Shows / Arena
Arena
A look at what's happening in the world of arts, culture and entertainment presented by Rick O'Shea.
Episodes
ArenaTV reviews
Chris Wasser and Jenn Gannon review I Will Find You (Netflix) and season 3 of House Of The Dragon (HBO Max/Now TV)
ArenaThe Pixar story
As Toy Story 5 is released, Paul Whittington looks back at the history of the company that changed the world of animation – Pixar.
ArenaVisions of America 1978–79
Eamon Carr discusses his exhibition and book of photographs taken during Horslips' tour of North America in 1978 and 1979.
ArenaThe Magic Glasses at Bewley's Theatre
Director Conall Morrison and theatre historian Fiona Brennan discuss a new production of George Fitzmaurice’s The Magic Glasses at Bewley's Theatre.
ArenaWho is the 'real' Alexander Hamilton?
Historian Liam McNiffe offers his own take on the 'real' Alexander Hamilton.
ArenaToy Story 5
Director Andrew Stanton and producer Lindsey Collins discuss the upcoming Toy Story 5.
ArenaWorld Music pioneers
John Meagher discusses how musicians like Paul Simon, The Beatles and Ry Cooder put world music in the spotlight.
ArenaDoireann Ní Ghríofa
Doireann Ní Ghríofa discusses her new book, Said the Dead, and shares with Rick some of the books, songs, and films that have influenced her.
ArenaMaggie O’Farrell
Maggie O’Farrell discusses her new novel, Land, and shares with Rick the books, songs, and films that have influenced her.
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Arena Live at Irish Embassy London for RTÉ 100
Live from the Irish Embassy in London for a special event marking 100 years of public broadcasting, Rick is joined by writer and broadcaster Graham Norton…
ArenaChristy Brown honoured with memorial garden
Visual artist Clodagh Emoe discusses the new memorial garden honouring the life and work of the late writer and artist Christy Brown.
ArenaMr Moonlight
Author Philip Norman discusses his book Mr Moonlight, a new biography of Brian Epstein.
ArenaPaddy Casey
Ahead of his appearance at the National Concert Hall, a summer of festivals, and the release of new music, Paddy Casey plays live in studio
ArenaArena Cork special
Live from our Cork studio, Rick chats to Cork native, Victoria Kinnefick about poems inspired by her home. Al Dalton discusses his production of…
ArenaAngélique Kidjo
Angélique Kidjo discusses her upcoming concert exploring the work of Philip Glass with the National Symphony Orchestra at the NCH.
ArenaPool (No Water) - Evanna Lynch
Evanna Lynch discusses Pool (No Water), a new production of Mark Ravenhill’s 2006 play, staged in an empty swimming pool beneath the Metropole Hotel.
ArenaBlas Bluegrass
Banjo player Enda Scahill and violinist Dr Liz Doherty perform live in studio and discuss Blas Bluegrass, a new TG4 series exploring the growth and influence…
ArenaFuzzy Logic and Everything Must Go at 30
Eamon Sweeney discusses the 30th anniversaries of Fuzzy Logic by Super Furry Animals and Everything Must Go by Manic Street Preachers.
ArenaWest Cork Chamber Music Festival 2026
Composers Donncha Dennehy and Daniel Luke Smith discuss this year’s West Cork Chamber Music Festival.
ArenaMarilyn at 100
In a special Arena, marking 100 years since the birth of Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe, we celebrate her life, films, and enduring legacy with Ruth Barton…
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Album reviews
Eamon Sweeney and Louise Bruton review new releases from Boards of Canada, Violet Grohl and Ae Mak.
ArenaTV reviews
Chris Wasser and Jenn Gannon review Spider Noir (Prime), Star City (Apple TV) and Tip Toe (Channel 4).
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Arena Encore - Peter McDonald on "Power Ballad" // Wallis Bird // Douglas Stuart
The best of Arena's week with actor / screenwriter on his new film Power Ballad, starring Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas... music and chat with singer songwriter…
ArenaWhistler’s Irish muse, Joanna Hiffernan
Bairbre Power discusses Whistler’s Irish muse, Joanna Hiffernan.
ArenaMiles Davis at 100
Ahead of the centenary of Miles Davis’ birth Rick speaks to drummer and educator Conor Guilfoyle.
ArenaThe Lemon Twigs
Ahead of their Dublin gig The Lemon Twigs join Rick in studio to discuss their new album Look For Your Mind!.
ArenaWallis Bird
Wallis Bird chats to Rick about her new album, I Can See Your House From Here, and performs live in studio.
ArenaJohn of John - Douglas Stuart
Booker prize winning author Douglas Stuart discusses his new novel John of John.
ArenaThe Whiteheaded Boy
Director Annie Ryan and actress Anna Healy discuss The Abbey’s new production of Lennox Robinson’s The Whiteheaded Boy.
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Album reviews
John Meagher and Zara Hedderman review new releases from Paul McCartney, Future Islands, and Ed O’Brien.
ArenaTV reviews
Jenn Gannon and Chris Wasser review Kylie (Netflix), Falling (Channel 4), and Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed (Apple TV).
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Arena Encore - Ali Smith // "Kylie" director Michael Harte // Elif Shafak // Matt Berniger of The National
The best of Arena's week with Dublin Literary Award winner, Ali Smith... the Irish director of the new Netflix doc series about Kylie Minogue, Michael Harte…
ArenaAli Smith wins 2026 Dublin Literary Award
Scottish author Ali Smith on winning this year's Dublin Literary Award for her novel Gliff.
ArenaFilm reviews
Cara O’Doherty and Sarina Bellissimo review The Mandalorian & Grogu, Finding Emily and Hen.
ArenaKylie director Michael Harte
Award-winning director Michael Harte discusses his new documentary about Kylie Minogue.
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Elif Shafak - The 79th Cannes Film Festival - Star Wars spin-offs
Elif Shafak - The 79th Cannes Film Festival - Star Wars spin-offs
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Live music featuring Mark Geary - Irish premiere of Lot Vekemans play Poison- Swan Lake Ballet de Santiago production
Live music by Mike Geary, who has a new EP out called Antebellum. Poison by acclaimed Dutch playwright Lot Vekemans is getting its Irish premiere and director…