Entertainment

Weekend Q&A: Three's Theatre Company artistic director Anna Leckey

Anna Leckey (27) is artistic director of Three's Theatre Company whose latest work, I Believe Her, highlights the need for men to understand the misogyny that still affects women's lives

Anna Leckey's latest work, I Believe Her, highlights the need for men to understand the misogyny that still affects women's lives
Anna Leckey's latest work, I Believe Her, highlights the need for men to understand the misogyny that still affects women's lives Anna Leckey's latest work, I Believe Her, highlights the need for men to understand the misogyny that still affects women's lives

How do you unwind at the weekend?

I have a lovely weekend routine most of the time. On Saturday morning I teach 'hot yoga' sessions at my friend Danielle's Yoga Belfast studio. It's my lovely bread and butter job. The name comes about because the temperature in our room is 40 degrees, which replicates the Indian climate, and helps people's muscles to relax. It's a beginner-friendly class with students of all ages and both genders. I also see friends, some from the arts community and try not to do too much work! I'm getting better at this. I recently acquired a Welsh Collie puppy, Indigo, so go for walks with her which calms my busy mind.

What do you recall about weekends growing up?

I grew up in Hillsborough and used to love it when we had babysitters and were allowed to stay up late. It was also great going to granny Hilda's - we're still very close - to have midnight feasts which probably took place at 9pm. My grandmother used to warm our pyjamas on a radiator, I remember, which was a nice feeling.

Friday or Saturday night?

Friday - I love the buzz at the end of the working day, and the potential spontaneity that comes off that.

Do you have a must-listen weekend radio show or podcast?

Radio One is my go-to station. And I love a good audiobook. Podcast-wise, I dip in and out of different podcasts at different times from Guilty Feminist to Period Power and Best of Belfast. At the moment it's a lot of puppy training podcasts.

What is your must-watch TV or Netflix show?

I don't have a TV - I have a little projector I watch Netflix on and am a total binge watcher. I am currently watching The Bold Type which has plenty of feminist themes in the drama that really interest me. I Believe Her was written from women's real experience, based on the situation involving Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Sarah Everard's death.

Anna Leckey's latest work, I Believe Her, highlights the need for men to understand the misogyny that still affects women's lives
Anna Leckey's latest work, I Believe Her, highlights the need for men to understand the misogyny that still affects women's lives Anna Leckey's latest work, I Believe Her, highlights the need for men to understand the misogyny that still affects women's lives

Have you a favourite eatery or is it a takeaway?

My favourite place is a little cafe called Brew & Bake; everything they do is delicious. The staff are lovely too. During lockdown I missed sitting there people-watching. I can't wait to get back there. I love to imagine what people are thinking. It's where a lot of the inspiration for my theatre and audio pieces comes from.

Is Sunday still special?

Yes, it's lovely and chilled. I get up a little later, go for a walk, teach a private yoga class and try not to make too many plans unless there's a show on. Recently we've toured our outdoor production of These Streets, which taps into street life and draws on the experience of homeless people, on Sunday and it's been lovely to see a live audience again.

How do you feel on Sunday evening about Monday morning?

I love Sunday evening and Monday morning and enjoy getting my planner out on Sunday night - I colour code with highlights, do the whole thing. Being self-employed, I mostly have the real luxury of choosing how I spend my time so I get to take on projects that really interest me.

More about Three's Theatre Company and Anna Leckey's work at threestheatrecompany.com. Walking tours by the company can be joined tomorrow, leaving from St Anne's Square in Belfast at 4pm and 5.30pm