With Jimmy's Hall out now on DVD, star Simone Kirby tells RTÉ TEN's Harry Guerin about working with legendary director Ken Loach.
Harry Guerin: What was the biggest eye-opener for you working with Ken Loach on Jimmy's Hall?
Simone Kirby: His way of working was so enjoyable. To shoot in sequence is unfortunately very rare, but so helpful for actors. And off-camera: not having trailers, all the actors hanging out in a marquee together was great fun, and much more conducive to an onscreen sense of community.
Which was the bigger draw for you with Jimmy's Hall: the social commentary in the film or the dynamics of a forbidden love?
We didn't have a script, or much information at all, so I was simply drawn to the idea of working with Ken.
There's wonderful chemistry in the film between yourself and Barry Ward, who plays Jimmy. Did you know before the cameras started rolling, 'This is going to work'?
You never know what's going to work for an audience, and I'm glad it did, but I knew it would be fun at least. I've known Barry for a few years, and he's a dream to work with. He is very open and easygoing, and talented to boot.
Were there particular stories or people that inspired how you played Oonagh in Jimmy's Hall?
My grandmothers. They were the closest I could imagine to Oonagh; women in the 1930s, living in small farming communities in the west of Ireland.
One of the striking things about the film is how Ken Loach managed to get so many untrained actors to appear so relaxed and natural. Was Jimmy's Hall one of your most enjoyable experiences working in Ireland?
Absolutely. He makes everyone feel like they belong, and that their contribution is valued. And that atmosphere brings out the best out in people, on and off-screen. Everyone needs to feel supported, whether you're experienced or not.
How did you find the whole experience of bringing the film to Cannes?
It was very exciting. It's not a normal week is it; having designer clothes and jewellery, and whizzed from place to place in big cars, your make-up and hair done and all that craic? It's particularly nice when you have perspective on it, when it's not the norm.
What's coming up next for you?
Well I'm currently shooting Alice Through the Looking Glass, the sequel to Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland. It's great fun. And myself and PJ Gallagher are hoping to do something together again, perhaps staying close to [RTÉ series] Meet Your Neighbours. We always have great craic working together.
