How do you unwind at the weekend?
I am an absolute magic nut, own hundreds of books on the subject. It's hard to say which is the bible - maybe a book by Harry Lorayne, an expert on card magic. I started performing magic at children's parties when I was eight or nine, and got paid. Later on at college, I'd do table magic. Magic is a great source of inspiration to me. Football is also important. My son Jamie, who's 17, is a great football talent and plays for Armagh City. We both support Everton and find ourselves more often than we should at Goodison Park, given how bad they are. We walk our dog, Ralph, a cockapoo. One of the great things about living in the country is the difference from my intense working life in Belfast. The dividing line is the M1.
What do you recall most about weekends growing up?
Magic and music, and I was given my middle name, Bosco, for my dad's cousin, a pianist. I'm a drummer and played in bands like the Country and Western group The Banshees and Belfast band Riot Structure. That's the DNA of Cahoots NI as our productions always have original music and elements of magic. This Christmas, we're putting on Cinderella and I have been working with a brilliant composer, Mark Gordon. I've also inserted a Victorian illusion, known as Pepper's ghost, into the show, in a modern version.
Is there a must-listen weekend radio programme or podcast?
I listen to Radio 4 a lot and love Desert Island Discs. I go for a run every morning and also like listening to anything on politics, Brexit etc.
Is there a must-watch TV programme or is it Netflix?
I don't watch TV much, just football with Jamie.
Is Sunday still special?
I was brought up Catholic but religion has no place in my life and I am a devout atheist. I do have values - that we're all equal and should treat each other well. I think Sunday is precious in terms of family time. My sister Joanne recently returned home from England and my wife Jill and I held a big brunch one Sunday for her.
Do you have a favourite eatery or is it a takeaway?
I love hot curries and on Thursday night, when we rehearse late, I'll head to the Bengal Brasserie on the Ormeau Road for a vindaloo. I often play golf with Jamie on Sunday and we'll have a curry in the good club restaurant.
How do you feel on Sunday night about Monday morning?
In the last three to four months I've been working on three to four projects. I'm about to walk into a room with 10 performers, so I don't dread work, it's genuinely exciting.
:: Cinderella: The Midnight Princess runs at The MAC from November 30 to January 8 (themaclive.com, 028 9023 5053)
