, too outspoken, too ambitious. For Maddie, being called ‘bold’ becomes a badge of honour.”

The title itself carries particular resonance.

“When I was growing up, being called bold wasn’t a compliment,” Wyatt laughs. “It meant you were stepping out of line or challenging expectations. But I think many of the people who go on to create things, who follow unconventional paths, were probably called bold at some stage.”

The story also reflects Wyatt’s life-long relationship with theatre.

“Theatre has been a constant companion throughout my life,” she says. “It has given me friendship, purpose, laughter, challenges, and opportunities to begin again.”

Over the decades, Wyatt has become one of Cork’s best-known theatre makers, writing and directing productions including Dockers, Shawlies, The Echo Boys, Katty Barry: Queen Of The Coal Quay and The Sunbeam Girls.

Her work is rooted firmly in Cork life and culture, celebrating local voices and exploring the lives of ordinary people with warmth, humour, and emotional honesty.

“I’ve always been interested in stories that belong to this city and its people,” she says. “There is such richness here – in our history, our communities and our way of speaking.”

The journey to BOLD has not been without challenges. In recent years, health issues required Wyatt to step back from some creative projects. Rather than diminishing her passion, however, the experience strengthened her resolve to continue creating.

“The people around me carried more than their share at times, and I will always be grateful to them,” she reflects. “But I’m still here. Still writing. Still directing. Still learning. Still believing that a rehearsal room is one of the most exciting places in the world.”

That enthusiasm is evident in the company she has assembled for BOLD. The production brings together emerging talent and experienced performers, including Emely Tenhagen as Maddie, alongside Christopher McSweeney, Anne-Marie O’Brien, and Rob J. Cogan.

Composer Jimmy Brockie and Lighting Designer Jamie Feehily are part of the creative team helping to bring the world of the play to life.

For Wyatt, the production is about more than opening night. “It’s about creating opportunities, encouraging talent and giving people space to grow,” she says.

“Theatre can transform lives. It builds confidence, creates community, and reminds us that we don’t have to face things alone.”

As rehearsals continue, the excitement is building.

“Every day, the actors discover something new,” Wyatt says. “Moments appear that weren’t there when I first put the words on the page. That’s the magic of collaboration.”

At its heart, BOLD asks a simple question: what happens when someone refuses to give up on their dream?

Audiences will discover the answer when the play opens at Cork Arts Theatre on July 1 for a six-performance run.

And after more than 50 years in theatre, does Wyatt ever consider slowing down? She laughs. “I’m apparently still bold enough not to know when to stop.”

BOLD runs at Cork Arts Theatre from July 1-4. Tickets are available from TicketSource.