Entertainment

Ian McElhinney: The future of the professional arts in Northern Ireland is seriously at risk

Ian McElhinney, star of Derry Girls and Game of Thrones, tells Jenny Lee about performing with his wife Marie Jones in Denouement, a new play from the Lyric Theatre about an Irish couple facing the end of the world in 2048 – and about his fears of a potential real-life Covid apocalypse for the arts

Actor Ian McElhinney, second right, with, from left, Jimmy Fay of the Lyric Theatre, Ian's wife, writer and actor Marie Jones, and Traverse Theatre company's Gareth Nicholls
Actor Ian McElhinney, second right, with, from left, Jimmy Fay of the Lyric Theatre, Ian's wife, writer and actor Marie Jones, and Traverse Theatre company's Gareth Nicholls Actor Ian McElhinney, second right, with, from left, Jimmy Fay of the Lyric Theatre, Ian's wife, writer and actor Marie Jones, and Traverse Theatre company's Gareth Nicholls

YOU recently returned to Belfast's Lyric Theatre for an audio recording of Denouement, a co-production between Traverse Theatre and the Lyric. Can you tell us more?

I very much enjoyed working on Denouement – fun, challenging and, despite being written before Covid-19, weirdly pertinent. It was written by Irish writer John Morton and developed by the Lyric Theatre’s literary department, and is a great piece of new writing.

Your wife, Marie Jones, plays your wife Edel in Denouement. Did you enjoy working together?

Working with Marie is always good because she is fun in the rehearsal room and always very flexible and adaptable in her approach to the work. I have directed many of her plays over the years, most notably Stones In His Pockets. Strangely, we have worked very little together on stage. The last time I remember was a Martin Lynch play – Crack Up – when we played husband and wife before we were married. We have often worked together on radio, however.

In the play your character, Liam, is writing his memoirs. Have you started to write yours?

I haven’t written any memoirs and probably won’t. However, because the history of Ulster theatre and its influence throughout Ireland has been overlooked, I do feel there is a space for this to be done. Given that 30-odd years ago I did try to persuade Margaret Darcy to write hers about her history and that of the renowned company at the Group Theatre in the 40s, 50s and 60s, perhaps it behoves me to do something similar now, covering my own era.

How has Covid-19 affected you as an actor and director?

Covid-19 has been challenging for everyone. In my own case my last major contract finished in early March and I doubt I will have another major involvement this year. Derry Girls was originally to start filming series three in May. That was postponed until September and has now been pushed into next year. Another project which was shooting at the time of the lockdown has gone on hold and remains so. Fortunately for me, I also do voice work and have been able to keep that going to some limited extent.

What do you foresee for the future of the arts in Northern Ireland at this difficult time?

The performing arts in particular have really struggled with Covid-19. Individuals need to be part of an audience to really appreciate the theatrical experience and emotionally for the work to resonate. With social distancing this just isn’t possible.

Financially, it is just not viable for theatre managements. Theatre is labour intensive and already operates on very fine margins, so with reduced numbers it becomes prohibitive.

I am concerned obviously for the major establishments and the various companies, but particularly for the many individuals in this business – actors, directors, designers, stagehands, theatre technical staff, dancers and musicians.

Most of these are freelancers and without work their income dries up. Theatre is not a particularly well paid world so reserves to cope with something like this are negligible.

What support would you hope the sector will receive?

Recently it was stated that £33 million had been given by the Exchequer to the arts sector in Northern Ireland. As yet we have heard nothing about how this is to be disbursed.

Since arts here falls under the auspices of the Department for Communities, I hope that some of this sum does not get siphoned off into other areas. It was earmarked for the arts and as a response to the hardship generated by Covid-19 so it is an imperative, I believe, that it goes to those whose livelihood is in this industry, to ensure the industry’s survival and good health.

If these funds are not disbursed in the correct way, the future of the professional arts in Northern Ireland is seriously at risk.

This affects the whole of society. People are already starved of entertainment outside of their homes. This can affect their wellbeing and a sense of a fulfilled life.

There is in addition a substantial ancillary economy that benefits from attendance at theatres, concerts, gigs, events, such as pubs, restaurants, transport and hotels. I hope our politicians respect the challenge and are worthy of their office.

Have you any other projects or television appearances coming up?

I will carry on where I can and look forward with hope, and a little trepidation, to next year being better for all of us.

I did complete a TV show before lockdown, which will air, I think, in January on BBC. It’s called Bloodlands and is fronted by Jimmy Nesbitt.

:: Denouement will premiere online as part of the Traverse Festival. It will be available to view free of charge for two weeks from September 7 at Lyrictheatre.co.uk and Traverse.co.uk