Cork colleagues pay tribute to Everyman Theatre co-founder O’Shea

Tributes have been paid to Everyman Theatre co-founder John O’Shea, with the theatre’s former chief executive honouring his “hugely significant contribution to the cultural fabric of Cork”.

Mr O’Shea, who was 86, was born in Cork, graduated from UCC, and spent most of his adult career teaching English at Coláiste Chriost Rí secondary school at Turner’s Cross.

Along with Dan Donovan and Sean O’Tuama, Mr O’Shea co-founded the Everyman Theatre Company in 1963 from several amateur drama groups operating in Cork city — first at the CCYMS/ Little Theatre in Castle St and then the Fr Mathew Hall between 1972 and 1987, which was re-named the Everyman Playhouse.

Wishing to develop further, Everyman acquired the old Palace Cinema on MacCurtain St, and reopened it as the Everyman Palace Theatre in 1992, with the historic Victorian theatre building still home to the theatre today.

Mr O’Shea was also an accomplished play director.

Memorable productions of his include A Man for all Seasons by Robert Bolt, designed by Bob Crowley; Saturday, Sunday, Monday by Eduardo De Philippo; The Birthday Party by Harold Pinter; and Uncle Vanya by Anton Chekhov.

In a statement, chief exeutives Des Kennedy and Brian Fenton said they were deeply saddened by the passing of their founder.

“John’s vision, generosity, and belief in the power of theatre shaped this building and The Everyman’s place at the heart of Cork’s cultural life,” 

they said.

“His legacy lives on in every performance, every audience, and every artist who has passed through our doors.”

Former chief executive Patrick Talbot added: “John O’Shea was an integral figure in the history of Cork theatre.

“His passion for the stage was inspirational.

“His co-founding of Everyman Theatre harnessed generations of theatre artists in the city.

“Thousands of people got their first exposure to classic plays of the world repertoire through Everyman productions.”

He said: “His rich legacy includes the reclaiming of the historic Palace Theatre for live shows. He made a hugely significant contribution to the cultural fabric of Cork.”