Person to Person: 'I was born into a theatre family'

Wed, 19 Aug, 2026 - 14:43

Tell us about yourself;

I was born into a theatre family. Both my parents and both sets of grandparents were either actors or theatre carpenters or property masters. One grandmother was one of the original Tiller girls [dancers] and led a strike because they had to buy their tights out of their wages. The company manager gave in, bought her a pink gin, and told her she was too clever by half.

Where were you born?

London, England. There was still rationing when I was born, and London was full of bomb sites from the war.

Where do you live?

In delightful West Cork, in an old farmhouse by the sea.

Family?

Two fantastic daughters with lovely partners. Two amazing grandchildren who are rapidly becoming adults.

Best friend?

Definitely Nico Brown, a superb musician and composer who I’m lucky enough to watch at work, creating fantastic and atmospheric music for my new play Kafka’s Doll, produced by Theatre Lovett.

Earliest childhood memory?

Tottering towards some shiny bars and reaching my hands out to grab them. I was 18 months old, and the bars were part of an electric fire. Unfortunately, it wasn’t earthed, and I was lucky to survive. I still have scars on both hands.

Person you most admire?

Max Brod, Kafka’s friend and fellow writer. On his deathbed, Kafka asked him to destroy all his notes, diaries, short stories and novellas, apart from three already published – Metamorphosis, The Trial, and The Castle. Max had the courage to tell Franz he couldn’t do it. Indeed, after Kafka died, he published the short stories I based my play on, as well as diaries and other priceless fragments.

Person who most irritates you?

Pass.

Where was your most memorable holiday?

In 2000, I backpacked around the world with Nico and Mazz, our youngest daughter. The whole year was memorable; I especially enjoyed Nepal.

Favourite TV programme?

I don’t watch TV.

Favourite radio show?

UNCANNY, true ghost stories on BBC Radio 4 and YouTube. It’s addictive.

Your signature dish if cooking?

Mujadarra, a Palestinian dish of lentils and rice with lots of spices.

Favourite restaurant?

It would be the restaurant that Kafka and Dora, his fiancée, were going to run when they went to live in Israel. Dora was to be the chef, and Kafka would be the waiter. I’d love to have been a customer there…

Last book you read?

Kafka’s Last Love – The Mystery Of Dora Diamant by Cathi Diamant [no relation]

Best book you read?

Kafka’s Short Stories, ranging from terrifyingly inhuman to playful and engaging. My play looks at the playful side of Kafka.

Last album/CD/download you bought?

Bach, Violin Sonatas.

Favourite song?

It’s an instrumental piece by Nollaig Casey and Artie McGlynn called Cape Clear.

One person you would like to see in concert?

Can’t wait to see the Kafka Kabaret on-stage at Abbey Theatre, on the Peacock stage in Dublin this September, running at Dublin Fringe Festival 2026.

Person to Person: 'I'm definitely a night owl...my best ideas arrive after dark'

Do you have a pet?

Not since Jasper [our cat] died – he’s a very hard act to follow.

Morning person or night owl?

I’m most physically active in the morning, but my mind doesn’t kick into gear until late at night… it’s tricky to achieve equilibrium.

Your proudest moment?

Watching my daughter Rosie’s production of Oh What A Lovely War in Wales. She directed and also arranged the live songs and music, so three musicians sounded like a whole orchestra.

Spendthrift or saver?

Pass.

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

Getting rid of pair trawling in Bantry Bay for sprat, and salmon farms.

What makes you happy?

That moment in my work practice when thoughts fly off the page and take on a life of their own.

How would you like to be remembered?

As a fan of Kafka – we have the same initials and we’re both left-handed.

What else are you up to at the moment?

Harvesting lavender.