Declan is a theatre maker, actor, director and facilitator based in Northern Ireland. He creates playful, immersive work combining physical theatre, storytelling, music and audience participation, with a particular focus on young audiences. Trained in musical theatre, he also draws on Lecoq-inspired physical theatre, improvisation, puppetry and magic. 

Declan has worked with TYA companies such as Cahoots NI and Replay Theatre Company and trained with Improbable Theatre. Working through both English and Irish, Declan is currently developing The Plantin, an immersive folklore-inspired theatre experience for children and families, which will be presented at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026.

What does it look like when you’re making creative work?

My rehearsal room is usually full of objects collected from charity shops and around the house that fit the vibe of the piece. I work using Open Space principles, creating a low-pressure environment where performers can make offers freely without worrying whether they're "good". Through improvisation, physical exploration, music and play, we follow unexpected discoveries and develop them together. My role is to spot the moments with potential and help the group follow its nose.

What is something you saw recently which inspired you?

I was inspired by Perfect Show for Rachel by ZOOCO Theatre Company. The show places Rachel, a learning-disabled theatre lover, in control of the performance through a bank of buttons that determine what happens next. It combines improvisation with a highly skilled ensemble and embraces unpredictability at its core. What excited me most was its trust in the unknown. It reminded me that uncertainty can be the thing that makes theatre truly alive.