Ginette McDonald
The comedic genius behind the character Lyn of Tawa stars as old Joan in Tom Scott’s play Joan, about his mother’s poor childhood in Ireland through to her life raising six children in New Zealand. It’s subtitled “a play about a wonderful mum by an ungrateful son”.
You’ve long known Tom Scott and his family. When did you first meet his mother? I can’t pinpoint the exact moment I met Joan. He’d talked of her so often and told so many anecdotes about her that I felt I already knew her. My grandad was Irish so her frankness and defiant attitude to life’s difficulties were familiar to me. I was more famous then, but I do recall her being impressively unimpressed by that.
What is one of Joan’s one-liners? She would say something so outrageous to me like, “Netty, I wouldn’t be wearin’ that garment too often. Your arse looks feckin’ enormous.” Then the minute she was out of earshot, I’d hiss at Tom that if he ever did a play about his mum, I bags play the part. Then I’d attempt a pale imitation of her.
How would you describe your diet and lifestyle? My diet is reasonably sensible, but I remain overweight. I have a sluggish metabolism and don’t do enough exercise. As a younger actress I was much slimmer, but that was achieved only by permanent dieting. I’m not one of those people defiant about their fatness, trumpeting about a woman’s right to be “voluptuous”. I’d like to be lean and mean, but I’d also like to have good bread and pinot gris – a conundrum.
Is “healthy” eating a priority? It’s not a big deal for me. Instinctively now I aim for lower fat, green veg and to have some protein at least once a day – usually fish, bought at the best fish market in Wellington, at the top of Cuba St.
What do you eat for breakfast? Today, I had a small piece of toast and a giant cup of strong tea with honey.
What about lunch? I had grain bread with edam cheese and pickle. And a giant cup of plunger coffee with warm milk.
What’s your favourite evening meal? Usually one someone else has prepared. Many of my friends go to a great deal of trouble when cooking for others and it’s really appreciated. I’m rather more slapdash and just aim for tasty, quick and edible. I eat whatever I’m given … I may draw the line at tripe.