Aoife's Clown Doctors and Roola Boola bring laughter to Mayo hospital patients
CHILDREN in Mayo and Galway hospitals are set to benefit from an innovative new approach to bringing joy to hospital wards after Aoife's Clown Doctors took part in a unique music improvisation workshop in Castlebar.
The training, organised by the Linenhall Arts Centre in partnership with Saolta Arts and Aoife’s Clown Doctors, was led by internationally recognised vocal improvisation pioneer Guillermo Rozenthuler.
The workshop introduced Aoife’s Clown Doctors from Mayo and Galway as well as a representative from the UHG pediatrics team to collaborative vocal improvisation, equipping them with new musical games and techniques to create spontaneous, interactive performances with children in hospital.
The professional performers specially trained to work in healthcare settings visit hospitals using comedy, music, storytelling, magic and play to help ease fear and anxiety for children undergoing treatment. Their visits also provide welcome moments of relief for parents, families and healthcare staff.
For Rozenthuler, whose work explores the role of collaborative singing in healthcare settings, the workshop offered an opportunity to share a creative practice that is increasingly recognised for its ability to foster connection and wellbeing: "It was a very fruitful day and I hope it will impact their amazing work and the children, families and staff they reach through their interventions."
Speaking after the workshop, Deirdre Melvin of the Linenhall said the collaboration reflects the festival's commitment to ensuring that creativity reaches every child, including those unable to attend Roola Boola children’s arts festival.
"Every year we are conscious that there are children in Castlebar hospital who cannot experience the joy of Roola Boola because of illness," she said. "We are delighted to work with Aoife's Clown Doctors and Saolta Arts to support these exceptional artists who bring comfort and laughter to children during some of the most difficult moments in their lives.
“It was wonderful to see experienced facilitators from across the west exchanging ideas, techniques and skills that will enrich their work in hospitals.”
The Linenhall has thanked Bridge St Bar and Meeting Rooms for being the ideal location for the training.
The training was delivered as part of preparations for this year's Roola Boola children's arts festival, one of Ireland's longest-running children's arts festivals - 29 years old in 2026. Held annually at the Linenhall Arts Centre in Castlebar over the October bank holiday weekend, the festival presents a vibrant programme of theatre, music, dance, visual arts, literature, film and creative workshops for children and their families.
The Linenhall say details of the 2026 programme will be announced in the coming weeks.