Leitrim actor debuting in new theatre company’s first production

Naming Cows Theatre Company, the brainchild of Carrick-on-Shannon actor Darragh Gilhooly and fellow French actor Gwenaelle Gillet, is debuting its first production at The Scene + Heard Festival in Smock Alley Theatre, Dublin on February 12.

Naming Cows Theatre Company is a newly established theatre company. Its co Artistic-Directors, Darragh and Gwenaelle, are recent graduates of the Gaiety School of Acting.

While being professional actors, the pair were determined to establish their own theatre company, primarily to write and produce their own work.

They are very fortunate to have been part of a dynamic class during their professional training and can collaborate with some fellow graduates in bringing productions to the stage.

Darragh, as a native of Carrick-on-Shannon, developed a keen interest in acting through The Dock’s Youth Theatre programme over his early years and at thirteen years of age featured in his first professional success, taking on a number of roles in “Turas” developed and produced in both Carrick-on-Shannon and Enniskillen as part of Carrick-on-Shannon 400 in 2013.

Despite graduating in the pandemic, which has seen the arts sector grind to a virtual halt, Darragh has been cast in a number of stage and screen productions, while Gwenaelle has been involved in bringing arts to our new communities. Joining forces, they both have developed the concept of Naming Cows Theatre Company and have been active in writing its first material for production.

French actor Gwenaelle Gillet

Darragh and Gwenaelle have spoken of their delight to have their first written piece “Un Crocodile” selected to feature at the well known Scene + Heard 2022, the festival of new work. This festival is held annually at the Smock Alley Theatre, Temple Bar and features never before seen work.

“Un Crocodile” tells the story of five friends who meet maybe for the last time, Ethan pops the question to his long-time girlfriend, Kat. One second is all they have to make up their minds.

Written by Gwenaelle Gillet and Darragh Gilhooly, the play is being directed by well-known actor and director Charlene Gleeson and will be produced by fellow Gaiety graduate Sidonie Martha Welton. The cast is Grace Keelin, Gwenaelle Gillet, Darragh Gilhooly, James Agnew, Emily Perrott.

Darragh and Gwen look forward to building on this opportunity in developing further work to bring to stage throughout Ireland in the future.

Un Crocodile
One second. One Mississippi. Un crocodile. is on in Smock Alley on Saturday, February 12.