RSVP Presents... Before we say goodbye written and directed by Yvonne Coughlan, 7pm Thurs. 8th and Fri. 9th July, on the Drive-In theatre stage at Kinsale Arts Weekend, starring Pauline O'Driscoll and Paschal O’Leary.

This one-act 45-minute play, Before we say Goodbye, was completed by the author the year the world changed, because she was grounded, all flights cancelled, and therefore focused on projects that could be developed from home. The themes of the play also relate to major life changes for our two characters, Elizabeth and Jim, therefore they too can relate to the festival theme; The Year the World Changed. For these characters, life is not Pandemic related, as they are set in a pre-Covid time, at an airport facing their own challenges.

Elizabeth has accepted her regrets, as the final chapter of life, until she meets a hilarious and enigmatic stranger in an airport lounge, who challenges her to escape to a world where a chance conversation becomes an epic, life-changing, love story.

Pauline O’Driscoll is best known on screen as Mary, opposite Pat Shortt in TV3’s IFTA nominated Smalltown, and as Maureen, opposite Moe Dunford & Rosaleen Linehan, in the award winning short film, Pat. Her recent theatre work includes two audio dramas for the Everyman’s Play it by Ear season; her “excellent performance” in Gaitkrash Theatre Co's production of Kaite O’Reilly's Cosy directed by Philllip Zarrilli at Cork Midsummer Festival; and Seven ages of Mam, nominated for Best New Play at Brighton Fringe Festival 2019, which she co-wrote and solo-performed to rave reviews. Though this new character, Elizabeth is older than her in years, Pauline’s performance of her is mesmerising, and truly contextualises the demented sensibilities of this newly awakened woman.

Paschal O’Leary from Knocknagree in North West Cork, moved to Cork city aged 17 to make his fortune as a business man, working in sales. His success allowed him to retire at age 54. Then he was struck by an illness, that he was lucky to survive; Paschal calls this major life event his wake-up call. After decades of suppressing his emotions, he hired a life coach, joined Toastmasters, and found his way to Rebel City Drama Club. Honing his vocal and performance skills, and a comedy flair, he is now expressing himself fully, and openly, in order to give others the permission to do the same in the pursuit of a healthy life. He particularly resonates with this character he plays, and says, he is Jim.

World premiere of this moving drama ‘Before we say Goodbye’ was a unique Drive-in experience at Kinsale Arts Weekend. €30 per car (Limited €10 walk-in)

RSVP also Presents… Film Night on Sat 10th and Sun 11th at 10.30pm; an hour of short films. Director, Yvonne Coughlan includes her multi-award winning experimental silent short film, An Étude in Art and the World Premiere of Changemakers a short docu-drama made especially for the festival.

(Credit John Allen Images)

RSVP Presents...

Three plays at Kinsale Arts Weekend 2020

6 Minutes to Wonderland – A Philosophical Comedy

Opening the RSVP Drive-in Theatre experience is 6 Minutes to Wonderland, a brand-new comedy that invites the audience into a whirlwind of philosophical musings and quirky encounters. Written and directed by Yvonne Coughlan, this world premiere introduces us to Jacob and Stephanie, played by Tadhg O’Rourke and Saoirse Wadding-Hayes, the duo’s on-stage chemistry is particularly remarkable given that their entire rehearsal process took place over Zoom. O’Rourke, fresh from the screen acting world, and Wadding-Hayes, a seasoned performer across Ireland and the UK, create a dynamic interplay that leaves audiences entertained and perhaps questioning their own path to Wonderland. Their quick wit and lively exchanges promise a performance that will amuse, perplex, and ultimately delight viewers tuning in from their car radios.

Unfinished Portrait – A Tale of Passion and Longing

The night’s second act shifts to the depths of love and loss with Unfinished Portrait. Having first captivated audiences at Cork Arts Theatre, this emotionally charged drama returns home under the direction of its original creator, Yvonne Coughlan. Giselle and Solomon, played by the electrifying duo of Caoilfhionn McDonnell and Stephen Wyley, take the audience through a journey of love’s complexities, past regrets, and the struggle to move forward. McDonnell, a standout talent from Kinsale’s Rampart Players and a Gaiety School of Acting graduate, brings a powerful intensity to Giselle, while Wyley, a longtime RSVP favorite, matches her energy with depth and nuance. Their performances are rich with tension, vulnerability, and moments of comedic respite, making Unfinished Portrait a gripping exploration of love’s unfinished business.

With Love… – A Riotous Finale

Closing the RSVP showcase on a high-energy note is the uproarious and heartwarming monologue With Love…. Delivered with unrelenting charisma by Noelle Ní Ríagáin, this solo performance captures the essence of resilience, humour, and hope. Ní Ríagáin, known for her striking performance on Britain’s Got Talent and extensive training in clown and physical theatre, brings an infectious energy that guarantees laughter and inspiration. This piece is a testament to the power of theatre to uplift and connect, even in the most uncertain times. A perfect ending to the night, With Love… ensures that audiences leave exhilarated, smiling, and perhaps even ready to dance in their seats.

A Theatrical Experience Like No Other

Bringing theatre to audiences in a way that adheres to safety guidelines without compromising on excitement, RSVP’s Drive-in Theatre at Kinsale Arts Weekend is an innovative response to the times. With the guidance of Art Director Liz Lynch and the dedication of producer Carol McNamara, every detail is thoughtfully crafted to create an unforgettable experience. Audiences can expect not just a night of exceptional theatre but also a celebration of the resilience of the arts.

A unique and intimate way to engage with live performance. Arrive early, park up, tune in for audio on your car radio, and let RSVP transport you through laughter, passion, and joy under the open Kinsale sky.

Written and Directed by Yvonne Coughlan

Passionate about film production, community events, arts participation and youth theatre, RSVP Ireland is a dynamic company dedicated to bringing creativity to life and joy into our lives.

"It was perhaps the most powerful theater piece I have ever seen, I will not forget it."
Tom Campbell artist. TomCampbellArt.com

"It was a joy to work with Yvonne"
Bibi Baskin. Wellness consultant. Motivational speaker. TV presenter.

"Outstanding production."
Dermot Ryan. Southern Star.

"The script by Red Sandstone Varied Production's Yvonne Coughlan was excellent."
Frank Hanover. Evening Echo.

"Yvonne was able to create a magical work of theatre... her work transcended culture and language affecting many who saw and experienced it."
Cork arts theatre.

Visit our Testimonials page for more

Information for Foreigners (2003)

By Griselda Gambaro | Directed by Yvonne Coughlan
Granary Theatre, UCC (Master’s Project)

A practical Master’s thesis production exploring Artaud’s Theatre of Cruelty. This large-scale immersive performance featured 40 actors, 20 crew, and 13 unique stages, guiding audiences through politically charged scenes. Four audience groups navigated the play simultaneously, experiencing Gambaro’s vision of fragmented and controlled storytelling. Yvonne integrated workshop techniques inspired by Stanislavsky, Meyerhold, Brecht, Chekhov, Brook, and Grotowski, training a diverse cast of professional, amateur, and first-time performers.

UCC Library Catalogue: link

The Haunted History Tour (2006-2007)

Written & Directed by Yvonne Coughlan | Cork City Gaol

A 90-minute site-specific promenade performance with ten actors, immersing audiences in the eerie past of Cork City Gaol. Upon entering, audience members were treated as prisoners, divided into groups by warders, and led through a vivid reimagining of 18th-century prison life. The script, rich in historical detail, brought to life the suffering and supernatural lore of the Gaol.

▶ "An impressive cast... a script full of historical erudition... a howling, murderous, and haunted atmosphere... a must-see." — Evening Echo, Feb 2007

The Clock Gate Tower Hangings (2007)

Written & Directed by Yvonne Coughlan | Youghal Medieval Festival

A historically inspired performance depicting the events of 1797. This 30-minute scripted piece, followed by 90 minutes of improvisation, unfolded in the town garden with six actors portraying figures from Youghal’s past. Audiences witnessed the harrowing fates of those sentenced to death in the Clock Gate Tower, engaging with the living history of the town.

Culture Night Performances

• The Energy of Life (2009) – Lifetime Lab, Cork

• The River of Imagination (2010) – Lifetime Lab, Cork

A series of interactive, site-specific performances celebrating creativity, community, and the natural world.

Lady of the Castle (2011)

Devised & Directed by Yvonne Coughlan | Blackrock Castle Observatory

An animated tour bringing the myths and mysteries of Blackrock Castle to life. Audiences encountered spectral figures and historical echoes as they navigated the castle’s chambers in this immersive storytelling experience.

Irish HeARTS (2013-2014)

A promenade theatre and art installation series | The Gathering RSVP

An ambitious multidisciplinary project combining performance, international collaborations in visual art, and storytelling to celebrate Irish identity and culture. Final performance Kinsale, Co. Cork.

FAST: Freelance Acting, Singing, Troupe (2016-2018)

A collaborative performance initiative fostering new work and creative exploration.

Notable Works:

• A Forest Full of Frolics (2016) – Townlands Festival

• Frolics in the Wood (2016) – Culture Night

Seasonal Productions

• The Magic of Santa (2017) – Fota (A Victorian Christmas Experience)

• The Wizard in the Woods (2018) – A magical promenade theatre adventure

Yvonne Coughlan continues to innovate in promenade and immersive theatre, blending historical narratives, interactive storytelling, and community engagement in her artistic practice.

PROMENADE PERFORMANCES

Previously Commissioned Promenade Work Samples

The Easter Trail – Fota House & Gardens (2018) IMAGE

Embark on a magical family adventure as you follow the Easter Trail through Fota House & Gardens. Along the route, meet enchanting characters from The Wizard of the Woods, a captivating tale by Yvonne Coughlan.

The Magic of Santa – A Victorian Christmas Carol (2017) IMAGE

Step into a festive wonderland at Fota House, where your family will journey from room to room, meeting beloved characters inspired by the story of Scrooge. This immersive experience culminates in a special visit to Santa himself.

Sir John Benson Youth Theatre Project (2012) DOCUMENTATION REEL

A creative youth theatre initiative hosted at Lifetime Lab, supported by Cork City Council Heritage Funding, celebrating the legacy of Sir John Benson through performance and storytelling.

Animated Tours – Blackrock Castle Observatory (2011) ASSOCIATE BLOG

Discover the secrets of Blackrock Castle with The Lady of the Castle, a spellbinding animated tour experience developed in partnership with Fáilte Ireland..

The Vagina Monologues (2009)

This award-winning play by Eve Ensler has been staged all over the world, often with celebrity monologists. In 1998, Ensler launched V-Day, a global non profit project that has raised millions for women's anti-violence groups through fund-raising performances. The Monologues are read by a varying number of women. Each one relates to the vagina. Every year a new monologue is added to highlight a current issue affecting women around the world. The 2009 spotlight focused on the Democratic Republic of Congo, where rape was a systematic weapon of war.

Yvonne Coughlan chose to work in an arts participatory manner with 20 women, some of whom had never performed before, for her production of this play, which uses dialogue about the vagina in its many uses, and facets, from sexual to reproductive, from pleasurable to abusive. It calls both men and women to protect our sisters/ mothers/ daughters/ girlfriends/ wives/ friends from violence. The Vagina Monologues, directed by Yvonne Coughlan, was produced by RSVP in three venues in Cork City and The White Lady, in Kinsale, during April 2009, with a Grand Finale on the top floor of County Hall. This was a non-profit community event organised by Cork woman, Gráinne O’Driscoll, and featuring 20 women living in Cork city and county, which will raise funds for organisations supporting women in violent situations. With collaborating visual artists Anne Ffrench and Mary Cooke.

90% of proceeds from this fundraising event went to local charities which aid Cork women and girls, who suffer violence, Domestic Violence Centre, Sexual violence Centre, YANA (You are not Alone), Mna Feasa with 10% donated to aid women in the Congo (DRC).

Dates and venues of the Cork Community performances: Monday 27 April The Pavilion, Carey’s Lane 8pm - €15/12; Tuesday 28 April The White Lady Kinsale, 8pm €15/12; Wednesday 29 April The Crane Lane Theatre, 8pm €15/12; Thursday 30 April The Vertigo Suite, County Hall, 8.00 €25/20 - Grand Finale!

Each performance lasted 90 minutes, and was followed by further entertainment, musicians, DJs, dancing, for everyone to join in and celebrate the 11th year of V Day.

Yvonne's vision for this production was-

1. To promote the joy of being a woman as we show the true cost of violence against women. 2. To highlight the injustices women suffer, but not to portray them as victims. 3. To showcase the beautiful, intelligent, stylish, sexy, powerful, emotive, multi-talented and multi-faceted women of our community, and so of the world at large. 4. To welcome men and women equally to this event, which serves to protect us all from violence, and raise awareness and funds for these issues at home, and in the world community. 5. To generate love, laughter, friendship and discussion, and share this with an audience. 6. To impassion people so that they go on to find ways to stop the violence all women around the world.

Pink Lady by Mary Cooke appeared at the County Hall for The Vagina Monologues directed by Yvonne Coughlan 2009; Blue to Pink was written during The Gathering RSVP in 2013.

Please note that this website is under construction at the moment and not all information is available yet.

Thank you for your understanding.

If you have any questions, please do contact us!