Never Have I Ever... Been a Panto Dame

About this episode

Claire Byrne explores the world of pantomime and performance with actor Rob Murphy, discussing identity and transformation.

Never Have I Ever is the podcast where Claire Byrne explores things she's never done by talking to people who have. This week, she enters the world of wigs, make-up, high heels, and larger-than-life characters.  What does it feel like to transform yourself completely? To step into someone else's clothes, adopt a different persona and perform it in front of thousands of people?  In episode two, Claire meets actor and drama teacher Rob Murphy, who every Christmas becomes one of Ireland's best-known panto dames – Buffy.  Together, they explore the magic of performance, the freedom that comes with becoming somebody else, and how dressing up sometimes reveals more about who you really are. Rob reflects on growing up as a gay teenager in an all-boys school, counting down the days until Friday night when he could finally sing and twirl alongside the girls.  And the big question: can Rob persuade Claire to put on the wig and become someone else for a night?  Email: never@newstalk.com   Aladdin – a Sammy & Buffy Adventure, starring Alan Hughes and Rob Murphy, runs from 8th Dec 2026 – 3rd Jan 2027 at the National Stadium…

People in this episode

Host: Claire Byrne

Guest: Rob Murphy

Topics covered

• pantomime
• performance
• identity
• transformation
• LGBTQ+
• theater

Keywords

• panto dame
• performance
• identity
• Rob Murphy
• Claire Byrne
• theater
• LGBTQ+

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Newstalk

Places: Ireland, National Stadium, Dublin

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