Person to Person; My first professional gig was a life-changing experience

TELL us about yourself;

My name is Pattie Maguire and I’m a 23-year-old actor from Cork.

I’m the daughter of Tilly and Frank. I have three brilliant sisters - Julie, Alice and Sally - and a little niece Sophia.

I spent a lot of my younger days in the Cork School Of Music where I studied Speech & Drama under the guidance of Ann Barry. This is where my passion for acting really began, in the summer of 2017.

I was lucky enough to be selected and be part of the group of National Youth Theatre Ireland. This programme allows 16 young people from across the island to spend six weeks living in Dublin and working with various people in preparation for a play at The Peacock Stage in The Abbey theatre. Our play in 2017 was Rossum’s Universal Robots directed by the wonderful Caitriona McLaughlin. I even had a little interview with RTÉ which aired on the news.

I think, from this experience, it absolutely confirmed I wanted to be an actor full time. So I auditioned and was thrilled to be offered a place on The Lir Academy’s BA in Acting beginning in 2019, on completion of my Leaving Cert. This was very exciting as my sister Julie had completed the degree previously. 

To date, we are the first siblings to graduate from BA in Acting at the Lir Academy TCD. Hopefully we will work together soon.

It was an incredible three years spent at the Lir Academy and a college I would highly recommend. It is a very intense course running from September to July.

Since graduating in 2022, I began auditioning while simultaneously working a second job to be able to sustain the cost of living in Dublin. And in May, 2023, I landed my first professional gig , in Girl On An Altar, by Marina Carr, directed by Annabelle Comyn. I played the role of Cassandra and it was a life-changing experience which has only made me hungrier for what’s next to come.

Where were you born?

Cork.

Where do you live?

Dublin.

Family?

Mom Tilly, dad Frank, three sisters, Julie, Alice, Sally, and my beautiful niece Sophia.

Best friend?

I’m lucky to have three best friends in my three sisters.

Earliest childhood memory?

Being brought on amazing holidays with my family.

Person you most admire?

My Mom.

Where was your most memorable holiday?

Scandinavia.

Favourite TV programme?

Recently, Dopesick. Michael Keaton is amazing.

Favourite radio show?

The radio isn’t often on my radar but I like RTÉ news when I’m getting ready in the morning.

Your signature dish if cooking?

Spaghetti Bolognese.

Favourite restaurant?

Scoozi’s, if I’m home in Cork.

Last book you read?

Three Women.

Best book you read?

On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous.

Last album/CD/download you bought?

We’re all Alone in This Together - Santan Dave.

Favourite song?

Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay by Otis Redding.

One person you would like to see in concert?

There are a few. Amy Whinehouse if it were possible.

Do you have a pet?

A little dog called JJ.

Morning person or night owl?

Morning person.

Your proudest moment?

Making my Abbey debut.

What makes you happy?

Being around those I love. My work. Being an actor is such a gift.

How would you like to be remembered?

For offering something special to my professional and to the people around me. To be kind and generous in every way.

What else are you up to at the moment?

Well, as I do this interview I’m on a little holiday in London and hopefully I hear from my wonderful agent with news of a future role.