"We began using non-theatre spaces when I heard of a company in Germany working in this way, and it intrigued me. When we first tried this type of production, it was very exciting. We staged A Clockwork Orange in Sir Henry's nightclub in 1994 and the process was amazing artistically. It also sold out very quickly which indicated it had a particular appeal. It seemed first time theatre-goers were more inclined to go to a non-theatre venue than an actual theatre.

"But it's not easier, but it is different," Pat says, returning to the present. "Firstly, the process with a new play involves quite an amount of development of the script through the rehearsal period, which obviously is not the case with the classic scripts Corcadorca has produced in the past few years. Secondly being in a theatre means you see every detail and that means you have to be aware of and attentive to these details.

Despite the smaller scale, the production values have nevertheless remained a key element, as the enlisting of back set and lighting designer Aedín Cosgrove proves. "Aedin and I have worked together on several productions, both in and out of theatres. She has a very distinctive and theatrical style. Last Beauty Spot could have been presented and looked like a traditional realistic Irish play, but I didn't want that, and I knew Aedin would design the production in a more imaginative and less obvious visual way.

And so what of the future for Corcadorca? Seventeen years in the game is a long time for anyone, but with plans afoot for another large scale outdoor production in the very near future, the company shows little sign of slowing down. And while he allows himself a moment to reflect on the companies success, he stresses that the most important thing for both himself and the company is to continue pushing forward.

"We will produce Eugene O'Neill's The Hairy Ape this June as part of the Cork Midsummer Festival. It will be staged in a collection of warehouses in the Docklands.

I am surprised sometimes when I think of the Company still going strong after so many years, but to be honest this week during tech, I thought is it any different now? There's still the same energy, anxiety and drive to make the work as good as you can. I think when I set up the Corcadorca, I wanted it to become synonymous with the city, like Druid in Galway. I like to think we have achieved that. Where next? Make the work better and get more people to see it."

Last Beauty Spot opened at the Cork Arts Theatre on Monday, March 10. It will run at the theatre until Saturday, March 22.

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