Stage crisis as Irish stars freeze faces with Botox
IRISH actresses are sacrificing their art for the sake of their looks.
The director of the Gate Theatre, Michael Colgan, has vented his frustration at performers who are using Botox to hold back time.
It means a fixed, frozen expression on stage that can’t express emotion.
It's been over 25 years since Ireland's most successful theatre impresario began directing stage productions, but he never thought he'd face such a predicament.
Mr Colgan told the Sunday Independent: “The whole Botox craze is stopping move-ability. At the most basic level actors need to be able to raise their eyebrows, and it is something that has come to our attention — that some need to stop injecting their faces.”
The director said he understands the pressure on actresses to look physically appealing, but believes some have taken it a step too far.
“Many do it for an audition because they want to look their best. But they come in and you suspect they have had something done and you can't ask them about their appearance because it's a very delicate and sensitive situation.
“So I would call on actors and actresses not to touch their faces. The most they should do is pin their ears back, if needs be,” he said.
“Botox is not a friend for an actress. It's their worst enemy. In saying that, I have known actors who have had it done too. It's not just a preserve of the women.”
The cosmetic phenomenon has also led to Hollywood actresses hitting out against the wrinkle-busting injections, including Jennifer Aniston.
The actress said: “You see women and you know they're not young, but you can't tell how old they are. It makes them look harder. The warmth in their face goes away. It is not a good look.”
Aniston, who has tried Botox, said she didn't like the results and hated how it takes the character from people's faces.
Nicole Kidman has also sworn off Botox, exclaiming: “I can move my face again!”