Barnardos launches Under My Bed event

In a departure from what one would normally associate with bedtime stories, Barnardos yesterday launched its upcoming “Under My Bed” initiative to raise money for the children’s charity.

This “patchwork of childhood stories” from some of Ireland’s leading figures in the arts and beyond have been collected by the organisation and will be read and performed at the Smock Alley Theatre over three nights this January.

Launching the programme yesterday, Barnardos chief executive Fergus Finlay said he had been moved to write a piece himself, haunted by the various children he has met over the years.

Others who have contributed to the event include Mary O'Rourke, Senator David Norris, soprano Celine Byrne, playwrights Dermot Bolger and Gemma Doorly, and authors Patricia Scanlon and Caroline Grace-Cassidy.

Chefs, broadcasters, politicians, actors, athletes and musicians; all have dedicated small pieces of work inspired by their memories and impressions of childhood.

Tickets information are available at smockalley.com.