Person to Person: Cork's Andrew Lane says 'panto is his favourite season'

Tell us about yourself:

My name is Andrew Lane. I am 25 years old and have lived in Cork my whole life. I come from a family of five; my father, David; my mother, Siobhan; and my two siblings, Triona and Mikey.

My first taste of theatre was actually in the Everyman at the latter stage of my teenage years.

Before then, I grew up on the pitch of Glen Rovers, following in my late granda Mick Lane’s footsteps as well as my dad and uncles. My brother and sister were put into the performing arts very early in their lives while I didn’t want to go near the stage as I thought- ‘It’s for girls’.

One afternoon, my mom needed help covering the musical director of the panto back in 2015/16. She needed someone to come in and help her turn pages while playing piano, so, with a bribe in hand, I said yes.

After training on a Saturday morning, I strolled into the Everyman with my Barcelona jersey on. From the start of the overture to the end of the show, I was in awe.

Let’s just say, I didn’t turn many pages, according to my mom.

I ended going for dinner with a few of the cast members in between shows. They told me all about CADA Performing Arts and the shows that they were in. I was just glued to every word they were saying.

And, at the age of 16 and in TY, I decided to try something new.

I joined CADA the following Friday and made friends for life, as well as finding my passion. Isn’t it funny, the show that made me fall in love with theatre was my first professional show I did?

So here I am, in my third year of panto, just after graduating from my MA and many shows under my belt, I am delighted to be doing this as my career.

Where were you born?

Cork.

Where do you live?

White’s Cross.

Family?

We have a big and wonderful family. I have such an amazing and supportive mom and dad, sister and brother, four amazing grandparents and loads of aunties, uncles, and first cousins.

Best friend?

My best friend has to be my beautiful girlfriend of five years Sarah Corcoran, or should I say Sazzy Bazzy. Don’t ask where the name came from, I don’t know myself.

We met in the second year of college in a musical theatre lecture. I remember the song she sang for her audition. It was Once Upon A Dream from Jekyll and Hyde. It will always hold a special place in my heart.

We continue to sing with each other every day, whether it be in the car or at home. I couldn’t do life without her.

Earliest childhood memory?

A white Christmas up in Athlone in my grandparents’ house. Don’t think I have seen one like it since.

Person you most admire?

My parents. They do and will continue to do everything for me. They are the best and I love them so much.

Where was your most memorable holiday?

When the five of us in the Lane clan travelled to Australia for a month back in 2016 to see our family.

Favourite TV programme?

It would have to be Grey’s Anatomy.

Favourite radio show?

The Neil Prendeville Show.

Your signature dish of cooking?

If I cooked, this would be an interesting question to answer, but sadly I don’t!

Maybe a steak. I do love cooking myself a steak as a treat.

Favourite restaurant?

It would have to be The Barn Gastropub in Glanmire. From breakfast to lunch to dinner, you cannot go wrong.

Last book you read?

Sadly, I couldn’t say. As I have dyslexia I have always found reading more of a task than a pleasure.

I have been told recently about audiobooks so I am definitely going to try that out.

Last album/CD/download you bought?

I suppose that Spotify is so big, I couldn’t tell you. The last vinyl I bought though was the new Parade cast recording.

Favourite song?

My favourite song always changes, but as for this moment it would be Elerii Ward’s version of Joanna (Reprise) from Sweeney Todd.

One person you would like to see in concert?

If I could bring him back from the dead, it would 100% be Elvis.

Do you have a pet?

Yes. One dog Oreo and one cat Kit Cat!

Morning person or night owl?

Night owl.

Your proudest moment?

Probably graduating with First Class Honours from my Masters.

Spendthrift or saver?

Spendthrift, without a doubt. Me in Kildare Village is dangerous.

What makes you happy?

My family, girlfriend, and friends.

How would you like to be remembered?

As a kind and generous person.

What else are you up to at the moment?

Having been in college for six years now and only having coming out of it, I am still trying to find my feet.

Panto is my favourite season of all. Once we get the script, I’ve been just all in for panto.

So, after that, who knows what I’ll do.