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Something For The Weekend: Nichola MacEvilly's cultural picks

Updated / Wednesday, 29 Jun 2022 13:25

Sligo actress Nichola MacEvilly is a familiar presence on the Irish stage, most recently in Miriam Needham's Snapshot and Peter Sheridan's Philo - she's also a vocalist of note, from guesting with Sligo legends Those Nervous Animals to performing with the late, great Ennio Morricone.

This month, she joins the ensemble of Girl From The North Country, an award-winning new musical by Conor MacPherson inspired by and featuring the songs of Bob Dylan - it's at The 3Olympia Theatre, Dublin from June 25th until July 30th.

We asked Nicola for her choice cultural picks...

FILM

I’m part of that gang who feel daunted by the prospect of a two-hour film yet will watch a ten-hour TV series over one weekend. Christmas is the time I watch films. I love accidentally coming across something on TV then racing to make tea in the ads. Caught a few classics this year like The Commitments and My Left Foot. Brenda Fricker is a national treasure.

MUSIC

Bob Dylan is consuming my days and dreams right now as we rehearse Girl from the North Country with Conor McPherson. We’re so fortunate to work with Simon Hale on his extraordinary arrangements. Simon has such an infectious enthusiasm for ensemble music playing, plus he’s a wonderful teacher. Many of us are showcasing some new skills in this show.

Ellen Arthur Blyth’s debut album Nine is a thing of beauty, with amazing tracks like God Knows, and Young Ones. It's a blend of jazz, blues and pop. It’s a treat. Her voice is mesmerising.

I’m also really excited to hear June McCormack and Michael Rooney’s new album Tobar an Cheoil when it’s released this month.

BOOK

There was a time I found it hard to read a book if I had a play in my head. Then I discovered crime novels! I love Louise Penny’s Inspector Gamache series. Her characters from the little village of Three Pines in Quebec are so recognisable and feel like my friends.

Claire Keegan’s Small Things Like These is a masterful story which I loved recently.

I get all my books from the library in Sligo. We have the most amazing library service in Ireland. Whenever I get a good book recommendation I just hop online to my library account, place an order for the book, then receive a text when it’s ready to pick up. For free!

THEATRE

While rehearsing in London I caught Marina Carr’s new play Girl on an Altar directed by Annabelle Comyn at the Kiln Theatre who are co-producing with The Abbey Theatre. It is a powerful piece centred around Clytemnestra and the aftermath of her husband’s sacrifice of their daughter Iphigenia. Classy, raw, intense. Annabelle Comyn is a wonderful director.

TV

I just finished Severance on Apple TV which was clever and quirky. Despite the fact I think Succession is the greatest TV show ever made, I have yet to watch the third season. The performances and writing are just…wow. I have that to look forward to.

GIG

Bell X1 was the last gig I went to in the Hawks Well Theatre. They were joined by the Dowry Strings quartet and it made for such a rich sound. The ever inspiring Hawks Well Theatre are also hosting much of Sligo Jazz Project in July. The summer school which runs alongside the festival attracts some of the greatest jazz musicians and tutors from around the world. Meaning the best jazz jams anywhere on earth are in the North West of Ireland in July. I just love that.

ART

The Cairde Visual Open Submission exhibition in the Hamilton Gallery in Sligo will be wonderful to see. It’s always enriching to experience visual art across all media by multiple artists in the one space. It’s one of the many things Cairde Sligo Arts Festival has to offer in its fantastic programme this year.

RADIO/PODCAST

I’m not great for podcasts, which is strange because I love talk radio. I’m a total current affairs fanatic. I could watch and listen to the news all day long. I love hearing all the political dramas play out and how ridiculous some of the debates and spin are. I start every day with Morning Ireland on RTÉ Radio One, even while working in London. I love Mary, Aine, Audrey and all the gang. I always get the impression they’re having serious craic with Des before he goes on air to give the sports update. One morning they all had the giggles. It was brilliant.

Laughing on the inside - the Morning Ireland team

TECH

While I’m in possession of all the latest gadgets, and all my devices somehow speak to one another, I get the feeling their full capabilities are lost on me. I do love Shazam for recognising recorded music and linking with the tracks online. I’m that person in the shop holding my phone in the air to capture a good tune.

THE NEXT BIG THING...

I think we have some ‘Next Big Things’ in our Girl from the North Country ensemble. There are a few members making their professional debuts, straight from drama school, and they’re breathing such beautiful life into the story. I’m excited to see where the road takes them.

Girl From The North Country is at The 3Olympia Theatre, Dublin, from 25th June - 30th July 2022 - find out more here.

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