Draft:Patrick J. Ryan

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Patrick J. Ryan (Paddy Ryan) (1931–2006) was an Irish director and producer acclaimed for his contributions to opera and theatre. Over several decades, he directed award-winning productions such as All My Sons at the All-Ireland Drama Festival‘‘Festival Glory in Athlone’’ by Gus Smith and La Bohème (1984), considered a pinnacle of Irish opera in the twentieth century‘‘The Irish Times’’, Review by Charles Acton. Ryan was instrumental in shaping Irish National Opera, advancing Irish talent, and integrating operatic traditions with theatrical sophistication. His productions played in The Abbey, The Gate, The Gaiety, and The Olympia theatres in Dublin, in Wexford Theatre Royal, Cork Opera House, and throughout Ireland.

Early life and education

Paddy Ryan graduated from University College Dublin (UCD) with a degree in Philosophy and a Music Teaching Qualification, reflecting his early dedication to the arts. A skilled musician and keen thespian, Ryan’s formative years were characterized by a passion for creativity, truth, and performance.

Performance life

Ryan began his artistic journey as a performer with the Guinness Choir and the Guinness Players, where he developed a deep understanding of dramatic and musical performance. His involvement in these groups laid the foundation for his later achievements as a director and producer.

Selected productions

Guinness Players (1962–1973)

Ryan transitioned from performer to producer and director within the Guinness Players, a theatre group supported by the Guinness company. This marked a significant phase in his artistic career as he embraced the creative and leadership aspects of theatrical production.

• 1962 The Queen and the Rebels by Ugo Betti

This production entered the Limerick Drama Festival and won all major awards, marking the Guinness Players’ first major festival success. Paddy Ryan reflected: “I do recall motoring down with a few of the cast and much to our astonishment winning every single award”‘‘Festival Glory in Athlone’’ by Gus Smith.

• 1963: The House of Bernarda Alba by Federico García Lorca
• 1964: Hedda Gabler by Henrik Ibsen

Entered in the festival circuit, this production faced unexpected challenges, including Ryan stepping into the role of Judge Brack on short notice after the lead actor fell ill. Despite the adversity, it garnered critical acclaim.

• 1965: Montserrat by Emmanuel Roblès

Performed at the Newry Festival, this production received widespread acclaim and marked a peak in the Guinness Players’ reputation. The group was praised for its dramatic intensity and compelling performances.

• 1965: The Quare Fellow by Brendan Behan
• 1966 Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare

“Paddy Ryan’s imaginative sets and smooth productions were outstandingly the finest of this year’s festival” — Martin Cooper‘‘The Irish Times’’.

• 1967 All My Sons by Arthur Miller

Directed by Ryan, this production won the All-Ireland Drama Festival‘‘Festival Glory in Athlone’’ by Gus Smith.

• 1968 Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett

The Guinness Players’ 1968 production of Waiting for Godot at Park Royal Theatre, London, directed by Paddy Ryan.‘‘Waiting for Godot’’, Guinness Archive, 1968.

• 1968: Juno and the Paycock by Seán O’Casey

Irish National Opera (1968–1981)

As a director of Irish National Opera (INO), established to provide Irish singers with opportunities in major operatic roles and to bring opera to provincial audiences, Ryan directed several productions (and designed sets), contributing to INO’s artistic development with a blend of traditional repertoire and contemporary works.

• 1968: Don Giovanni by Mozart (Gate Theatre)
• 1969: The Barber of Seville by Rossini
• 1970 Twelfth Night by James Wilson

“Paddy Ryan’s imaginative sets and smooth productions were outstandingly the finest of this year’s festival” — Martin Cooper‘‘The Irish Times’’.

• 1973: Don Pasquale by Donizetti
• 1974: Cinderella by Rossini
• 1976: The Secret Marriage by Cimarosa
• 1976: The Marriage of Figaro by Mozart
• 1978: The Bartered Bride by Smetana
• 1981 The Wedding by A.J. Potter (Abbey Theatre)

A milestone Irish opera that premiered at The Abbey TheatreINO Press Release, 28 May 1981.

• 1982: Hansel and Gretel by Humperdinck
• 1984: Falstaff by Verdi (Gate Theatre)

Ryan was particularly noted for his innovative staging and his ability to foster talent among Irish performers.

Dublin Grand Opera Society (1976–1986)

Ryan’s work with the Dublin Grand Opera Society (DGOS) was widely praised for its creativity, technical precision, and emotional depth. His productions were characterized by innovative staging and a deep respect for the music and libretto.

• 1976 L’Elisir d’Amore by Donizetti (Gaiety Theatre)

“As producer for the DGOS, Paddy Ryan excelled himself” — Fanny Feehan‘‘Evening Herald’’, Review by Fanny Feehan.

• 1977: Il Barbiere di Siviglia by Rossini (Gaiety Theatre)
• 1980: Madama Butterfly by Puccini (Gaiety Theatre)
• 1981: Lucia di Lammermoor by Donizetti (Gaiety Theatre)
• 1982: L’Elisir d’Amore by Donizetti (Gaiety Theatre)
• 1982: Hänsel und Gretel by Humperdinck (Gaiety Theatre)
• 1983: Madama Butterfly by Puccini (Gaiety Theatre)
• 1984 La Bohème by Puccini (Olympia Theatre)

“Perhaps I will start with the producer, Paddy Ryan… he seems to have grasped the entire essence of Puccini’s so domestic, so chamber an opera” — Charles Acton‘‘The Irish Times’’, Review by Charles Acton.

Ryan’s La Bohème was considered a pinnacle of his career, praised for its emotional resonance and staging. Ryan commented: “To me, the May 7 performance of Boheme was not only a worthy tribute to Maestro Annovazzi but vocally and dramatically outstanding.”

Legacy

Ryan’s career was marked by a commitment to high artistic standards and innovative staging. His dedication to fostering Irish talent and supporting new works remains influential. Ryan’s contributions to Irish cultural life were celebrated in his lifetime and continue to be appreciated posthumously. Peter McBrien, baritone, a long-time and cherished collaborator, sang at Ryan’s funeral in 2006, reflecting the deep admiration and love Ryan inspired among peers and family.

References

E'lisir D'Amore_memento_Babs_De_Monte_Paddy_Ryan_1976_Remembering_The_HorsesWaiting_For_Godot_1968_London_Park_Royal_Guinness_Archive The_Irish_Times_INO_Paddy_Ryan_28May1981 Don Giovanni Poster 1968 Irish National Opera Reviews_Twelfth_Night_03Nov1969_The_Irish_Times_The_Telegraph_The_Irish_Press Paddy_Ryan_Suzanne_Murphy_Eileen_Donlon_Celine_Murphy_1974_The_Irish_Times

Review_1976_Lelisir_damore_Fanny_Feehan The_Irish_Times_INO_Paddy_Ryan_28May1981Paddy_Ryan_publicity_head_personal_archivePJR_Paddy_Ryan_publicity_head_pic_Guinness_Players_Personal_ArchivePJR_Paddy_Ryan_publicity_head_pic_Guinness_Players_Trophy

INO_Press_Release_The_Wedding_27May1981