Looking Deadly is a comedy-drama that offers insight into the world of the Funeral Director and some of the best known traditions associated with Ireland. Created by and starring Keith Singleton and Niamh McGrath it runs at the Civic 4 – 8 Sept. We had a chat with Niamh in advance of the show.
Can you tell us a little bit about your background and where you grew up?
My background. I’m from Enniscrone in Co. Sligo – a class place to grow up by the sea. the youngest of 10 so it was a pretty wild house growing up. Lots of playing and not coming home till you were hungry type a craic. Always out gallivanting with mates. There was always something to do and daft adventures to get yourself into. A perfect place for the imagination to run as wild as yourself like.
What sparked your interest in theatre?
What sparked my interest in Theatre was playing. My national school was big into plays so my first role was at the age of 10 playing the wicked witch in the wizard of Oz. I’ll never forget how this big voice came out of me in rehearsals…. I got the buzz every since. After national school came Foroige where I got to write and perform my own sketches and from there I joined the local Amateur Drama group in Castleconnor where my love for theatre grew and grew.
Tell us about some career highlights?
Joining Galway youth Theatre. I loved every second of it – from there going onto The Peacock in a National Youth Theatre show called Strawberries in December.
Another highlight was becoming the original cast member of Alone it Stands notching up over 500 performances over 3 years. Touring to Tasmania, Edinburgh festival and the West End was a dream come true. Next big highlight is performing Looking Deadly with one of me best pals Keith – it’s magic having a show we not only have written together but are touring together as well. It’s the best craic.
Have you ever done any other jobs?
Yes I have done many jobs. I am working in a bar in Dublin as well as working as an Actor which I really enjoy. Other jobs have included many years of drama facilitating to Mayo Youth Theatre and giving drama workshops in many schools and theatres around the country to every age from 4 years to 94 years. I’ve also being a waitress, a health shop assistant, a canteen assistant in a factory, a cleaner in a caravan park, I’ve worked in a vineyard in New Zealand and as a waitress and Actor there too and I’ve also worked in a funeral home.
What can Tallaght audiences expect from Looking Deadly?
What audiences can expect is loads of fun…. it’s fast paced which is always exciting to watch so you won’t know which character you’re going to meet next. You’ll also expect loads of heart and drama as you see stakes getting higher for the characters. There is always lots of laughs in the show too so be prepared to get the giggles! And like any good wake – there’s booze, women, old men fighting over the widow and a fall out between the undertakers…. a typical funeral really!
What’s next for You?
What’s next for me is a trip away after the tour to Bali. A very good friend of mine lives there so I thought I might as well head over there and pay a wee visit. After that I’m back to the bar for the busy season ahead and then in the New year I’m hoping to tour another show I did recently in The Viking…..also myself and Keith will have to get back writing another show together sometime in the New Year.
Tell us a random fact about yourself?
A random fact about myself: I love working with Clowns Without Borders – (A charity who brings smiles to children in crisis in Ireland and around the world) I’ve travelled to Jordan and Lebanon performing shows to children in hospitals, schools and refugee camps.
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Looking Deadly
The Civic
Studio Space
TUES 4 – SAT 8 Sept
