Interview of the Month – Caoimhe O’Malley
Friday, April 25th, 2014 at 9:39 am | News & Events
Caoimhe O’Malley is currently starring in ‘Breaking Dad’ at the Gaiety Theatre alongside fellow GSA graduate, Rory Nolan (Class of 2003). In this production, she plays Honor, Ross O’Carroll Kelly’s daughter. Caoimhe graduated from the Gaiety School of Acting Full Time Acting Course in June 2011. Since graduating she has appeared as Baba in The Country Girls, directed by Mikel Murfi for Red Kettle Theatre Company in Garter Lane Theatre and debuted at Ireland’s national theatre, the Abbey Theatre, in August 2013 playing Jenny Hill in ‘Major Barbara’, directed by Annabelle Comyn.
1. Did you always want to work in the film/acting business?
I remember always loving films at a younger age. I would watch The Last of the Mohicans with my Dad and just be in awe of the actors. When I got into my teenage years I started doing plays at school and that’s when I really began to love acting. But I was always very academic, so I thought about going down a few career routes. I could always see myself being in business, or maybe law, and I think I would have loved those jobs too. But in the end acting won out. I wanted to be so many different things I thought at least, as an actor, I could get to do that by playing lots of different characters.
2. How did you start off in the business?
I took lots of different courses and studied for a few years, but I can honestly say I got my start in this industry from The Gaiety School of Acting. When I came to the school I knew I wanted to train, but I didn’t really know much about the industry. During the 2 years in the school I ate slept and drank theatre and all things acting. I not only got trained in the skills I needed, but also learned how the industry works. I got my agent from my final year showcase and was auditioning for theatres like the Abbey before I had even graduated. So I owe that launch, all down Patrick Sutton, my teachers and everyone at the school.
3. Any tips for aspiring actors/film makers?
Everyone has their own path. That’s one thing I’ve learned so far. I meet and work with so many actors and directors who have come into the industry a different way. It’s a tough industry but if you’re disciplined and produce consistent good work you will succeed. Learn your craft. See theatre and movies. Get involved.
4. What did you like most about being at The Gaiety School of Acting?
The 2 years at the Gaiety were some of the best years of my life. It’s a tough course. I would leave my house before 7am and wouldn’t be home till 11pm sometimes, but I loved it. The training is second to none. Sometimes when I’m on a job now I’ll remember something a teacher said. Advice that just pops into your head when you need it most. I still use the warm ups we did at school before I go on stage. But what I loved most about the Gaiety is the friends I made. My year was incredibly close and I’m still in touch with everyone. I know I’ll have those people in my life forever. And we know each other so well because we pretty much lived with each other for 2 years.
5. Favourite actor?
I did a reading with Aisling O’Sullivan (GSA Class of 1991) a few years back and seeing her work up close was amazing. She is truly phenomenal. On screen I love Judy Dench and Meryl Streep.
6. Favourite writer?
I love Martin McDonnagh plays, Friel of course, Beckett, and of course Paul Howard, the writing in Breaking Dad and all the Ross O’Carroll Kelly books is comedy genius.
7. Favourite film?
‘Last of the Mohicans’ and ‘The Piano’.
8. Who has been the most influential person in your life so far?
My Parents. They’re so hard working and such genuinely lovely people. I hope I’m like them.
9. Earliest memory?
Being scared of a butterfly in my hall.
I’m still petrified of them.
10. What would be your idea of the perfect day?
Waking up after a long sleep. Breakfast with my whole family. Shopping with my mum. Going on stage. Or else going to the theatre myself. Then having a big night out with my friends. With an open bar.
