Former Everyman director Geoff Gould named Cork person of the month

A former director of The Everyman who founded a travelling theatre company bringing performances to rural villages has been named the Cork person of the month for November.

Geoff Gould, who served as artistic director of the Everyman Cork from 1996 to 2000, in 2009 founded the West Cork Fit-Up Theatre.

The festival is based on the tradition of the travelling ‘fit-up’ theatre companies of the 1950s, which brought performances to rural villages in makeshift venues.

This year, it staged weekly performances in numerous towns, villages, and rural communities.

A Fermoy native, Mr Gould has had a long and distinguished career in theatre.

In 2002, he established the Blood in the Alley Theatre Company, which has toured extensively overseas.

Following the success of the West Cork Fit-Up Theatre festival, he also established the Blackwater Valley Fit-Up Theatre Festival in 2016 and the West Waterford Fit-Up Theatre Festival in 2017.

Speaking as he received his award, Mr Gould said the festival was built on the spirit of the travelling actors of the past, with the goal of making professional theatre accessible to everyone, regardless of their location.

“Seeing audiences in villages and on islands connect with live performance is what makes it all worthwhile, and this award is a wonderful acknowledgement of the work of our entire team,” 

he said.

Awards organiser Manus O’Callaghan said that Mr Gould had revived an old tradition, ensuring that high-quality, professional theatre is shared with remote communities.

“His vision and dedication have brought joy to the lives of so many and he has been instrumental in enriching the cultural fabric of the county,” he said.

Mr Gould’s name will now go forward alongside 2025’s other Cork persons of the month for possible selection as Cork person of the year at the annual gala awards lunch on January 23, 2026 at The Metropole Hotel.