Entertainment

Co Louth singer and comedian Eve Bourton on Wagner, Queen and Celtic mythology

Jenny Lee puts performers and artists on the spot about what really matters to them. This week, Co Louth singer and comedian Eve Bourton

Diva Unleashed with Eve Bourton promises an evening of opera, pop, Broadway and ballad, delivered with a compelling and humorous storyline
Diva Unleashed with Eve Bourton promises an evening of opera, pop, Broadway and ballad, delivered with a compelling and humorous storyline Diva Unleashed with Eve Bourton promises an evening of opera, pop, Broadway and ballad, delivered with a compelling and humorous storyline

1. When did you think about a career in musical comedy and what were your first steps into it?

Coming from an Irish household I was immersed in Irish banter and music. I had a sensible career as a dental technician before I took up art and studying opera in Italy. It was after getting a contract on a cruise ship I found myself singing everything from Puccini to Michael Jackson. While onboard I met a good friend who ran a jazz lounge and started to develop my one-woman cabaret shows. In the classical recital world I always liked talking about my repertoire. Cabaret is similar – it just means I get to banter between songs.

2. Best gigs you’ve been to?

Billy Connolly in New Zealand and Wagner's Ring Cycle in Toronto.

3. Fantasy wedding/birthday party band?

I'd have The Sisters of Mercy, Lisa Gerrard from the Dead Can Dance band, Maria Callas, Nina Simone, Ella Fitzgerald, Liza Minnelli, Peggy Lee, Annie Lennox and Queen.

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

It would depend on my mood, so I'd have to take a mixed CD from French romanticism to gothic, Irish traditional music and Queen.

5. And the book?

A book on Celtic mythology.

6. Top three films?

I'm an 80s child, so Willow, The Princess Bride and A Good Year, starring Russell Crowe.

7. Worst film you’ve seen?

An American one about a lad that was a complete nerd. It was so bad I have subconsciously blocked the name from the pain of seeing it, lol.

8. Favourite authors?

JRR Tolkien, Terry Pratchett, Dan Brown, Maeve Binchy and Jane Austin.

9. Sports you most enjoy and top team?

I used to be very sporty and enjoyed swimming, hockey and horse-riding. Now I enjoy hiking. I used to love Jimmy White playing snooker and the Australian swimmer Ian Thorpe.

10. Ideal holiday destination?

Iceland, staying in accommodation with a glass roof watching the northern lights.

11. Pet hate?

People who fake being nice.

12. What’s your favourite:

Dinner? Wild venison and field mushrooms with red wine jus.

Dessert? Dark chilli chocolate.

Drink? Martini.

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

My friend David who I met in school in New Zealand, where I emigrated when I was nine.

14. Is there a God?

I'm a very spiritual person and do believe there is a greater being – whether you call it Allah or blue bananas, it doesn't matter.

:: Eve Bourton will perform her musical comedy event Diva Unleashed at Accidental Theatre, 12-13 Shaftesbury Square on Saturday October 7 as part of the Belfast Comedy Festival. She will deliver an eclectic range of opera, pop, Broadway hits and ballads with a humorous storyline. Tickets at Belfastcomedyfestival.com