Actress Aoibheann McCann
The actress chats to Chloe Brennan about her favourite people, places and things
The person
My mother, Marian. She — with my wonderful father — raised eight of us, and I think my and my siblings’ feminism is born out of her challenging us and the world around her with kindness.
The memory
I was about five years old; it was Christmas Eve night. My whole family gathered around a candle to sing happy birthday to baby Jesus, with a rendition of
Silent Night. I am not religious now, but it is such a beautiful memory.
The moment of the day
That second we have ‘clicked’ on something in rehearsal. I am currently performing in two of Rough Magic’s upcoming new shows; our director for A
Midsummer Night’s Dream, Lynne Parker, will usually laugh knowingly because we have found a way to play a scene.
The song
Recently, I had the audacity to play Dreams by Fleetwood Mac 15 times in a row; I am at risk of souring it for myself. All My Friends by LCD Soundsystem stirs the party in me, while (Seasons) Waiting On You by Future Islands is an absolute banger — that synth!
The movie
The Lives of Others. This film is beautiful, dark, stirring and important.
The book
The Road by Cormac McCarthy. It feeds into my preoccupation with the damage we are doing to our environment, but despite the darkness, this book is sublime.
The outfit
Since January, I have stopped buying ‘fast fashion’, opting instead for sustainable brands or second-hand — I had already accumulated about 10 jumpsuits, and even though I’m now strict on my buying, I have the trusty, versatile jumpsuit.
The accessory
A solid-silver ring that my pal Aislinn bought for me when I turned 18. I still wear it most days.
The gadget
I have a love-hate relationship with my phone. I try and give it a rest now and then, but the dopamine hit is pretty addictive.
The hero
Ailbhe Smyth, Tara Flynn, Roisin Ingle, Anna Cosgrove and the other incredible humans who worked so tirelessly for such a long time to repeal the Eighth. It’s very moving to see how their strength, vulnerability and persistence won out.
The beauty product
Lush plastic-free shampoo and deodorant.
The pet hate
When people buy food or drink in single-use plastic cups or bowls, and proceed to consume their meal on the premises, even though they had the option to use real reusable crockery and cutlery.
The hotel
The Four Seasons in France a few years back. The opulence was almost ridiculous.
The friend
I grew up with Emma and Aislinn. They are such incredible friends, and they know me at my worst and best.
The holiday
I met Ragga Ragnars when I was working on Vikings last year, and we became immediate friends. So much so, that we just holidayed together in Italy. I have found my holiday partner-in-crime, and there is talk/threat of an annual outing.
The advice
‘Anxiety isn’t fussy, it will latch on to anything.’ When I feel panicked, I try to remember that anxiety can infect any situation if we allow it.
The drink
The Gate Theatre’s Gatsby Bar staff hooked me on a whole host of gin concoctions with all the trimmings. I now have an array of gin notions.
The bar
I am fond of a small one at The Belfry pub in Stoneybatter in Dublin. At home in Louth, I enjoy McKevitts or PJ O’Hares in Carlingford.
The hobby
Hiking and swimming in the sea. The sea swimming is a new and real addiction.
The part of my body
As a child, I hated my ‘weird, big eyes’ but they have come in handy with the aul’ expressing and emoting in my work, so I appreciate them now.
The celebrity
The actress Cate Blanchett. Aside from her undeniable talent, she is very ‘green’, advocating for changes to protect and improve the environment and to greatly reduce her own greenhouse pollution. When I grow up, I want to be her.
“I have stopped buying ‘fast fashion’, opting instead for sustainable brands or second-hand” “When I feel panicked, I try to remember that anxiety can infect any situation if we allow it”