Longford actor marks half a century of Druid Theatre

Longford has a particular fondness for the dramatic arts. At present there are around eight amateur drama groups dotted around the county, with shows drawing punters to community halls and professional venues throughout the year.

One of the reasons for the vibrancy of the form is the number of young people who received grounding in the Backstage Youth Theatre Group (BYTG).

One alumni is Liam Heslin. Hailing from Aughakeirnan, Aughnacliffe in the parish of Colmcille, Liam is the son of William and Deirdre.

His farm family background is a bit different to the life of an actor that saw him star in the 2018 indy film, Dublin Old School, or the perennial favourite RTE soap drama Fair City.

The stage is where Liam has garnered the most plaudits. As Druid Theatre prepares to mark a milestone birthday the group take to the road with three short comedies by the great Irish playwright Seán O'Casey.

These short tales of misadventure will be directed by Garry Hynes and performed by a Druid ensemble that features Liam along with Aaron Monaghan, Rory Nolan and Marty Rea with Venetia Bowe, and Sarah Morris.

So how does an aspiring actor from north Longford end up part of one of the most important creative groups in Ireland?

“In my teens I was part of the Longford Backstage Youth Group,” he told Longford Life, “That was my introduction to acting. I loved watching films growing up, but that was my first real introduction to the acting side of things. From then on I decided I'd give it a go, to try to make it my profession.”

The journey took him from Bull Alley college after his Leaving Cert, then enrolling in the newly minted Lir Academy, Ireland's National Academy of Dramatic Art at Trinity College, in 2011: “That was a three year degree. When I finished that, like any other kind of budding actor, I started auditioning and luckily enough got parts and became a full time actor.”

Liam harks back to his time in BYTG as an important step on his journey: “I was 14 or 15 at the time, so I'd have to get a lift in the evenings rehearsals were on from my parents.

“They were very supportive, and they still are. They come to most of the shows around the country. Luckily the next show will be in Longford, so they won't have to travel too far.”

That show, Three Short Comedies, brings Liam under director Garry Hynes: “The insights she brings to our rehearsal room is incredible, things you mightn't think of yourself. She gives these nuggets of wisdom to help you find your way, which is great.

“The things she's done through her career, like setting up Druid, being the first woman to win a Tony Awards for directing are astounding. It's amazing to be able to work with someone like that,” he concluded.

Liam Heslin returns to Longford tonight, Friday, February 28 and tomorrowSaturday, March 1 with Druid Theatre as they present Three Short Comedies by Seán O’Casey marking the beginning of Druid’s 50th anniversary programme for 2025.