Promenade

One winter’s night, Kerry receives news about an old friend. Now, every Christmas Kerry reflects on this friendship and what could have been.  Written and performed by Kerry Graham. Produced by Andy Gaffney. 

During a trip to Paris, Jennie is transfixed by dancers she’s watched on the Scene. Their movements and how they welcome each other in without any pause causes Jennie to reflect on the very origins of hospitality itself.  Written and performed by Jennie Moran. Produced by Andy Gaffney. 

Alan is a musician and a neuroscientist. In this story Alan takes us on a journey of what music does to our brains and memories and just how important it is when it comes to remembering our lives. Written and performed by Alan Harvey. Produced by Andy Gaffney.

Documenting a camping trip in Uluru in Alice Springs to see one of her favourite bands, Melanie deals with broken-down cars, aging rockers, the magic of the mountain and memories of her father - all in the name of seeing Midnight Oil.  Written and performed by Melanie Bakewell. Co-produced by Andy Gaffney and Melanie Bakewell. 

Whenever Will now hears a gaggle of crows he thinks back to a time of looking over fields in Cork and just wishing that Han Solo would swoop down in the Falcon to take him on a great adventure. It was a fantasy then but as he grew up Will would try more than one way to realise those dreams.  Written and performed by Will Collins. Produced by Andy Gaffney.

It’s Christmas and Santa has brought a new Pokemon game. Lucy should be running down the stairs on this rainy Christmas morning. But for some reason she’s feeling incredibly sleepy and not for the first, nor the last, time.  Written and performed by Lucy James. Produced by Andy Gaffney. 

David Daballen is Director of Field Operations for Save The Elephants. Here he shares one of his favourite stories about when his job got more than a little scary as he was bravely attempting to save an elephant from drowning.  Written and performed by David Daballen. Produced by Andy Gaffney. https://www.savetheelephants.org/

Kirsten never really thought about cancer when, in her childhood, being subjected to the ubiquitous ads on Australian TV grimly detailing the country’s cancer mortality statistics. That is until she was diagnosed with a spinal tumour called a “giant cell tumour” while she was still only in her twenties. What followed was a lonely, frightening and confusing time in hospital. Until she met Sam.  Wri...

Ola swears that she can smell chickenpox. Not only that, she insists that it happens to smell just like prawn cocktail crisps. However this superpower could well be a curse as it means that anyone eating that flavour of the snack in her company means she is thrust right back to having chickenpox as a child.  Written and performed by Ola Labib. Produced by Andy Gaffney.

One Christmas, Dave was given a gift of a walkman which, you would think for someone who grew up to be a music journalist, sounds like the kind of origin story seen in cinema. For Dave however, it wasn’t the toy he wanted and he has carried the guilt over his reaction ever since.  Written and performed by Dave Hanratty. Produced by Andy Gaffney.

In 1951, a twelve year-old Mary McCoy heard a test broadcast for a local radio station. This would be the beginning of a life-long love affair with radio and music that would span seventy years and see her share the stage with a certain king of rock and roll. Now at the age of 86, Mary looks back at a life of finding connection through radio. Written and performed by Mary McCoy. Produced by Andy G...

Growing up, Louise felt she had two childhoods: one full of the usual Nineties staples of homework and Home & Away at 6.30, but also one spent “over home” with her grandparents. It would be the time spent there that would lead her on a changing relationship with faith but also form a deep connection to her grandmother.  Written and performed by Louise O’Neill. Produced by Andy Gaffney.  TW: Th...

One Christmas while working at Marks and Spencer, Richy heard a rumour of the ultimate staff discount leading him to gamble his family’s entire Christmas dinner on it being true. Even today, the sound of a checkout reminds Richy of that one special Christmas. Written and performed by Richy Craven. Produced by Andy Gaffney. 

In late 1966, a young Leslie worked with the iconic Vidal Sassoon as a barber and stylist. However, one client that year would put Leslie on a life-changing path towards cutting Paul McCartney’s hair, making headlines across the world and having an experience any Beatles fan would treasure forever.  Written and performed by Leslie Cavendish. Produced by Andy Gaffney.

2 - Michael  For some, oysters are a decadent delicacy rolled out for special occasions. As for Michael, well, they’re that too. But also they are his own personal Time Machine, featuring memories of romance in Paris and also a deep, life-long friendship. Written and performed by Michael Pederson. Produced by Andy Gaffney.

A summer spent in Sri Lanka in the Eighties turns into a life changing-adventure for an eleven year-old Johanna - and one where she might just need a hero.  Written and performed by Johanna Halperin. Produced by Andy Gaffney. 

When Kevin thinks of his youth he thinks back to this Grandmother’s house and more specifically the step on the stairs he would sit.  Written and Performed by Kevin Lehane  Promenade is Produced and curated by Andy Gaffney  Music Used in this episode :  Stephen Keech - The Part Where They Love Each Other 

On a beach in Spain Denise thinks back to her father, the waves on the beach and Pepe’s lighthouse. Written and Performed by Denise Moreno Promenade is Produced and curated by Andy Gaffney  Music used in this episode: Moments - Thoughts  Cast of Characters - Sandals and Sundowns

From Belfast to Japan and back again, Philip can trace a thread throughout his life following one piece of music. Written and Performed by Philip Arneill  Promenade is Produced and curated by Andy Gaffney  Additional production on this episode by Brian from Grooves Ahead

Jennifer was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at a young age which meant painful operations leaving her spending entire summers recovering on the sofa which meant passing the time with a whole load of movies she probably should not of been watching.. Written and Performed by Jennifer McShane  Promenade is Produced and curated by Andy Gaffney  Music in this episode :  Stephen Keech - Watermark  Outsid...

From Jamaica, to New York and then to Paris , Sutanya’s Grandmother’s fried chicken will live in her memory forever.  Written and Performed by Sutanya Dacres Promenade is produced and curated by Andy Gaffney  Music in this episode : Cast of Characters - Love & Truth  Cast of Characters - Tucked in tight 

In Australia, Mike organises a Make The Best Potato Salad day in work with the ulterior motive of just eating some potato salad but also to remember a childhood favourite dish Written and Performed by Mike Williams  Promenade is Produced and curated by Andy Gaffney  Additional production on this episode by Janne Jooris  Music in this episode :  Cast of Characters - Ent Her Step Luh Stool Howze Ste...

On a walk In Scotland, Len remembers her grandfather and the little white lie he told her about princess roads. Written and Performed by Len Pennie  Promenade is Produced and curated by Andy Gaffney  Music in this episode:  Stephen Keech - The Part Where They Meet 

In Paris, a perfume maker ponders what scents she would use to create the fragrance of her own life. Written and Performed by Meabh McCurtin  Promenade is produced and curated by Andy Gaffney  Music used in this episode:  Stephen Keech - Watermark Shimmer - Grace

In 1970’s Ireland, Philippa would watch Star Trek as an escape from the world and hope that maybe the future might look like what was on screen. This inspiration would help Philippa come to terms with herself as a trans woman when it felt like she was the only person in the world feeling like this. Written and Performed by Philippa Ryder  Promenade is produced and curated by Andy Gaffney  Music in...