Speaking out

Former River City star Gary Lamont takes a trip down memory lane ahead of his show tonight at the Gardyne Theatre

Former River City star Gary Lamont tells us some home truths ahead of his show at the Gardyne Theatre.

Q What do you love most about acting?

A I love being part of a cast or a team, my River City pals and I always used to have such a giggle at work. Q Who are your favourite actors? A It differs for me, I love different people for different moods. Tom Hanks is always foolproof, you know you’re getting a decent film if Tom is in it. I love Whoopi Goldberg too. Nowadays, I am massively into Claire Foy (The Crown). Q Your house is on fire, what one item do you save? A I’ve just moved to London, so all of my good stuff is in storage! I’d grab my phone and wallet and be good to go. Q Theme song for your life? A Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves by Cher.

Q A Dream Claire Foy, dinner Oprah party and Barack guests? Obama. Q million? First thing you’d do if you won £1 A nearest Pay off and mortgages dearest, for then myself travel and the my world. Q power/name? What would be your superhero A I’d love to say fly, but I would probably be too terrified. Q Quiet night in or big night out? A I hate to admit it, but I am loving nights in. Q City break or weekend in the country? A City break. I am not outdoorsy. Q Early bird or night owl? A Early bird for work, night owl when I am off. Q Couch potato or fitness fanatic?

A I am very good at both. I’ll do nothing for six months, then sign up for a half marathon. I’d like to be more balanced.

Q Rebel rebel or teacher’s pet? A I was 100% a teachers pet. I am a needy middle child at heart. Q Happiest memory? A Hearing that my wee niece Maisie was born. Q What are you proudest of?

A Making the break from River City, not many actors have the luxury of being employed constantly for eight years and it was a big gamble. I am proud of myself for being brave enough to want more and challenge myself. Q What keeps you awake at night? A After eight years of River City, the unpredictability of being self employed again can bring me out in a cold sweat. I am embracing the challenge, it forces you to be more creative.

Q Who do you admire most? A My mammy, she is pretty spectacular. Q Who would you like to thank? A My family and friends for their constant support. I am a handful at times, but oh so worth it. Q What advice would you give to your younger self? A Have no doubts. Keep the head son, you will be absolutely golden. Q What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever had to do?

A The school run for my pal Donna’s three kids. I had to babysit them the first Monday after the Christmas break – up, dressed, breakfast, out in time. They should make all teenagers do that as a form of contraception. Q Could you save someone’s life? A I could! I’ve just had a basic first aid top up course. Q What’s your motto? A Shy weans don’t get any sweeties, which is basically: if you don’t ask, you don’t get.

Q If you hadn’t been an actor what would you have liked to have done?

A Despite not speaking any languages, I really would have loved to have gone down that road as a career