Dublin actor Niall Buggy has had a long career on stage and screen. He’s currently in Erica Murray’s play Meredith at the Gate Theatre, Dublin until November 1.
BOOK No One Tells You
I’ve been reading Carlo Gebler’s book about his mother’s last few months. Edna O’Brien was a dear friend of mine, and reading it is very moving and enlightening for me, as I didn’t see her during her final illness.
When I’m rehearsing a play, I find that I don’t have the capacity to read other material, as I’m completely invested in the words of the script. So, of course, I have read Meredith by Erica Murray quite a few times, and still have it by me.
FILM Jean de Florette
I really love going to the movies and spend a lot of time going to the cinema. On a recent trip to watch Jean de Florette [Claude Berri’s 1986 film], I was so excited by the film that the same day I searched for a showing of its sequel, Manon des Sources, and made quite the journey by taxi across London to another cinema to catch the next screening. I think the storytelling in those films is extraordinary – it looks so beautiful and the acting is divine.
MUSICIAN Rufus Wainwright
Recently, I was introduced to Jeremy Jordan, an amazing musical theatre performer, singing She Used to be Mine from the musical Waitress. Rufus Wainwright is a performer I admire immensely, and he also did a brilliant version of this song. I’ve a very eclectic taste in music, I love all sorts, but I will say that I’m not too keen on modern operas...
THEATRE It’s a Wonderful Life
There are two plays I’m particularly looking forward to. It’s a Wonderful Life at the Gate [November 17 until January 10] is one. I adore the film and return to it again and again. There’s something timeless about it, that sense of how much we depend on one another, and the importance of family, friendship and community. So I’m curious to see what happens when that story is brought to the stage.
I’m also very excited to see Erica Murray’s The Magnificent at the Abbey [November 25 until January 30]. I’ve been living with Erica’s words through Meredith, so naturally I’m intrigued to see this new play. There is something very special about seeing a new piece of writing come to life.