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Beyond the Footlights – The Magic Behind Wexford Festival Opera
Shine A Light with Siobhán Murphy
Wednesday, 21 October 2026 - 51 minutes
For 75 years, Wexford Festival Opera has transformed a small Irish town into an international stage, attracting world-class performers and audiences from across the globe.
But behind the dazzling costumes, beautiful music and standing ovations lies another story – one of dedication, creativity, teamwork and the countless people who make the magic happen.
In this special edition of Shine a Light, Siobhán Murphy takes listeners Beyond the Footlights, exploring the extraordinary work that goes on behind the scenes of one of Ireland's most celebrated cultural events.
From the technical teams and backstage preparations to the artistic vision and the people who help bring each production to life, we discover what it really takes to stage an international opera festival.
We also reflect on Wexford Festival Opera's remarkable 75-year journey, its deep connection with the local community and the enduring passion that continues to put Wexford on the world stage.
It's a celebration not just of opera, but of the people behind it – the talent, the teamwork and the unsung heroes whose contributions deserve their own moment in the spotlight.
🎭 Shine a Light – Beyond the Footlights: because sometimes the most fascinating stories happen when the curtain comes down
