The Lyric Theatre was honoured to host a performance that blurred the lines between cinema, memory, and live art. Irish musician and film enthusiast Sean Kelly, along with his partner Maree Limpus, brought an extraordinary and intimate experience to our stage — an evocative presentation of original Super 8 footage of Northern Ireland, captured by his father Seamus Mallon in the 70’s, accompanied by live performance, storytelling, and sonic atmosphere. It was an evening steeped in beauty, nostalgia, and raw creative expression.
Sean’s use of his father father’s Super 8 film footage — a medium with its own texture and soul — invited us to see Donegal through his father’s eyes: grainy, dreamlike, and deeply human. Flickering family moments, quiet street scenes, and glimpses of landscapes long passed, shimmered on the screen like memories half-remembered. But what elevated the experience into something truly unforgettable was the live score and narration — crafted and performed in the moment, flowing in harmony with the flickering frames.
Sean’s use of his father father’s Super 8 film footage — a medium with its own texture and soul — invited us to see Donegal through his father’s eyes: grainy, dreamlike, and deeply human. Flickering family moments, quiet street scenes, and glimpses of landscapes long passed, shimmered on the screen like memories half-remembered. But what elevated the experience into something truly unforgettable was the live score and narration — crafted and performed in the moment, flowing in harmony with the flickering frames.
What unfolded was more than a screening—it was a conversation between image and sound, between artist and audience. Sean’s voice, gently guiding us through the themes and threads of each sequence, held a kind of quiet magic. His partner Maree’s contribution, through accompanying cello — added further layers of intimacy and texture. Together, they created something that felt less like a performance and more like a shared dream.
The Lyric Theatre, bathed in the soft light of projection, became a portal — a place where time stretched and softened, and where the small moments of life were held up like treasures. The audience sat in rapt attention, deeply moved by the honesty, craft, and emotional resonance of the work. Laughter, reflection, and even tears threaded through the evening — a testament to the vulnerability and richness of Sean’s art.
The Lyric Theatre, bathed in the soft light of projection, became a portal — a place where time stretched and softened, and where the small moments of life were held up like treasures. The audience sat in rapt attention, deeply moved by the honesty, craft, and emotional resonance of the work. Laughter, reflection, and even tears threaded through the evening — a testament to the vulnerability and richness of Sean’s art.
We are proud to have hosted such a soulful and innovative performance. Sean Kelly’s work reminds us that storytelling doesn’t need to shout to be heard — it can whisper through grainy film, rustle through the strings of a guitar, and settle gently in the heart. The Lyric Theatre looks forward to welcoming Sean and his partner back in the future — for another evening of wonder, light, and beautifully imperfect memory.
"A great show that more people should be able to see, highly recommended."
★★★★★
"We are so lucky to have The Lyric in the Buller."
★★★★★
"Very engaging love the whole set up at the Lyric."
★★★★★
"It was outstanding, we loved it."
★★★★★
