Billie Traynor has trained as a classical dancer, has sung in cabaret and has worked extensively as an actor on stage, TV and in film. Her film credits include Frank (2014), Nostradamus and Me (2004) and Turning Green (2005). She is also the writer and star of ‘The Importance of Being Honest’ at The Civic opening on Monday 5th October. Here we get to know her a little bit better!
Could you tell us a little about your journey into acting, and how it all happened for you?
My journey into acting was a circuitous one, starting my theatrical life as a ballet dancer and becoming a cabaret singer, then re-training as an actor in my thirties. The stage has always been my place to be somehow!
What’s your favourite part of the process of acting?
My favourite part of the process of acting, and this has definitely fed into my evolution as a writer, is the analysis of the character and the development of a back story for them. Each actor might produce a totally different imagined history for the character, based on their interpretation of their language and attitudes, and it’s really interesting to see different actors portray the same character, with either subtle or huge differences in the performance.
How did you get involved in this production?
I first thought of writing this play when trying to develop a show for two female actors who are over forty. It’s a tough world for women everywhere, but particularly in theatre, which is definitely male dominated – and young male dominated at that! I wanted to try to make a piece of theatre which would sit comfortably with middle aged female performers, and also be thought provoking for audiences.
Can you tell us a little about ‘The Importance of Being Honest’?
The Importance of Being Honest gives us a look at the lives of Cecily Fairfax and Gwendolen Moncrieff, the two warring young ladies from The Importance of Being Earnest. It is now 1913 and the world is changing rapidly for women, both politically and in terms of fashion. We see how both young ladies have evolved into middle age – they are now married to two brothers (both called Ernest, one by birth and one through an impromptu christening in order to win Cecily’s hand), they both have children, and both are dealing with the enormous changes in their lives. It is largely a comedy, but carries a message for women of all ages – about friendship, loyalty, and helping others.
You play Gwendolen in this production, can you tell us about your character?
Gwendolen is the daughter of the formidable Lady Bracknell, a force of nature who, in The Importance of Being Earnest, intimidated everyone around her, including her daughter. Gwendolen is stuck in an age that is dying, and does not know how to evolve. She devotes herself to good works and soirees, and now that her children are grown , is realising the emptiness of her life. She fears that she has lost the husband that she has come to truly love, and seeks out the only person whom she knows will be honest with her, her old enemy and sister in law, Cecily.
What do you hope audiences will take away from watching it?
I hope that audiences will enjoy the humour and witticisms, and will take away the warm glow of witnessing the development of a true friendship. I also hope the message of the lack of true establishment of women’s rights will remain in the mind after the show.
Do you have any dream roles?
I don’t really have a dream role! I came into working in theatre a little late for all the great female roles, which more and more are being cast very young anyway……I tend to enjoy any role I play and can’t think of one I didn’t like! My favourite so far in TV has been the manipulative Nell in Ros na Run, and a flirty older lady in Moone Boy – very diverse! In theatre, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being Chorus in A Christmas Carol at The Gate (twice!) and playing Josie in A Moon for the Misbegotten – a very demanding but rewarding role. I’ve also loved my pantos in the Gaiety Theatre – three seasons of complete madness and spangles!
What was the last TV show you binge-watched? How many episodes did you see in a sitting?
The last TV show I binge watched (and am still binge watching!) was House of Cards – three episodes at one sitting being my record. I’d watch Kevin Spacey watching paint dry – he’s a consummate actor.
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The Importance of Being Honest opens at The Civic on Monday 5th October 2015 for 6 nights at The Civic. Tickets are €16 & €12 concession and are on sale from our box office – 01 4627477 or online here.
