On the COUCH
From Greystones in Co Wicklow, Róisín Sullivan is a graduate of Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in London. Her theatrical credits include Annie, Oliver!, Sweeney Todd and A Man of No Importance. Róisín has performed in the London Palladium, the Abbey, Gaiety, Helix and elsewhere, and toured internationally with Evita and Riverdance, where she was the lead singer. She plays Jerusha Abbott in a week-long special of streamed performances of the award-winning musical Daddy Long Legs from March 8-14. See Stream.theatre for tickets.
How much TV do you think you watch every week?
I always have the TV on in the background, especially RTÉ News Now just to stay up to date. When it comes to active watching, I’d say 10-12 hours a week.
You’ve done many of the great roles in musical theatre – which is your favourite, and why?
I adore characters that go on a journey and evolve throughout the show. Transformative parts are always the most interesting to play, so probably Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady or Jerusha in Daddy Long Legs would be among my favourite roles.
Daddy Long Legs the Musical is going to be streamed – how will that differ from a normal performance for you?
Well, for starters, I can be in my pyjamas during showtime! I won’t have the pressure of “minding myself” coming up to performance and doing insane amounts of vocal exercises and line runs, but I’d do all that again in a heartbeat if live theatre was back. There is nothing like the buzz and excitement of getting your half-hour call on opening night. I really miss that.
What are your unmissable shows right now?
The Crown is fantastic. I whizzed through it; the acting is superb, especially Olivia Colman. I’m watching Schitt’s Creek for the second time, I really missed the characters and laugh-out-loud moments. I also love Operation Transformation
– I tend to hold my breath in anticipation at the weigh-ins.
Do you ever find yourself bursting into song while walking down the street, like people do in a musical?
Only when it’s raining and there’s a lamp-post nearby.
What TV show would you like a cameo in?
Derry Girls. It is hilarious. The script is just so funny and I feel like I know each character or have come across versions of them in real-life. The ’90s tunes and fashion provide great nostalgia, and apart from all that, it’s also a way to remember the political backdrop it’s set against. The shock and sadness of the nal scene of season one has stayed with me, despite it being billed as a comedy. That’s the sign of a really great show.
What shows do you watch the old-fashioned way, i.e. once a week at a particular time?
I’m a huge Strictly fan – when it’s running I’m glued to it and arrange my Saturdays around watching. I’ve really missed the Irish Dancing Wth the Stars this year, it was so entertaining; I was even in the studio audience once!