In 2011 I was commissioned to document the development and first full academic year of Irelands National Academy of Dramatic Arts.

In keeping with the college’s ties to RADA London and the deep history of theatre photography, I decided to photograph everything in black and white 35mm and 120mm film. I began by photographing the intitial building site as construction began and six months later I was sitting at the kitchen table in Colm Meaney’s mother’s house in North Dublin, eating biscuits and drinking tea. The Lir had many famous ambassadors from the film and theatre world of which I was granted incredible access and time with.

Walking around the grounds of Trinity College with Saoirse Ronan and her family as people gasped as we walked by, all the while waiting for a break in the light , getting thrown out of the Natural History Museum with Sebastian Barry ( no cameras allowed) to the shoot with Colin Farrell in the Four Seasons in Dublin 4 where when he arrived a palpable surge of energy came rippling through the hotel as Porters came running down the hall to the suite I was set up in, screaming “ he’s here !!, he’s here !! “.

There were plenty of pinch-me moments for sure but none more satisfying than getting to dedicate the book - my first publication to my eldest daughter Isobel, who was only a toddler at the time.

From the Publisher :

This photobook is a celebration of the development and first full academic year of Ireland’s National Academy of Dramatic Arts. The conviction behind the statement ‘The Lir is Forever’ represents the vision and drive of the founders of The Lir.

Situated in Dublin’s Grand Canal Dock, in an exciting purpose-built theatre, The Lir is the fulfilment of the recognised need for an academy of excellence in Ireland. Within its walls, the immense talents of the country's emerging actors, playwrights, directors, designers and stage technicians, that had for so long been looking for a home, are nurtured by experienced and expert hands.

This book is the story of its development, from the fragile bud of the idea to the joyful festivities of the opening night and its first year of operations. Featuring evocative and atmospheric photographs captured by J.P. Keating on black and white film stock, the endorsements of its many famed ambassadors such as Pierce Brosnan, Colin Farrell and Saoirse Ronan, and the statements of all those involved, ‘The Lir is Forever’ is a story of positivity and creativity.

Published by Roads Group 2013.