Working owns my weekends... I wouldn't have it any other way

Tell us a little bit about yourself;

I’m a Cork native (northside) who’s spent the past 30 years working in the arts.

I started as an actor back in 1992, getting a role in the chorus of a production of Oliver! in Cork Opera House, which was directed by David Gordon. From there, I kept bouncing from role to role and learned about acting the old school way — by doing.

I worked in TV production in the late 2000s for a company in Blarney called AV3 Media.

I went back to college to train in film production, while working at AV3, and subsequently opened an acting school, ActorsVision, in 2012.

These days the school is running six days a week and we have an agency, Bloom Artist Management, that represents actors for film, TV and commercial work at a professional level.

I’m the artistic director of BOLT Productions who produce film and theatre work in Cork. (Twelve Angry Men at Cork Opera House 2023, The Crucible at The Everyman 2022).

Our next production is The Cripple of Inishmaan at Cork Opera House, May 1 to 3.

What is your ideal way to spend a Friday night?

Every Friday night is dedicated to BOLT Productions so we’re either in production for a film or in rehearsals for a play.

Lie ins or up with the lark.. which is it for you?

Lies ins without a doubt. The work side of life means late nights so resting the morning after is essential.

Does work creep into your weekend at all?

Haha it doesn’t creep in — it owns my week. I love it that way and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

If money was no object where would you head to on a weekend city break? And who would you bring with you?

I’d love to explore more of Europe. On the rare opportunities that I’ve had to travel, I usually went very far (Thailand, Australia, Brazil) but I haven’t seen a lot of Europe so I will be trying to correct that in the coming years.

Closer to home, is there some place you like to head to recharge the batteries?

As Corkonians, we’re really spoiled for choice in West Cork. So many great spots down west. I’ll hopefully be heading to Schull at the end of May for the Fastnet Film Festival. I used to holiday in Schull as a teenager so I’ve a strong affinity with the place.

Do you like to catch up with family/friends at the weekend?

Usually my social time is during the week as weekends are work-heavy.

Do you get to indulge any hobbies? Even as a spectator?

I’m starting to sound repetitive but my work is so varied that it also occupies my hobby time. 

Cameras and lighting are a never ending source of discovery so constantly trying to improve on my skills is where I divert spare time when I have it.

Entertain or be entertained? If it’s the latter do you have a signature dish?

I’m a very basic cook so it’s best if I hand over the entertaining to someone who’s got more skill in the kitchen.

We have so many places to eat out in Cork — where are your go to spots for coffee/ lunch/ special meal?

I’m a creature of habit so once I find a good spot I tend to stick with it. Scoozi is my go to since the 1990s and is as good today as it ever was. I’ve recently discovered Nosta on Princes Street — a really great place for tasty food.

Sunday night comes around too fast.. how do you normally spend it?

Sunday evening is always down time. So a couple of drinks and usually a few of us will get together to watch a film or some TV series.

What time does your alarm clock go off on Monday morning?

It doesn’t. I’m lucky enough to be able to wake up naturally and start work at that point.

Anything else you are up to right now...

We’re in the final period building up to our next show. So everything is focused on The Cripple Of Inishmaan — set build, wardrobe, tech, rehearsals. When it is all over, we rest, then start work on the project for 2025.

ABOUT THE PRODUCTION

Martin McDonagh’s The Cripple of Inishmaan comes to Cork Opera House on May 1 to 3.

BOLT Productions brings this beautiful story to the Cork Opera House stage, inviting audiences to experience the laughter and tragedy in the darkly comedic tale of ‘Cripple’ Billy Claven.

The show runs 8pm nightly. The cast includes: Owen Warren, Edel Burke, Deirdre Dunlea, Sam Torres, Mathew Real, Ciara Maria Ni Tuathaigh, Margaret O’Sullivan, Karl Buckley and Cian Lehane.

Directed by Darren Kelleher, Lighting Design Tim Feehily, Production Design Hannah Lane, Production Manager Michael Greene, Wardrobe & Makeup Tracy Keating.

Tickets on sale through website www.corkoperahouse.ie €27 Regular;€20 OAP/Students (limited number available).