Person to Person: I have been working in theatre for a lifetime

TELL us about yourself;

I have been working in design for theatre since graduating from Trinity in 1989, that’s basically a lifetime!

I set up Pan Pan Theatre with Gavin Quinn in 1993, so the company is where most of my energies are focused, but I do freelance design work too.

Here in Cork I have an equally long collaboration with Pat Kiernan from Corcadorca and at the moment I’m working with another Corkonian, Tom Creed.

Where were you born?

I was born in Cork and grew up in the beautiful Bandon Valley.

Where do you live?

I’m based in Cape Clear island since 2020 and before that I lived in Inchicore, Dublin. 

I have to travel a lot for work so getting back home to Cape is just paradise.

Best friend?

I’m very fortunate to have a big group of old friends. We talk about all retiring together in a fictional paradise called ‘Shady Pines’.

Earliest childhood memory?

I remember many snippets from around age two or three when we lived in a flat on Killbrogan hill in Bandon - one was being taken out of bed for the moon landings, the other was Dana winning the Eurovision.

Person you most admire?

I admire people who give up their free time to volunteer for Samaritans or Simon or any of those kinds of organisations.

Person who most irritates you?

It really irritates me when people have the volume up on their phones and no earphones in.

Where was your most memorable holiday?

I went travelling by myself in Jamaica, it is memorable because it was a bit scary.

Favourite TV programme?

I have shifting favourites, there’s so much good TV- but recently I have rewatched all seasons of Fargo and really loved it.

Favourite radio show?

OK Radio is a great podcast about art and making work for theatre. Another favourite is Where The South Wind Blows on Sunday evenings. 

If I’m touring abroad and feeling homesick, it’s my favourite Irish thing to listen to.

Your signature dish if cooking?

I’m not really a cook!

Favourite restaurant?

Hartleys in Dún Laoghaire, the venue of many celebrations for friends and family.

Last book you read?

Marzahn, Mon Amour, by Katja Oskamp, for the Cape Clear book club. It was great.

Best book you read?

Trout Fishing In America, by Richard Brautigan. I don’t know if this is the ‘best book’ but I come back to it a lot at different times in life and I’ve always found it inspiring.

Last album/CD/download you bought?

Giulio Cesare in Egitto, the recording with Tatiana Troyanos. The great thing about working in opera is the amount of time spent with the music.

Favourite song?

My dad used to sing Silent Worship by Handel, it is a gorgeous song and a beautiful memory for me.

One person you would like to see in concert?

I’ve never managed to get to a Bjork concert so that’s top of the list.

Do you have a pet?

I have a terrier mix called Paddy Reilly. He’s an absolute demon but he’s adorable.

Morning person or night owl?

I used to be a night owl but those posts are moving now.

Your proudest moment?

When I was nine years I won four gold medals in the Crossmahon NS sports day - 100 metres, long jump, high jump and sack race. I remember feeling extremely proud of myself - that sporting prowess has never been repeated sadly.

Also, the first time Pan Pan productions were invited to perform in Lincoln Centre and BAM in New York were very proud moments for the company.

Spendthrift or saver?

I’m a survivor!

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

Lundy island had a very successful rat eradication programme that is being discussed in Cape - the benefit would mostly be for birds - perhaps even puffins might start to nest again. 

Also, it would be wonderful if more families would move to the island to join the community and have children in the school - for that to happen we need more housing.

What makes you happy?

Good weather!

How would you like to be remembered?

As a good friend.

What else are you up to at the moment?

I’m designing the set and lighting for Guilio Cesare at the Blackwater Valley Opera Festival. The venue is the Old Stable Yard at Lismore Castle, which is stunning! I’m really looking forward to spending time in Lismore and hearing all the wonderful singers.

MORE ABOUT THE FESTIVAL

The Blackwater Valley Opera Festival, Ireland’s summer Opera Festival, takes place from May 27 to June 3 at Lismore, Youghal, Dungarvan, and Castlemartyr.

With world-class performances, bespoke dining experiences. and stunning historic venues opening their doors just for the festival, unique experiences are guaranteed.

The 8-day festival will feature an inspiring creative team, 100 international and Irish performers, 22 events, 11 venues, 5,000 visitors, and more than 75 hours of live music.

The flagship opera at BVOF 2024 is Giulio Cesare by G.F. Handel, to be performed in the breathtaking grounds of Lismore Castle, Waterford.

With conductor Nicholas McGegan OBE leading the Irish Baroque Orchestra and a stellar cast directed by Tom Creed, this production promises to be a truly unmissable interpretation of Handel’s masterpiece.

See blackwatervalleyopera.ie