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Xnthony is an Irish writer, performer and producer whose work spans musical theatre, cabaret, performance art and live interdisciplinary performance. Originally from Roscommon, Ireland, he has built a distinctive career creating bold, pop-infused work that blends history, identity, politics and humour.
His projects often explore queerness, Irish culture, community life and the ways pop music can be used as a storytelling tool. Over the years, he has developed work through fringe theatre, cabaret venues and large-scale arts support in Ireland, building a reputation for theatrical ideas that are playful, provocative and original. His acclaimed work includes Oliver Cromwell Is Really Very Sorry, and he is also developing new projects including Lourdes and Troll Farm.
Episode summary
In this episode of The Variety Show Podcast, Adam Sternberg talks with writer, performer and producer Xnthony about the winding path that led him from rural Roscommon to a career in experimental theatre, cabaret and musical storytelling.
Xnthony reflects on growing up in an adopted family, discovering creativity through music, drama and community arts, and learning to overcome intense stage fright as a teenager. He shares what it was like coming out at 16 in rural Ireland, and how queerness, difference and a sense of otherness shaped the way he sees the world and makes work.
The conversation explores the realities of building a life in the arts without formal theatre training, from early performance art pieces in post-crash Ireland to fringe shows, survival jobs and years of developing projects with limited resources. Xnthony also speaks passionately about the importance of public arts funding, class access in the creative industries, and why Ireland has become such a strong force in producing world-class artists.
Adam and Xnthony also discuss pop music as dramaturgy, the influence of artists such as Madonna, Goldfrapp, French and Saunders and Kenneth Williams, and the creative power of cabaret as a live form. They dive into the origins of Oliver Cromwell Is Really Very Sorry, a pop musical that reimagines one of the darkest figures in Irish history, and talk about Xnthony’s upcoming work Lourdes, which examines faith, miracles and theatrical spectacle.
Funny, honest and full of insight, this episode is a fascinating look at identity, ambition, art-making and what it really takes to build a creative life on your own terms.
What is The Variety Show?
The Variety Show is a celebration of the extraordinary people who bring live performance to life. Each week, host Adam Sternberg sits down with a dazzling range of guests – from magicians to contortionists, gospel singers to tap dancers to uncover the real stories behind their craft. How do artists decide to dedicate their lives to performing? What inspires them, challenges them, and keeps them coming back to the stage? Through intimate conversations, Variety gives listeners a behind-the-curtain look at the journeys, passions, and influences that shape today’s performers. Whether you’re a fan of live entertainment, a lover of the arts, or simply curious about the paths less traveled, this podcast offers a fresh perspective on the world of performance.
If you have any comments about the podcast or are a performer who wants advice please do email info@thevarietyshowpodcast.co.uk