Person to Person; Right now, my sole focus is bringing everyone a wonderful show...

TELL us about yourself;

My name is Megan Pottinger and I’m absolutely buzzing to be playing Jill in this year’s panto Jack And The Beanstalk.

I can’t remember a time when I didn’t love performing, so naturally, when it came to deciding what to do for a living and where to go to college, I decided to study musical theatre.

Last month, I graduated from the American College Dublin with a BFA. So I’m excited to get stuck in and start working.

Where were you born?

I was born in London and lived there until I was about two years old. Then we moved over to Ireland to a beautiful town called Trim in County Meath, where I’ve been ever since!

Family?

Well, I have two brothers and one sister. My big sister Karen lives in Scotland and my little brother Calum just moved to Vancouver last year, so I miss them both quite a lot. My big brother Brian lives in Kildare though so he’s not too far away! Anna and Innes are two of the most supportive, loving and wonderful people I know, and I’m honoured to call them my parents!

Best friend?

I’m very lucky to be able to say I have so many amazing friends that I genuinely couldn’t pick one!

Earliest childhood memory?

I remember in our old house when I was about four or five, there was a little tree in the front garden. Kind of like a tiny willow tree. It only stood about 5ft high and its branches grew out from the trunk and weeped down to the ground. Imagine a kind of umbrella shape! Anyway, it was a great hiding place. So great, in fact, that I decided to stay there for about an hour and sent the whole estate into a frenzy looking for me. Then I popped out as if nothing had happened. I suppose I’ve always loved a bit of drama!

Person you most admire?

My parents. And I couldn’t even begin to choose between them. They are so hard-working and have always, ALWAYS made me feel like I could come to them with anything, and I’d be met with a cuddle and a comforting ‘It’s all going to be alright’. They go above and beyond for me and my siblings and I will forever be indebted to them for everything they’ve done.

Person who most irritates you?

It’s not one person in particular, but people who are really inconsiderate and have no respect for the people around them or their surroundings. For example, when I was getting off the train the other day I saw this table COVERED in rubbish. There were crisps stomped into the carpet and liquid spilled on the chairs, and honestly, it made me mad for about an hour!

Where was your most memorable holiday?

Probably when I went to Rome with my wonderful partner Ben. I’ve never been so enamoured by a place. I fell in love with the architecture, the food, and the people. We went in April so the weather was not too hot and not too cold. It was like being in a romcom walking the streets every evening. Very romantic!

Favourite TV programme?

At the moment, I’m obsessed with Succession. The actors’ performances are just flawless and I’m totally in awe of what they can do. Especially Brian Cox! (He’s my favourite!) I aspire to have that level of craft some day!

Favourite radio show?

I usually always have Radio Nova playing in the car whenever I go anywhere. I much prefer the classic older songs to the charts.

Your signature dish if cooking?

I make a great Spanish tray bake, if I do say so myself!

Favourite restaurant?

Now that is a tough one! I haven’t been in Cork for too long but my favourite place I’ve been so far is Wabi Sabi. Their ramen is so delicious I could eat it every day... and the service is great!

Last book you read?

I can’t remember! Aside from plays and theory books I haven’t read a good old fashioned novel in a long time. I really need to get back into reading for fun!

Last album/CD/download you bought?

I actually think it was the Whiplash movie soundtrack. Random, but some of the pieces from the movie are so stuck in my head!

Favourite song?

Vienna, by Billy Joel, it has been for years and I don’t see it changing any time soon!

One person you would like to see in concert?

I would love to see Billy Joel obviously, but if Fleetwood Mac ever did another concert, I would pay a stupid amount of money to see them perform!

Do you have a pet?

Yes, I have a lovely cat called Kitty (I know, very creative name, but I was eight!), she’s very old now but such a sweet girl.

Morning person or night owl?

Neither. I love sleep too much!!

Your proudest moment?

Probably graduating from college. Very closely followed by landing a role in this panto!!

Spendthrift or saver?

Spender who REALLY needs to learn how to save!

Name one thing you would improve in your area in which you live?

There’s not much really. It’s such a nice town. But maybe better public transport.

What makes you happy?

Seeing the people I love happy. I’m a huge empath so literally seeing someone smile makes me want to smile. But especially when it’s the people I care about.

How would you like to be remembered?

As someone who helped people. Even making them smile or listening to them or just being present. I just want to be remembered as someone who was there when you needed them.

What else are you up to at the moment?

Just working on myself and looking forward to whatever comes next for me. Right now, my sole focus is bringing everyone a wonderful show in the Opera House for the next few months. And I’m sure it’s going to be super!

Bookings on https://www.corkoperahouse.ie/