Lauren Murphy

Freelance journalist and broadcaster, writing about music and the arts.

Ruth Negga to star as Hamlet in Gate Theatre production

The Oscar-nominated Dubliner will play the Prince of Denmark himself in a new production of William Shakespeare's play at the Gate Theatre later this year,

Theatre • 14 May 18

Being Childish: How Donald Glover won the internet

If you're responsible for one of the 85 million (and counting) views that Childish Gambino's latest music video This is America has racked up since it went live last weekend, you'll probably fall into one of two camps.

Culture • 12 May 18

Ireland at Eurovision: 10 songs, from worst to best

With this year's Eurovision Song Contest edging ever closer, it's the perfect opportunity to trawl through the archives of some of Ireland's greatest hits... as well as the misses.

Eurovision • 08 May 18

Updated: Irish summer music festivals 2018 - your one-stop guide

Now that the Christmas chaos has been firmly placed back in its box for the next 10 months or so, and spring has sprung, it's not too early to start planning what you're doing this summer.

Music • 30 May 18

Zadie Smith leads West Cork Literary Festival line-up

The words 'West Cork' may have become synonymous with an entirely different (podcast-related) topic in recent months, but literature fans will be well aware that the annual Literary Festival is another good reason to visit the region.

Culture • 09 Apr 18

5 essential true crime podcasts

You've binged on West Cork, and the details of Serial are hazy amidst the tsunami of True Crime podcasts that have hit the App Store over the past few years – so where to next?

Podcasts • 28 Apr 18

Natalie Portman stars in Alex Garland's film Annihilation, now on Netflix

Annihilation, Netflix... and the future of film?

Renowned philosopher Ferris Bueller once said 'Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.' Little did Matthew Broderick's character know that the same adage could be applied to the film industry in 2018.

Film • 15 Mar 18

5 films that would make great TV shows

In recent years, there has been a glut of hugely (and perhaps unexpectedly) successful TV adaptations of well-known films. From Fargo to The Exorcist to Bates Motel – and even The Young Offenders, seen recently on Irish TV screens.

Film • 14 Mar 18

Queer Eye - your new guilty pleasure has arrived.

5 Guilty Pleasures on Netflix

The concept of the 'Guilty Pleasure' is contentious to begin with; after all, who's to say that what ticks the pleasure box of one person is less 'worthy' than another?

Netflix • 06 Mar 18

The St. Patrick's Festival brings it all back home

The days of St. Patrick's Day being synonymous with a soggy parade featuring half-frozen marching bands shipped in from the States, randomers dressed in pointed hats, fake beards and brandishing homemade staffs are well and truly over.

St. Patrick's Day Festival • 05 Mar 18