The Moat to host local star in ‘Auntie Psychotic’

NAAS is in for a bit of a night of uproarious mayhem and mischief on the night of 30 April when local artist and music sensation Arlene Bailey takes the stage at the Moat Theatre for her highly anticipated show, ‘Auntie Psychotic’ – a revue that delves into her poignant yet often hilarious journey with bipolar disorder.

In 2021, Arlene made headlines as she courageously shared her mental health struggles following the sudden passing of her father.

Diagnosed with bipolar disorder after years of grappling with depression, Arlene has transformed her personal journey into a vibrant showcase of creativity that mines her colourful past and refreshing outlook on life.

She invites audiences to join her for this show which weaves together songs about love, lust, loss and pain but also the joy and freedom she has found since her bipolar diagnosis and journey back to an even keel.

It’s a brilliant, but very brave title, how did she come up with it the Kildare Nationalist asked?

“No filter! I don’t care anymore!” guffawed the Sallins native, though Athy resident nowadays, setting a tone of chuckles that ran through the whole interview.

“I had been so honest about my mental health, and had been edging it into my show, and this is a gentle nod to the things that pushed me over the fu*kin’ edge, and I wanted to put my comedic spin on that,” she explained.

Arlene Higgins left Sallins at 17 to tour the world for 14 years with what she described as a “toxic” band.

“We toured the world but I wasn’t right in my head, I’d only be home for four or five days every six months.

“Mammy -Margaret - lives in Rahandoon. She’s a Higgins, so am I. Bailey is part of the Witness Protection Service!” she laughed.

So, how did the Bailey come about?

“When I was thinking about going back into the acting I spoke to mam saying Arlene Higgins is not a very ‘stagey’ name, so she thought for a minute, looked over at her favourite drink - Bailey’s - and that was it!” she explained.

“But now I’m on my second marriage, so you could call me anything these days” she joked.

Presently, Arlene has three occupations - she gigs fairly regularly with her husband’s band, does the occasional bit of acting.

“I’m currently doing an erectile dysfunction ad, so if you thought you saw someone looking down a man’s penis, then yes, that was me!” But she has a third profession, as clinical co-ordinator with Renew Skin Clinic in Naas two days a week.

“They keep me in my other jobs,” she said generously.

Having navigated the challenges of bipolar disorder with courage and resilience, Arlene has emerged as a beacon of hope and inspiration to fans around the world.

But what about the local Moat?

“I’ve done it a few times before, and was there last year with a show about Janis Joplin,” she said.

“The Moat is kinda local to me, and they’re always very good to me, and I really enjoy playing the place,” she said.

And your audience?

“Someone once hit the nail on the head when they said it’s like listening to Radio Nova, and it’s a sharp reminder to men we’re not there to mind them, we’re there to love ’em,” she said.

Through her music, she has fearlessly tackled the stigma surrounding mental health, inviting listeners to find strength in vulnerability and embrace their unique stories.

“Bring your mates, bring your meds, and leave your sanity at the door!” says Arlene.

Audiences can expect to laugh, cry, and connect as she shares her uplifting message about seeking help and embracing life’s unpredictability.

The upcoming concert represents a milestone in Arlene's career, as she shares her hard-won triumphs and poignant reflections with her local audience, who won’t be let down.

Tickets are available at MoatTheatre.com from €18.50 plus booking fee.