Kate Gilmore graduated from The Gaiety School of Acting in 2013. She was recently won an Irish Times Irish Theatre Award for BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS for her role in Breathless, by John MacKenna, directed by Iseult Golden for Orion Productions and Danú Theatre. Kate is Executive Producer of The Cup Theatre Company. The company have produced ‘Gaslights’, ‘The Wickedness of Oz’ and ‘A Picture of Us: A (sort of) Musical’, written and performed by Kate and fellow Cup Theatre Company member Laurence Falconer; the musical went on to become a radio drama for RTÉ and play the theatre tent at Electric Picnic 2014. Late last year, Kate starred in ‘Petals‘, a one-woman play by Gillian Greer, which was nominated for an Irish Times IrishTheatre Award for BEST NEW PLAY. It was directed by Karl Shiels for Theatre Upstairs. Kate is going on a national tour of ‘Little Gem’, written and directed by Elaine Murphy at the end of February. 

1. Did you always want to work in the film/acting business?

As a young child, my career aspirations changed bi-weekly. I wanted to be a Detective Sergeant because I loved The Bill and a Las Vegas Showgirl disguised as a Catholic Nun because I loved Sister Act. I realised by aged 12 that what I really wanted to do was play pretend for a living. 

 

2. How did you start off in the business?

I attended stage school from an early age but once my Dad told me forthrightly that I had no natural rhythm – I gave up hope of becoming a professional tap dancer and focused, solely, on singing and acting. I love to sing very much but I don’t wish to work as a singer. When it came to it, I knew I wanted to train as an actor so I auditioned for the Gaiety School of Acting, as soon as I possibly could, aged 18.

 

3. Any tips for aspiring actors/film makers?

Make your own work. “Plant your own garden, decorate your own soul; instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.” 

 

4. What did you like most about being at The Gaiety School of Acting?

The people I met. My class, the class of 2013 shaped the actor and person I graduated as and I will be forever in their debt for that. 

 

5. Favourite actor?

My favourite actor of all-time is the Goddess & chameleon that is Meryl Streep. However, closer to home I adore Aisling O’Sullivan. I think she is dangerous and extremely powerful to watch and all my Christmasses would come at once if a day came where I got to work with her. 

 

6. Favourite writer?

This is a difficult question because I’m not sure I have a favourite writer but I am very in awe of Pat Kinevane’s bravery, Marina Carr’s black humour and Mark O’Rowe’s grit. 

 

7. Favourite film?

Again, a difficult question. I would like to say something profound here and then again not because the truth is my favourite film is probably ‘Postcards from the Edge’ by Carrie Fisher, directed by Mike Nichols. 

 

8. Who has been the most influential person in your life so far?

My primary and secondary care givers. The loves of my life. Sandra and Thomas. 

 

9. Earliest memory?

Dancing in a soppy nappy to the jingle ’50 50 cash back’ from the Bord Gais ad on the telly. 

 

10. What would be your idea of the perfect day?

Sleeping until I didn’t want to anymore.

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