Person to Person: 'When someone gives you their time, it’s good to know you did your best with it'

Tell us about yourself:

I’m an improvisational performer and teacher, creating comedy and theatre spontaneously (not as easy as it sounds).

I also do a bit of writing and audio production.

I’ve been lucky enough to teach and perform across Europe and Australia over the past decade.

And I’m finally back in Cork to teach an improv intensive this January. Which I couldn’t be happier about.

Where were you born?

Cork, by the grace of God.

Where do you live?

Copenhagen but when I’m home, I stay down west.

Family?

My partner and I are based in Denmark, but the rest of the family move around a fair bit, so you never quite know where the reunion will be.

Best friend?

Michael J. Fox, although he doesn’t know it.

Earliest childhood memory?

Jumping into a river on a sunny day. Dad was close by, so no harm done.

Person you most admire?

My school bus driver back in the day. They could teach Buddha a thing or two about patience.

Person who most irritates you?

There’s a young fella who keeps doing knock-and-runs on my door. I live on the 12th floor of our apartment block, so you have to admire his determination.

Where was your most memorable holiday?

I spent a few weeks in the Faroe Islands with my partner’s family. Spectacular landscape and I kept bumping into Faroese celebrities.

Doesn’t sound like much, but it was a big deal there.

Favourite TV programme?

When I first moved to Dublin, my flat mate lent me his Sopranos box set. It was a revelation.

The Angelus is also well worth a watch.

Favourite radio show?

The Ray Foley Show when it first started. These days it would have to be John Creedon.

The man is a breath of fresh air with excellent taste.

Your signature dish if cooking?

Since moving to Denmark, I make a mean smørrebrød. It’s rye bread with toppings, so it’s hard to mess up.

Favourite restaurant?

Anywhere with outdoor seating in Glandore on a summer’s day.

Last book you read?

Night Without End by Alistair MacLean. A great winter thriller.

Best book you’ve read?

Jupiter’s Travels by Ted Simon. A very honest and sometimes dull travel story, which is a rarity these days.

Last album / download you bought?

Probably Rock DJ by Robbie Williams. The one where for some reason he’s flayed on the cover.

Favourite song?

There are a few, but at the moment, it’s Basketball Breakup by Good Morning. Go’on, give it a listen.

One person you’d like to see in concert?

Roxy Music would be great. I think Bryan Ferry is still touring. I should get my act together and go see him.

Do you have a pet?

No, but I often take my neighbour’s dog, Pelle, for a walk. So it’s not like I’m not allowed one or anything.

Morning person or night owl?

Nighthawk, for sure.

Your proudest moment?

My first steps. A lot of people didn’t think I had it in me.

That, and every time I get an applause from an audience. When someone gives you their time, it’s good to know you did your best with it.

Spendthrift or saver?

Spendthrift. Actually… I couldn’t borrow a fiver, could I?

One thing you’d improve where you live?

A bit more long-term thinking from the powers that be wouldn’t go astray.

What makes you happy?

Working as part of a team on a creative project, that’s my happy place.

How would you like to be remembered?

As long as I give it a good crack and try to be decent while I’m here, I’m not too concerned with how I’ll be remembered. That probably comes from doing improv, you’re more focused on the now.

What else are you up to at the moment?

Apart from the improv intensive in Firkin Crane. We’re also putting on an improv comedy night in Coughlan’s on January 9, featuring performers from around Ireland. I’m really looking forward to sharing my passion with my home city.

• Eoin O’Sullivan is running a long-form improv intensive experience in Cork this January. The 5-day training workshop runs from January 5 to 9 at Dance Cork Firkin Crane. Running daily from 10:00–14:30, the course blends unscripted storytelling, character creation, ensemble chemistry, scene work, and modern long-form improv techniques
• See Eventbrite.ie for details.