Branar and Galway Music Residency's Scéal Lae (Story of a Day) at the Galway International Arts Festival Review: An Ordinary Day with an Extraordinary Production

Branar display what they do best in their newest production Scéal Lae, showing that simplistic (yet creative) storytelling is still as impactful as ever.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Branar and the Galway Music Residency's Scéal Lae, playing at the Cube Theatre in the University of Galway Campus as part of the Galway International Arts Festival.

Branar has become known as one of the leading theatre companies that creates work for children. Based in the West of Ireland, their productions tour the world, bringing delight and first time theatre experiences to their younger audiences.

It should be no surprise that their current production Scéal Lae (Story of a Day), which is currently playing at the Cube Theatre on the University of Galway Campus as part of the Galway International Arts Festival, continues to bring plenty of joy to its younger viewers, while engaging in childhood nostalgia to their families.

What is Branar and the Galway Music Residency's Scéal Lae?

The plot for this show is simple, yet effective. A young boy (Eoin Ó Dubhghaill) attends school, just like any other day. But when a new girl, Nayo, appears in his classroom, an ordinary day turns extraordinary.

There are so many things that make this production shine; but one that really stands out is how simple (yet creative) the story telling is. Mary Murphy's witty script (and beautifully designed illustrations) allows audiences of all ages to engage in the story. From breakfast time madness, to school bus chaos, to the poignant moments of family love and making wishes on simple things; Murphy gives plenty for Marc Mac Lochlainn (Director) and Ó Dubhghaill to play with. Using everyday items to help further engage the story. It was clear from the younger members in the theatre that the pace and visuals were perfectly pitched for its target audience.

Ó Dubhghaill shines in this production. Carrying the show on his shoulders, he delivers a very sincere performance, while engaging with the young audience goers with a cheeky smile and even an apple core. As an audience, you feel very safe in his hands, which made this a joy to watch. It should be noted that Ó Dubhghaill performs this show in both English and Irish depending on the performance, which is a skill within itself.

Ó Dubhghaill engages well with not just the audience, but with the ConTempo Quartet, as this production is in collaboration with the Galway Music Residency. With an original score by Tom Lane, this production further elevates the story with perfectly crafted and performed underscoring to the story. Again, Mac Lochlainn incorporates the quartet into the story, with very humorous interactions between Ó Dubhghaill and the conductor (at this performance was Sinéad Hayes).

The production is rounded out by great work from the design team. In particular, Michael Foley's lighting and Miriam Donohue's costuming, which were perfectly intune with the production's styling.

Is Branar and the Galway Music Residency's Scéal Lae worth seeing?

Immersing young audience members into the world of theatre and make believe is very important, and what Branar does very well is making it accessible. As mentioned above, not only is this show performed in English, but also offers performances in Irish. Anyone can enjoy this show, which makes it a worthwhile watch.

On a gloomy Wednesday, Scéal Lae allows us to escape and perhaps question the simple things in life and see the beauty in that. And with a very welcomed running time of 40 minutes, Branar and the Galway Music Residency yet again hit a home run with this well crafted production.

Ticket Information and Show Times for Branar and the Galway Music Residency's Scéal Lae.

Scéal Lae runs until the 20th of July at the Cube Theatre, University of Galway. Show time is at 1 and 3.30PM. No shows on the 18th of July. This production has shows in English and Irish (Check the website for more details.) ISL and Relaxed Performance on the 19th of July at 3:30PM. Tickets can be purchased by calling the box office on 091 566 577, visiting the Festival Box Office on Eyre Square or through their website.

Location:  The Cube Theatre, University of Galway

Date of Review: 16th of July

Star Rating: ⭐ ⭐⭐ ⭐

Disclaimer: I was invited to review this show as part of the Festival on July 16th, 2025. All views are my own and were not influenced by the invite.