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About The Irish Theatre Players
 

The Irish Theatre Players Inc were formed in late 1981 at the invitation of the Irish Fleadh 1981 Committee. Our first production was Seán O’Casey’s Juno and the Paycock, directed by founding member and first President Bill Motherway, and performed at the Dolphin Theatre at UWA. From those beginnings, the Irish Theatre Players have grown into a well-established community theatre company with a strong reputation across Western Australia.

For several decades, the Irish Theatre Players were closely associated with the Irish Club of WA in Subiaco, performing from the theatre at the Club’s premises. This long-standing relationship played an important role in shaping the company’s identity and provided a valued home for many years of productions and creative development.

In December 2024, the Irish Theatre Players concluded their residency at the Irish Club of WA and transitioned to operating as a fully independent theatre company due to the sale of the premises in Subiaco.

Since that time, the Irish Theatre Players Inc have continued to produce work across a range of venues and partnerships, remaining committed to presenting Irish theatre while also programming contemporary non-Irish works. This approach allows us to reflect changing audiences and theatre practice while staying true to our cultural roots.

We typically present several major productions each year, alongside a One Act season featuring three to four short works. Our productions regularly play to full houses, with many selling out prior to opening night. Over the years, our work has been recognised at the Hills Festival, South West Drama Festival, and Independent Theatre Association awards. While awards are appreciated, our focus remains on making strong, engaging theatre and sustaining a vibrant community of artists and audiences.

Today, the Irish Theatre Players are a resilient, enthusiastic, and forward-looking company. Without a permanent base, we continue to seek venues and collaborations that allow us to bring Irish theatre and high-quality community theatre to audiences across Western Australia.

We invite you to join us for a night at the theatre at one of our upcoming productions. If you are interested in becoming involved, on stage or behind the scenes, you would be very welcome. We are a collaborative and welcoming group, and there is always room for new voices.

Irish Theatre Players Committee
2025-2026

President: -Caroline McDonnell

Vice President: Denice Byrne

Secretary: Fiona Reid

Treasurer: Marian Byrne

General Member: Stanley O’Neill

General Member: Emer Dehide

General Member: Grainne Friel

General Member: Shivas Lindsay

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Always in our hearts: John Spurling

IRISH THEATRE PLAYERS

40th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION - OCTOBER 2021

Past Presidents

Caroline Mc Donnell 2024-

Claire Wynne: 2015 - 2024

Fiona Murphy:  2012 - 2015

Ivan Motherway:  2005 - 2012

John Spurling:  2002 - 2005

Pat Abbott  

Tony Bray

Louis Byrne

Michael Glover

Deirdre Gillespie

Bill Motherway