Donegal-born director Séimí Campbell is a rising star in the theatre world, with a particular focus on musical theatre - he's currently developing a stage version of Cartoon Saloon's Oscar nominated film Song Of The Sea.
This month, Séimí directs Sweeney Todd in Concert, at the National Concert Hall on Friday 25th July; presented in partnership with the Royal Irish Academy of Music. This concert performance of musical masterpiece Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by Hugh Wheeler, features National Symphony Orchestra Ireland and Irish Youth Musical Theatre.
We asked Séimí for his choice cultural picks...
FILM
I was late to the party in watching Tár with Cate Blanchett. I'm a massive fan of Cate’s work, but I think this has to be her at her finest. Whiplash by Damien Chazelle is up there, too. Anyone with a conservatoire training behind them will recognise - though hopefully not to the same extent - those pressures.
MUSIC
Niall McNamee gets a lot of playtime on the morning commute. He’s all heart, guts and soul. Donegal Hill is a favourite - which, for the now, you’ll only be able to catch at one of his gigs. His newest single Another Life was just released last week.
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Maireád Ní Mhaonaigh and Altan always deserves the mention too. Nothing says home like hearing Gleanntain Ghlas Ghaoth Dobhair being sung at the end of a night.
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BOOK
I’ve just reread Apeirogon by Colum McCann. Colum is a master craftsman. His originality of voice makes you feel like you’ve just discovered a completely new form. Rami and Bassam’s story of friendship offers a glimpse of hope in such a dark time.
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THEATRE
I thought The Brightening Air by Conor McPherson at the Old Vic was sort of a masterpiece. There’s something so familiar in the rurality of Conor’s work - with each of those characters sitting around my kitchen table at one point or another. I’m also looking forward to catching two of my pals’ work this summer in Dublin - Lyndsey Turner is directing Fra Fee in The Pillowman at The Gate.
TV
I haven’t binge-watched in a while, but Slow Horses was a recent favourite. You have to love the underdog. Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham’s Adolescence feels like an important watch too. Terrifying stuff - with phenomenal performances.
GIG
I was at a Susan O’Neill gig in London last month. God, her vocals are good for the soul - and then she takes out the trumpet!
ART
Luna Luna at The Shed in NYC. Led by Austrian, André Heller, Luna Luna opened in Hamburg in 1987 as an absurdist fairground created by artists including Keith Haring, Salvador Dalí, Sonia Delaunay and Jean-Michel Basquiat. It was forgotten in storage for 36 years, until resurrected in 2023. Totally bonkers, but a mighty coming together of visual art and theatre.
Two local artists based in Donegal Town jump to mind too. FineEye Photography - the most stunning snaps of our mighty county - and McGonigle Glass Studio.
POETRY
Imelda May's A Lick and a Promise, again and again. Imelda is one of my favourite Irish writers. She encapsulates everything that I love about being Irish. An essential book to have in your backpack for an opening or closing night speech.
PODCAST
I’ve been listening a lot to Tell Me A Story with Eddie Lenihan as research for a project at the moment. Eddie really is the seanachaí of the nation. Don’t mess with the faeries.
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THE NEXT BIG THING...
There are some extraordinarily good young Irish actors in our Sweeney Todd rehearsal room at the moment. I’m excited to see what’s ahead for them.
And surely, Donegal for Sam this year?
Séimí Campbell directs Sweeney Todd in Concert at the National Concert Hall on Friday 25th July - find out more here.
