Person to Person: 'I was on stage before I was even born'

Tell us about yourself:

I’m 16 years old. I’ve been attending CADA Performing Arts since 2022 and its like my second home. I was also involved in NYMT this year and got to go to the UK and work with some amazing people in theatre.

I was first on stage before I was even born when my mum played a lead with the Mitchelstown Musical Society and she was pregnant with me. I have lots of early memories of being backstage.

Where were you born and where do you live?

I’m from Durrus in West Cork. I’m a TY student at Schull Community College.

Family?

My mam Eimear, who drives me to all my rehearsals and shows, also loves to sing and perform. We did a concert together in Skibbereen Town Hall recently. She is also a songwriter. My dad Sean is an SNA and my brother John is a first year in UCC.

Best friend?

My mum is my best friend. Between the performances, we bed rot in matching Christmas pjs, walk around Marina Market, and rewatch Stranger Things.

Earliest childhood memory?

Most of my earliest memories are having a laugh with my grandad whom I adored. He was always organising fun outings. I guess my earliest childhood memory was watching Cats at the Bórd Gais Theatre when I was five and getting to meet the cast after because I already knew every word from watching the West End recording at home. Memory was the song I sang for my first CADA panto audition, and my mum actually learned it when she was 12 and Miss Mahon Buckley was her teacher.

Person you most admire?

The person I most admire is Fionula Linehan. She’s so natural on the stage, and my favourite part of the show is when we have a scene together. I am the youngest in the cast, and I am learning so much from the more experienced performers. And I have to say at school my music teacher Sean Walsh has taught me so much. In fact, he might also be my best friend!

Person who most irritates you?

As someone diagnosed with severe ADHD, I’m VERY chatty and genuinely enthusiastic. I can’t help it. The thing I find most irritating is when people are mean about how much I talk or how excited I get. I don’t respond, but it really gets me down and makes me paranoid.

Where was your most memorable holiday?

London is always my most memorable holiday. I go as much as I can. My family and nan usually do an annual trip, and my uncle Paddy and his family who live in the UK join us. I love seeing my cousins.

Favourite TV programme?

My favourite TV programme is DEFINITELY Glee. I drive everyone crazy when they play a song, and I’ll quote the season and episode it was covered in Glee. I walk around the halls in school singing to myself because I’ve overidentified with the show!

Favourite radio show?

I love Ross and Lorraine’s quiz on 96fm in the morning, and I have to shout out to C103fm as a West Cork culshee!

Your signature dish if cooking?

I make a mean cinnamon roll!

Favourite restaurant?

I absolutely LOVE Sakura on McCurtain St, but when I’m home, I am usually lurking near the sweet treats in Forest and Flock in Bantry.

Last book you read?

I’m almost too embarrassed to admit the last book I read. The Wrong Bachelor. I love an ‘enemies to lovers’.

Best book you read?

The best book I have ever read is Of Mice and Men. I cry even thinking about it. There were tear marks on my junior cert exam just writing an answer on it.

Last album/CD/download you bought?

The last thing I downloaded on Spotify was a ’60s to ’70s mix.

Favourite song?

My favourite song is The World We Knew by Frank Sinatra.

One person you would like to see in concert?

Sabrina Carpenter.

Do you have a pet?

I do have a pet. She is my favourite being on the planet. Her name is Margaux Fonteyn, and she is a white cat. We have assigned her a voice and back story (Russian spy) and I probably treat her better than any person I know.

Morning person or night owl?

I’m definitely a night owl. I hate mornings, but when I’m up, I can’t get down!

Your proudest moment?

My proudest moment is without a doubt getting my first professional role in the Everyman.

Spendthrift or saver?

I am a spendthrift. I would love to learn to save better.

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

I wish we had clothes shops in Durrus, but I fear I’ll be disappointed.

What makes you happy?

Performing makes me so happy. I’m way more confident on stage than off of it. Even before I was part of productions, I used to make funny TikToks and dress up with my neighbour Amelia during covid or sing for my grandad. It’s always been how I connect with people.

What makes you happy?

I hope people remember me as kind. As someone who can be sensitive, I’d hate to feel like I had hurt anyone. It’s impossible to never cause offence, but I hope anytime I do, I will realise it and apologise. I would like to be someone who isn’t afraid to admit when they’re in the wrong and let’s people know that I appreciate them.

What else are you up to at the moment?

I’m hoping to do some auditions after panto. I’m attending the TY Musical Theatre Programme in MTU in January, and I am heading to Dublin in February to do industry training with Stagebox UK.

• Méadbh Tierney plays the Fairy Godmother in The Everyman/CADA Production of Cinderella at The Everyman, directed by Catherine Mahon Buckley. It’s a classic tale of dreams, drama, and a dash to the ball but with more sparkle, sass, and surprises, than ever before. www.evermancork.com