Power and magic of storytelling: Mary Kate O’Flanagan discusses ‘Making A Show of Myself’

A CELEBRATION of the power and magic of storytelling.

In a modern twist on a beloved Irish pastime, raconteur and international story expert Mary Kate O’Flanagan makes a case for the profound impact storytelling has on our lives while sharing some of the true-life stories that made her a Grand Slam Champion Storyteller on two continents and a TikTok sensation!

Mary Kate O’Flanagan has been a journalist and a story consultant for the film and television industry for twenty years.

Now she’s touring a piece of theatre based on her own true life tales, aptly called ‘Making A Show of Myself.’

This week, we sat down to discuss the show, which is coming to The Civic Theatre October 22 25.

What made you take the leap to tell these stories to audiences?

I’ve always loved stories.

Like most Irish people, I can spin a yarn across a table in a pub or at a party.

When I first went to The Dublin StorySlam ten years ago, I impulsively got up and told a story and it won.

That night was really high, but I didn’t realise it was the beginning of something.

I then took a notion to compete in The Moth StorySlam in Los Angeles (I was there for work), and I won that.

One of my stories went viral on TikTok and Instagram a couple of years ago, and now I can’t stop.

But here’s the thing. The more I think about stories, the more convinced I become that storytelling is a kind of alchemy.

The wonderful American writer, Tom Robbins, says, “It’s never too late to have a happy childhood.”

I think that means I get to choose what version of events I tell myself, and I get to choose which stories I give life and energy to by sharing them, which stories I bring out into the world.

There’s power and magic in that.

Whenever anyone tells a story, they’re shaping their own experiences.

What could be more important than that?

My own stories are illustrations of this, but the real offering to the audience, I hope, is that people leave empowered and inspired to tell their own stories anew.

You and I are the narrators of our own lives, and that’s what I want to share.

How long has it been in the works?

They say you need 10,000 hours to get really good at anything.

Honestly, I don’t have the focus to spend 10,000 hours on any one pursuit.

But one day I realised I’ve spent 10,000 hours (and more) telling stories, reading stories, and studying storytelling on the page, on the stage, and on the screen.

This is central preoccupation of all my days.

So that’s a long way of saying, I’ve been preparing for this show my whole life.

Have there been any highlights or challenges working on it?

Rehearsing with director Will O’Connell.

Will saw the story that went viral and realised we had friends in common so asked to meet me.

We became pals and I confided my hope to make a show of my stories to him and he said he’d help so I asked him to be my director.

Will’s also a brilliant dramaturg, he keeps the show tight at 80 minutes.

He cares about every little detail but he’s a performer too so he’s extra sensitive in how he gives feedback.

I’d follow Will into battle but so far there have been no battles, just rewarding work and the fun of sharing the outcome.

For you, is there a difference in nerves between writing and performing?

Oh wow, great question, yes!

A lot of writers like writing specifically because they can express themselves without direct contact with other humans.

I’ve always worked in story one way or another, but that work is all on the page.

Getting up on stage was terrifying at first.

But connecting with live audiences was rewarding so I kept going.

Then, during the summer tour, I met someone who had a ticket for the show that night, and she asked if I was nervous. I surprised myself by saying, “No. I’m excited but I’m not afraid.”

Afterwards, I realised something had shifted.

I think this is what I was put on this earth to do.

What is next for you after this?

Back to Smock Alley in November 2024, then we will tour internationally.

We’re aiming at The Edinburgh Festival and then America.

Yes, I’m planning to storm Broadway.

I think middle-aged women are just what they’re looking for.

Who would you like to thank?

I thank my five sisters with a special shoutout to Rachel and my countless soul sisters, especially Karen and Simone.

Looking for love and finding it in unexpected places is a common theme in my stories and in my life.

Thank you to all the good men out there who help me keep the faith, starting with Adam