A Question of Taste: Dawn Bradfield

Dawn Bradfield is from Kilmurry, near Macroom, Co Cork, and stars in the stage adaptation of Louise O’Neill’s novel, Asking For It, which returns to the Everyman in Cork tonight and continues until Saturday, October 5. The play then moves to the Gaiety Theatre in Dublin from Oct 9-26.

Best recent book you’ve read:

Louise O Neill’s Almost Love. I’m a huge fan of Louise’s writing and her ability to draw flawed, unlikeable, difficult, gritty heroines and still make you love them.

Best recent film you’ve seen:

I was blown away by Sarah Greene’s performance in Rosie, below. Harrowing film for our times, showing how a lot of us are only a few paychecks away from poverty and how easily we can slip through the cracks.

Best recent gig:

My best pal Karen brought me to see Adele last year. We both love Adele and she didn’t let us down! Gigs with best pals are the best gigs!

Best piece of music you’ve been listening to lately:

I dusted off my old Joni Mitchell albums recently for a re-listen. Her music, lyrics and voice are sublime and stand the test of time.

First ever piece of music or film that really moved you:

I have never quite gotten over the beautiful sadness of the Cinema Paradiso soundtrack. I was lucky enough to see Ennio Morricone conduct last year, and to hear his music played by a live orchestra was glorious.

The best gig or show you’ve ever seen (if you had to pick one!):

I guess you never get over your first! My first was Nik Kershaw at the City Hall, Cork, when I was 13. I had the snood and the fingerless gloves and everything!

Tell us about your TV viewing:

I’ve never been able to binge on box sets. I like to watch a series, one episode a week and savour each one. I’m currently watching Ricky Gervais’ Afterlife on Netflix and I’m looking forward to watching Dublin Murders in the RTÉ autumn schedule.

Radio listening and/or podcasts:

You can’t beat Joe Duffy for sorting out the problems of the world! And Seán Rocks on Arena for keeping me up to date with what’s on in film and theatre.

Your best celebrity encounter:

I’ve been incredibly lucky in my life to meet and work with some of my heroes. But the day I spotted Marty Morrissey walking past my house, as I tended my front garden, will stay with me forever.

You can portal back to any period of human cultural history or music event — where, when, and why?

If I could portal back and then portal back out again straight after the gig, I think Johnny Cash in San Quentin sounded like a riot... literally!

Acting heroes: Name your three favourite acting performances:

Three amazing actors in three brilliant short films:

Olivia Coleman in The Karman Line;

Clara Harte in The Family Way;

Eileen Walsh in How Was Your Day.

Do you have any interesting ancestors or family?

In 1922 my Grandfather was the postman in Béal na Bláth. On the day Michael Collins was assassinated, he was doing his rounds and he saw the whole thing. I love that story, even if it’s completely made up!

Unsung hero — individual or group you think don’t get the praise they deserve:

Stage managers. I get to go on stage and get the round of applause at the end of the night. But there’s a team back stage, dressing me, helping me, calming me down, making sure I can get up on that stage and do my job. We actors would be lost without stage managers. Clare and Sarah, I’m looking at you!