Legendary Irish panto dame Joe Conlan, celebrating his fourth decade in the business, will play Nanny Potts in this year's Gaiety Christmas panto, the tale as old as time that is Beauty and The Beast...
We asked Joe for his choice cultural picks...
FILM
I always harp back to a very old film called Scent of a Woman with Al Pacino. I love the new film at the moment A Big Bold Beautiful Journey with Colin Farrell and Margot Robbie – I'd highly recommend that to see.
MUSIC
I love a bit of jazz. I’m listening to Stella Bass; she is super. She is a young Irish lady who I worked with years ago on a musical. She has formed her own niche within the jazz scene. She collaborates with the Johnny Taylor Trio and they are fantastic. Stella is always on the go and there’s a lovely ease to her voice.
BOOK
I’m currently reading Living Buddha, Living Christ by Thich Nhat Hanh. I love the Buddhist way of life. I love reading into the simplistic way of how they live, the rewards of such a simplistic life, and the benefits of that life both physically and mentally. I’m yet to visit a Buddhist temple but I’d love to!
THEATRE
I’m going to see Poor at the Gate Theatre and I can’t wait to see it! There is a phenomenal Irish cast in it. I’m very much into going to the arts a lot, and supporting the arts and paying my way. I’m also going to see The Quiet Man in Dublin Theatre Festival and I can’t wait to see that!
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TV
The Traitors – a wonderful piece of Irish telly. It has captured and gripped the nation. It says a lot about our Irish creatives; we can do it and we need to give more support. It’s a wonderful production!
GIG
The last gig I attended was Oasis – phenomenal. I brought my nephew and his friend (he’s a great young man). We had a great time and I loved it! I didn’t expect it as it wasn’t my thing over the years, but I came out elated. It was just brilliant. The upcoming gig I’m most looking forward to? It has to be the Gaiety panto. I love it so much I’ll be watching it over and over again from the wings - because I’m in it!
ART
I have a painting that I love by Peter Homan. It’s very rustic. I love artwork and go to the National Gallery whenever I can. I have a lovely piece by Martin Lehman. It’s a simple piece but it tells a tale. It’s a vase, with two tulips coming out of it and a heart at the base. There is lovely ceramic artist in Greece called Yanni and I adore all his artwork! I bought two pieces years ago and every time people come over they ask where I got them. They’re miniature, and I just love them.
RADIO/PODCAST
I’m currently listening to Irish mentalist Keith Barry’s Open Mind podcast. I love the radio! Marty in the Morning, BBC Radio 4, Sunday Afternoon with Simon Delaney and Today FM. I love a good jazz programme on at home, shower, bath, jazz on, lads - bliss! The simple things in life...
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TECH
I do my best but - no! Just Alexa to turn on the radio.
THE NEXT BIG THING...
Female Irish writers are coming to the fore – not one in particular, we need to look out and support them all!
Beauty And The Beast is at the Gaiety Theatre, Dublin from 23rd Nov 2025 - 4th Jan 2026 - find out more here
