Irish audiences fondly remember Joe Taylor’s fascinating re-creations of some of the most sensational episodes in Ireland’s recent history.
They provided an eyewitness account for a nation gripped by political corruption scandals, while also showcasing his own talent as an actor.
In the 1980s and 1990s on RTÉ Radio One, the words of the likes of Taoiseach Charles Haughey, businessman and whistleblower Tom Gilmartin and journalist Frank Dunlop were relayed to the nation by Taylor.
Although the media devoted hours of air time and acres of newsprint to the tribunals investigating political and financial corruption, it was Taylor who gave the evidence a recognisable and easily digested voice.
The actor and writer went on to appear in the much-loved sitcom, Father Ted and the film, Veronica Guerin.
Taylor’s presentation to the Republic of Ireland Centre at RTÉ Television Centre, Dublin in early December, “Small voice: talks loud”, was largely based on the novel Look Who’s Back by Timur Vermes. The satirical novel was published in Germany in 2012 and has sold over a million copies.
Look Who’s Back is based on the premise that Adolf Hitler returns to modern-day Berlin, where he is discovered by TV producers who believe him to be a talented Hitler impersonator. The audience at the RTS event were spellbound by Taylor’s performance.