MY CULTURAL LIFE
Ciara Lyons, singer/actor
Ciara Lyons has studied singing, acting and dancing since the age of five in the Independent Theatre Workshop, where she now teaches singing, speech and drama. She has trained vocally with Rebecca Storm, and has done intensive courses in the Mountview Academy of Arts in London. She has a BA in English and Drama Studies from UCD, and her credits include the lead roles of Maisie in Brian Friel’s The Home Place (Gate Theatre), Katie in The Bombmaker (Sky TV), and Fiona in A Doll’s House (ITV). Ciara is delighted to be playing the role of Rapunzel in this year’s Gaiety Panto which runs until January 21.
Artist: Andy Warhol
I absolutely love all the Andy Warhol art collection — Pop Art. Especially Marilyn Diptych which is a silk screen painting and one of his most praised works. I also love Campbell’s Soup Can (right) — it always reminds me of cold winters in Dublin, or being looked after by my mum whenever I was sick as a child!
Musician: Tom Odell
Tom Odell is hands-down my favourite musician. He has the most incredible voice. He writes his own songs and plays his own music. His music and lyrics are incredibly powerful, in particular, his song Another Love. His tone of voice is, in my opinion, perfection, it’s raw and emotive. His concert was one of the best I’ve ever been to, he gives 100pc in his performance and I really admire that.
TV: The Sinner
I’m currently watching The Sinner, starring Jessica Biel (left). I’m only halfway through but so far, it is incredible. Again, it’s a crime thriller, but it’s different to anything else I’ve seen. It contains so much mystery and I honestly have no idea how it is going to end. The acting is so convincing — Jessica Biel’s performance in particular, but everyone involved is so well cast.
Design: Gaiety Theatre
The Gaiety Theatre (right) is one of only a few theatres in Ireland that has kept the ambience and decadence of old school theatre. There’s something special about it. The red and gold theme, the giant chandelier and all in the heart of Dublin. I think everyone who sees a show there loves it, but it’s even more special when you perform in the theatre. Standing on the stage, looking out at the theatre before shows, before the audience has arrived, is really overwhelming and special.
Movie: Polar Express
My favourite movie is Polar Express. Every year on Christmas Eve we watch it together, in our fluffy pyjamas, all seven of us. I have four younger sisters, and it’s our Christmas tradition. I think it’s such a magical movie, it has everything in it for children and adults, and I love the feelgood storyline. You’re never too old for a Christmas cartoon classic!