Entertainment

Arts Q&A: Niall Rea on Babe, Prince & CS Lewis

Brian Campbell puts artists on the spot about what really matters to them. This week: Belfast man Niall Rea, artistic director of TheatreofplucK

Niall Rea is artistic director of TheatreofplucK
Niall Rea is artistic director of TheatreofplucK Niall Rea is artistic director of TheatreofplucK

1. When did you think about theatre as a career and what were your first steps into it?

At St Mary's CBS Grammar School on the Glen Road in Belfast. The late Mrs Marie McQuillan started the drama programme and she was an inspirational lady. I practically ran the school theatre by the age of 15. Then I went off to do a drama degree in Canterbury.

2. Best gigs you've been to?

Prince at Wembley – that man is amazing.

3. Fantasy wedding/birthday party band of choice?

Scissor Sisters would be the ideal party band – fabulously camp and fun – plus I have to be able to dance.

4. The record you'd take to a desert island?

Mozart's The Magic Flute – a masterpiece.

5. And the book?

Is there a book on how to survive on a desert island?!

6. Top three films?

Babe 2: A Pig in the City has the most amazing scene with Mickey Rooney as a clown in a hospital where everything goes wrong and also one of the best chase scenes I have ever seen; Cabaret is spectacular; and Derek Jarman's Sebastian is a stunning visual feast.

7. Worst film you've seen?

That's easy – Magic Mike; don't believe the hype.

8. Favourite authors?

Northern Ireland's own CS Lewis was my obsession as a child. I loved Patricia Cornwell crime fiction in my 20s. Now I mostly read theatre and performance theory books; the late Jose Munoz was the most inspirational queer performance writer.

9. Sports you most enjoy and top teams?

Ulster Rugby – sure it's wild distracting!

10. Ideal holiday destination?

My heart is in Dingle, Co Kerry; full of artists and craftspeople that are great craic in the pubs after work.

11. Pet hate?

Arts funding cuts.

12. What's your favourite:

Dinner? Sushi platter from Sakura on Botanic Avenue.

Dessert? Cheese board from Holohan's on the Belfast Barge.

Drink? South African Pinotage (from Lidl).

13. Who is your best friend and how do you know each other?

My husband. We know each other very well.

14. Is there a God?

If she exists, I see her face-palming herself continuously at the stuff we humans do.

:: Trouble, written by Shannon Yee and presented by TheatreofplucK, runs at The MAC in Belfast on November 12 and 13, as part of the Outburst Queer Arts Festival. For tickets, visit TheMAClive.com or call 028 9023 5053.