Person to Person: 'I remember my mum asking me to hold off on singing along until after 6am'

Wed, 15 Oct, 2025 - 06:06

Tell us about yourself;

My name is Alison Arnopp, I’m a performer and writer from Bandon. I’m currently on tour in the US with the musical production of Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s book The Enormous Crocodile. We’re taking the show to Minneapolis and Los Angeles after a fantastic summer performing at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.

Where were you born?

I was lucky enough to be born in Cork.

Where do you live?

I moved to London 15 years ago to study musical theatre, now I live just outside the city in Chelmsford.

Family?

I live with my husband Dan and cat Broccoli. My sister Carol, who also works in musical theatre as a musical director/pianist, lives in London too. My mum and sister Louise both live in Bandon.

Best friend?

I’m very blessed to have a handful of very close friends who know me intimately and are always there for me when I need them. My friend Sarah has known me since secondary school, and though we don’t see each other so often, she feels like a sister to me.

Earliest childhood memory?

Winning a Walkman in a church Christmas colouring competition aged four and being able to play my own tapes. I remember my mum coming into my room days after, asking me to hold off my singing along until after 6am!

Person you most admire? My mum. My dad passed away last year after a long illness, and my mum was unwavering in her support and care for him. She also cared similarly for both her parents in their illnesses.

What inspires me most about her is the grace in how she handles life’s challenges and the way she never lets life stop her from living.

She’s the most active and involved woman I know - every club, class, committee - she’s always busy and making a difference.

Person who most irritates you?

Not technically a person, but our cat Broccoli came to us as a stray and he’s very deaf and very afraid of everything. I wish he’d let us scoop him up for a cuddle.

Where was your most memorable holiday? When I was working at the Royal Shakespeare Company, we had a six-week break before our show moved from Stratford-upon- Avon to London. I went on a solo around the world trip that was brilliant. I did a retreat in Bali, went to Melbourne comedy festival, did an improv’ course in LA, saw Celine Dion in Vegas, and caught up with friends in various other cities along the way.

Favourite TV programme?

Real Housewives is my guilty pleasure - all of them! I could say it’s research for my solo show, but I just love the ridiculousness of the drama.

Favourite radio show?

I’m more of a podcast girl - I love listening to My Therapist Ghosted Me as they can relate to being Irish in London.

Your signature dish if cooking?

A roast chicken with excellent roast potatoes. Or a spicy Vietnamese pho if it’s cold enough. I like cooking, but I much prefer desserts.

Favourite restaurant? Market Lane - we had our wedding meal there!

Last book you read?

The Wisdom Of Psychopaths by Kevin Dutton.

Last album/CD/download you bought?

CMAT - Euro-Country of course!

Favourite song?

Out of this- Autamata.

One person you would like to see in concert? Joni Mitchell.

Do you have a pet?

Yes, but I fear I’ve spoken about him too much already! His full name is Mister Broccoli Raspberry, which causes much amusement at the vet.

Morning person or night owl?

Neither these days - I like to wake up late and go to bed early.

Your proudest moment?

Performing at the Cork Opera House for the first time in their Broadway Proms in 2023, and having my dad, who was very ill at the time, be able to be there to see me.

Spendthrift or saver?

Saver all the way! As a freelancer, there’s always the fear that the last pay cheque was the last so I’ve learned to be sensible with my savings.

What makes you happy?

Time with the people I love, karaoke with my sister, watching movies with my husband, going for dinner with friends. Just spending quality time with the people who make me feel safe and loved.

How would you like to be remembered?

As someone with integrity. There are ways to succeed in the entertainment industry that would require me to waver from my moral code but I’d rather be remembered for making people feel seen, safe, and accepted than any kind of fame.

What else are you up to at the moment?

I’m putting the final touches to the panto I’ve co-written that is taking place in Horsham in Sussex this Christmas, and I’m continuing work on my solo show GirlBossGod after a successful performance at the Camden Fringe in London.

I’m also in a children’s animation called Emerald, showing on Sky Kids at the moment.