Tara Flynn stars in the upcoming play ‘My Brilliant Divorce’ at The Civic. Tara took part in our green room interview and shared her favourite word (its a good one!) and her interesting way of preparing for the role of Angela.
1. What is your favourite word?
My favourite word is actually in Irish, and it’s cosnochta (barefoot). It’s beautiful to say, and it makes you think about kicking your shoes off.
2. What is your least favourite word?
My least favourite word is onion. You have to screw up your face to say it, like you do if you’re eating a raw one.
3. What sound or noise do you love?
My cat purring.
4. What sound or noise do you hate?
Teeth being brushed, which is unfortunate as I have an aversion to unwashed teeth.
5. What profession other than yours would you like to attempt?
Mountaineer. I’d like to conquer my fear of heights and the air would be very good for the skin.
6. How did you prepare for this role?
Walking the dog, like Angela Kennedy Lipsky does in the play, and talking aloud to myself. The neighbours think I’ve lost the plot. But even though it’s really funny, the play is about heartbreak and we’ve all been there. It’s about accessing that. Listening to Harry Nilsson’s “Without You” 20 times a day is torture, but effective.
7. Can you sum up the play in 20 words or less?
Following the shock end of her marriage, Angela tries everything to get her life back on track. With hilarious consequences.
8. Can you relate to your character in anyway?
Yes, although I’m married now, I have been dumped probably more than anyone on the planet. I’m an old hand at picking up the pieces, starting again, dreading first dates, focussing on work – all the things Angela tries. Only when she does it, it’s a lot funnier. Also, there are loads of other characters in this show, all played by me. I try to find something to like about all of them – even the complete idiots. (They’re really fun to play.)
9. Why do you think ‘My Brilliant Divorce’ appeals to audiences?
The first production of My Brilliant Divorce was in 2001 and it’s been in production somewhere in the world ever since. There’s a reason for that. We all know heartbreak, so there’s a lot of recognition. We all like to think we’d try to be positive, like Angela, and we understand when those moments crash in and she can’t quite keep the positivity up. Every comic actress wants to do this play because Angela is so real, and because – with the supporting characters popping in and out of her life – it’s just so very funny; how Geraldine Aron managed to pull off making one of life’s most stressful events hilarious, I’ll never know. But I’m glad she did, and I’m thrilled to be getting to perform it.
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My Brilliant Divorce opens on Tuesday, 1st July and runs for 5 nights. Tickets can be booked by phoning 01 4627477 or online here.
