Shape I’m In: Jacinta Whyte
“There have been great Irish productions, but, sadly, not enough of them to make a living. Youngsters need to make the move to London, if they want to have a full-time professional career in musicals. In Britain, there’s the West End, touring productions and repertory theatre.
“The talent showcased on RTE’s Fame The Musical (2010) was fabulous. Sarah O’Connor and Jessica Cervi are now in London, in The Commitments. Many other from the series are either at drama school or now pursuing a career in theatre, having made the move to London.”
It’s advice she has followed herself, with a jam-packed schedule performing all over the world. She is currently onboard the Queen Mary, Cunard’s flagship floating hotel, performing in her own show. Married to Stephen Hill, a musical director and orchestral manager, the couple live outside London with their son, Callum.
Not too bad, considering how much I love food and dislike the gym but, of course, I’m always wishing I were a few pounds lighter.
Thankfully, I don’t. I have to watch I don’t get stressed or I have terrible nosebleeds. Otherwise, it’s just general wear and tear, from hurling myself around various stages for years in my youth: jumping from barricades in Les Mis, damaging my knee in the process. I also tore muscles in my back in Blood Brothers, ending up in a back brace while continuing to work.
I drink gallons of still water. I love brown rice, veg, salads, sushi, chicken and fish. Recently, I had to go gluten-free and I’m feeling much healthier. Unfortunately, I’ve discovered gluten-free blueberry muffins, so am eating a few too many of those.
Champagne or Prosecco, with a bar of white vanilla bean chocolate. A glass of Grey Goose vodka and crisps after a late-night gig as a treat, and curries — I love curries!
I’m awake most of the night when I’ve an early flight to catch somewhere the next day. I’ll also worry all-night long if any of my family are ill or going through a tough time.
I love yoga and couldn’t live without it. I try to do three classes a week. It’s so good to stretch out and, for that one hour, I don’t think about work, Tesco or what’s for dinner that night. I also love DVD-and-pizza nights with my hubby and son. Or, girly nights out and putting the world to rights, with a giggle, are one of the best ways to relax.
Stephen. I love his conversation and we still laugh after 21 years together. My Nana Cissie, who I lost when I was about nine years old. She’d take me shopping most Saturdays, always buying me presents. She worked in the Elite cafe, on O’Connell St, Dublin, and would make my sister, Paula, and I enormous knickerbocker glories when we went in. Judy Garland would be there. I’d love to hear her stories and hear her sing in person. Martin Luther King — I’ve had a long-time fascination with him and Nelson Mandela, too. Billie Barry, we’ve just lost her, for one more chat... And several close friends I don’t see often enough.
Freesias, roast dinners, the freshness after summer rain and the smell of hot summer evenings in London.
I’d love longer legs and thinner thighs. There, I’ve said it!
I cried for a week when Billie Barry passed away. She was my childhood stage-school teacher and friend. She guided and guarded me.
I can’t bear arrogance and selfishness.
I can get angry very quickly and have a tendency to fly off the handle too fast.
Yes.
I love when my son comes home from school every day. It always cheers me up, and unexpected bouquets of flowers. That’s always lovely and puts a smile on my face.
