Entertainment

Arts Q&A: Keith Acheson on Beckett, Goodfellas, football and Tuscany

Brian Campbell puts performers and artists on the spot about what really matters to them. This week, Belfast Book Festival director Keith Acheson

The Belfast Book Festival runs across the city until Sunday
The Belfast Book Festival runs across the city until Sunday The Belfast Book Festival runs across the city until Sunday

1. When did you think about a career in the arts?

I’ve always wanted to work in the arts, having played music from a very young age. All of my school choices were focussed on music and I then went on to study music at university.

2. Best gigs you've been to?

Ryan Adams in Edinburgh, The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra in Amsterdam playing Mahler’s 3rd Symphony, Elton John & Billy Joel at Croke Park.

3. Fantasy wedding/birthday party band?

Merry Clayton on vocals, Prince on lead guitar, Jack White on rhythm guitar, Billy Sheehan (from Mr Big) on bass and Chad Smith (Red Hot Chilli Peppers) on drums.

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

The Beatles Greatest Hits.

5. And the book?

The collected works of Shakespeare.

6. Top three films?

Citizen Kane, The Godfather, Goodfellas.

7. Worst film you've seen?

Jaws 4.

8. Favourite authors?

Samuel Beckett, Jon Ronson, Margaret Atwood.

9. Sports you most enjoy and top teams?

Rugby (Ireland and Ulster) and football (Spurs).

10. Ideal holiday destination?

Tuscany.

11. What's your favourite:

Dinner? Italian.

Dessert? Ice cream.

Drink? Guinness.

12. Is there a God?

I am agnostic so I suppose I’m open to the possibility!

The Belfast Book Festival runs until Sunday (BelfastBookFestival.com / CrescentArts.org).