Fair City star Ryan Andrews is enjoying the buzz of getting back on stage and performing in front of live audiences after the Covid-19 lockdown.
Ryan's been a regular of the panto scene for many years - but restrictions meant he wasn't able to give the general public a traditional Christmas and New Year treat.
But as things got back to normal for this festive season, he's back up and running amok in Olly, Polly and the Beanstalk at Dublin's 3Olympia theatre.
As well as Fair City - where he plays Sean Cassidy - he's also recently reached Base Camp of Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world, and participated on Celebrity Hell Week.
But that's nothing compared to the roar of the greasepaint and the smell of the crowd that comes with performing live. Particularly when it's in a pantomime.
Olly, Polly and the Beanstalk still has a few nights left in its run at the 3Olympia, so we caught up with Ryan for a quick chat to see how it's all going.
John Byrne: The annual panto had to close its doors to the public in December 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic, What’s it like being back on stage once again?
Ryan Andrews: It’s the most amazing feeling stepping back on the stage. This is more than just a tradition - this is part of who we are here at the 3Olympia Panto.
Stepping on stage for the first time in over two years made us realize how much we really really need pantomime in Dublin and in particular the 3 Olympia pantomime. We love it and it’s a better reaction than we’ve ever got in more than 17 years of panto and we can’t wait to keep smashing things on stage.
How has this particular show gone so far for you?
Olly Polly and the Beanstalk has been absolutely incredible!
Packed houses and lots of smiling faces and you can see children from three years of age and family members right up to their nineties all enjoying themselves, laughing singing and clapping along.
That’s what panto is all about! It’s gone so well and we don't want this feeling to ever end.
But end it must! Are there any plans for 2023 that you can tell us about?
The start of 2023 is very exciting. I’m very much looking forward to seeing how this year unfolds and what happens. I’m all about taking new opportunities and new experiences and making the most of them.
I will of course be getting married in July and I think that will be a massive goal and something to look forward to but other than that I’m excited to see what’s around the corner, so bring on 2023!
Olly Polly and the Beanstalk continues at Dublin’s 3Olympia theatre until January 8.
