1. When did you think about a career in acting and what were your first steps into it?
I was the class clown. I’d say the teachers (rightly) fantasised about destroying me. A pal of mine called Rosco picked up on my awful need for attention and filled out a form to get me onto a Performing Arts course. Thank goodness Rosco did that or I’d probably be a dog surfing instructor or a fortune cookie writer. That course at The Liberties College introduced me to the idea of comedy/acting as a career.
2. Best gigs you’ve been to?
I hardly ever go to gigs. People think that is mad. Like when I say “I don’t like restaurants”. Aaaagggghhhh. I will say that every time my friend Larry McGowan picks up a guitar, I’m front and centre. I feel so proud and emotional when he plays, even if it is just in the garden for an audience of my daughter, a stray cat and me.
3. Fantasy wedding/birthday party band?
I’d say either the String Ninjas or Rihanna. She was very good at the Super Bowl there and I’d say she’d be delighted to play at my next birthday.
4. The record you’d take to a desert island?
Damien Rice’s album O. But then I might instantly regret it and be desperate for an oul rave on the island.
5. And the book you’d take to a desert island?
Anything by Roddy Doyle. I’m from Dublin originally and his words bring me right back.
6. Top three films?
The Snapper - Timeless Dublin humour at its finest.
Little Miss Sunshine - every family needs to go on at least one of those journeys.
Hoop Dreams - Phenomenal insight and struggle.
7. Worst film you’ve seen?
This will be such an unpopular answer, but ... Lord of the Rings. I couldn’t bear it. I just kept thinking why is anyone trying to do anything at all when Gandalf can just do anything anytime? I’m sure there is a perfectly good reason why the hobbits did have to struggle along. Maybe I fell asleep and missed it.
8. Favourite authors?
Roddy Doyle, Eckhart Tolle and Alice Miller.
9. Sport(s) you most enjoy and top team(s)?
I love the football, rugby and boxing. In footy it is Ireland, Man U and Shamrock Rovers. The rugby is Ireland, Leinster and the Fiji 7’s. Joe Calzaghe, Vasiliy Lomachenko and Naoya Inoue are boxers I’d be mad about. But Katie Taylor is the goat!
10. Ideal holiday destination?
I’m a prolific traveller but that has been curtailed recently due to the kiddies. My daughter melts in anything over 18 degrees and my son likes the taste of sand. I’d love to spend proper time in Mexico and I’d also be on for a trip to Iceland. New Zealand would be good. I’d go anywhere.
11. Pet hates?
Littering will usually get an over the top reaction from me. THERE IS A BIN RIGHT THERE! People not saying what they are actually thinking drives me a bit mad too. I admire the Germans.
12. What’s your favourite:
Dinner? Tofu Pad Thai.
Dessert? A Vegan Magnum.
Drink? Guinness.
13. Who is your best friend and how do you know each other?
My best friend is Larry (sorry Richie) and I met him in college. A wonderful conversationalist who can make me laugh hard without trying. There are only two people who I say, “I love you” to regularly. My wife, and Larry. Oh, and Marcus Rashford - through the telly.
14. Is there a God?
His name is Cantona. I jest. I don’t think there is a God, but if you think there is, then happy days. I do think I’m quite a spiritual person though.
:: Keith Singleton has written and stars in the Tinderbox Theatre Company production Something Different, which will premiere at the MAC Theatre Belfast from March 21-25. The comedic play shines a very awkward light on relationships. Tickets are available from themaclive.com. Age Guidance: 16+
