As we head into the week of the work in progress performance of Our Lady of Last Resort; The Story of Mamie Cadden, we took some time to get to know a bit more about the makers.
First up it’s Yvonne Ussher, Artistic Director of Idir Mná, Creative Producer of Our Lady of Last Resort & Hannah Carnegie, actor and Associate Producer at Idir Mná
Where did you grow up?
HC: Belfast
YU: Tallaght
Can you tell us a bit about your background in the arts?
HC: My grandfather was an actor and playwright, Mum followed him into the business and met my dad when he auditioned for her… so Theatre was my entire upbringing… in the genes I suppose.
YU: From the age of 5, I’ve been making up stories and forcing my friends to act them out with me in the front garden. Then I saw my first play when I was 15. And I just couldn’t stop talking about itand wondering ‘what if they did this with it’ or ‘what if they did that’. So I joined Tallaght Youth Theatre and haven’t looked back.
What has been your career highlight to date?
HC: Working with Julie Walters a few years back was wonderful. She’s played parts I could only dream of!
YU: The first production of Idir Mná was an all female Glengarry Glen Ross. Bringing those seeds of an idea through to a full production is exhilarating.
Can you give us some background on your involvement in Our Lady of Last Resort: the Mamie Cadden project?
HC: When I was at the Lir Academy, I was part of a devised piece called The Sin Eaters. I discovered Mamie’s story there first and played her in a small snapshot of her life. I just knew I had to get her story told in a bigger way and so I approached Yvonne and she grabbed me, Mamie and the project with both hands!
What’s next for you?
HC: I’m heading to The New Theatre for a new play called Norah by Ger Humphreys. We have a Dublin Run at The New Theatre opening April 11th followed by a national tour!
YU: Then Mamie the musical!!!!
HC: Hahaha!! Let’s get this one up and running first, shall we?
Tell us a random fact about yourself?
HC: I like to make fruit and flower wines from an old wine recipe book that my
grandfather had! I make a particularly good Apple wine!
YU: I like drinking Hannah’s fruit and flower wines.
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We are inviting our patrons and interested parties to apply for FREE tickets to this work in progress performance.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY *Closing date for applications Tuesday 20th March
Show Date: Thursday 22nd March Time: 3pm
Duration 70 minutes and a Q+A with the production team and cast members will follow. Your feedback will help shape the theatre of tomorrow.
Cast: Derbhle Crotty, Clare Monnelly, Hannah Carnegie, Roseanna Purcell, Jed Murray, Christiane O’Mahoney, Daithi Mac Suibhne.
