Maire Campbell. Picture by Hugh Russell
Up and at it – what is your new morning routine? How has it changed?
I LOVE my Nespresso coffee machine, so I have a cup of coffee in a china tea-cup and saucer – just because I can. I then light a candle to bless the day, open the laptop at my kitchen table and start working as the light streams in.
What might you eat in a typical working day for...Breakfast?
Grilled bacon, poached eggs, wholemeal toast and fried banana.
Lunch?
Something like baked potato, chicken and salad.
Evening meal?
Fajitas or stirfry, but sometimes I love a 1980s dinner consisting of waffles, spaghetti hoops and chicken nuggets – yum.
Have you been able to work from home – if so, how have you found it?
Yes, we have developed the Virtual Rainbow Factory website which I'm very proud of. It is a unique, interactive performing arts centre online with a stage to perform, live classes to go to and even a Green Room to socialise in and have fun. It is a platform for young people of all backgrounds and abilities, so they can start or continue their training while connecting with others at this time of social isolation. Although it can never rival meeting face-to-face for classes, rehearsals and live performances, feedback from the students has been overwhelmingly positive.
Best/easiest lockdown meal?
French toast and fruit.
Weekend treat?
A picnic somewhere – that has always has been my favourite thing to do. It was my birthday recently and a friend took me for a gorgeous picnic, with lots of food and laughs, I'll never forget it.
How have you kept physically and mentally fit during lockdown?
I'm delighted to say I have kept very active. I started to jog again (first time in a couple of years) along the towpath and North Down Coastal Path. Work has kept me busy mentally, as it is so creative, with lots to do and I work with a great team who all want the best for our young people at this difficult time. I have also written some poetry that I'm quite proud of.
Have you maintained your daily outdoor exercise?
Yes, in fact I have increased it a lot. I love being outdoors in forests or by the sea. I do a 5km jog (just above a fast walk) almost every evening. I also love to cycle; it makes me feel like a kid again.
How do you relax?
A good laugh is my one of my favourite ways to relax. I like to pray either when outside in the beauty of nature, or inside. It helps me to be grateful and think of those I love, offer up all the darkness in the world to God and recharge the light within me so I can live life to the full.
Teetotal or tipple?
I love a glass of bubbles.
What book are you currently reading?
I'm reading The Shack again; it's brilliant.
Best Netflix?
I'm not an avid TV watcher. I tend to watch light-hearted, escapism programmes like Great British Menu, First Dates and Celebrity SAS and the Real Marigold Hotel. On Netflix, I watched The Good Place which was... good... and the recent film The Two Popes and BlacKkKlansmann which were both absolutely superb.
Most surprising thing you've learned about yourself?
That I'm not as social as I thought. I'm enjoying the lower, gentler volume of the noise of life, the break from all the crazy running around. Also, that I can work well on my own and like to get things done with fewer distractions. I do miss directing – we were about to produce Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat this summer.
On a scale of one to 10, where did you sit in relation to cabin fever and where are you now?
I have really enjoyed getting outside much more than normal and enjoying the breath-taking scenery of our beautiful countryside and coastline. I have a new-found appreciation of how beautiful Northern Ireland is.
What are the three things you miss most during lockdown?
Hugs, restaurants and travel.
Where will you go and what will you do when all restrictions are lifted?
Already, I have been to HiTec Salon in Omagh. The best hairdresser's in the world! And Rosnowlagh, Donegal, to jump in the waves. I have a hankering to get to back to Paris, but I’m happy to wait until things improve.
Biggest gripe?
When the news only covers negative and fearful stories and rarely focusses on the good and hope in the world. Also, how people are brought down and ridiculed in public on social media, with very little compassion and acknowledgement that they are human beings just trying to get through life. AND they've made Jaffa Cakes and Cream Eggs smaller. (And no, it's not because we've got bigger...)
Have your priorities in life or perspectives changed?
I’m more determined to make exercising outside more a priority. Life is short.
Any new skills or hobbies?
I had every intention of learning the guitar but I haven't even taken it out of the case. My technical / IT ability has hugely increased, though, as I am online more often.
What would you like to see change for good when this is all over?
That we appreciate each other more, realise how fragile we all are and the need to be there for, not just our friends and family, but those who might need us – as we will no doubt need them some day.
Has coronavirus changed your attitude towards your own mortality?
I strangely have an acute awareness of the reality of death already but yes, it proves how we only have one life and it's not a dress rehearsal. The curtain is up and our purpose on Earth is to serve others and hopefully have a laugh and a singsong along the way.
