Norma Sheahan: It’s tricky finding dance floors as you get older

The Cork actress talks life lessons and why most of her heroes are from Cork

Norma Sheahan on her upcoming show Shirley Valentine which takes place on September 24 in Cork Operahouse.

A familiar face on the Irish stage and screen, actress Norma Sheahan will be treading the boards as Shirley Valentine at Cork Opera House on October 7.

It’s the last show of the tour for the Cork native.

“I love Shirley - she’s a rock, and she talks to The Rock, but it’s a Greek rock, so it doesn’t understand a word she’s saying,” she laughs.

The Dublin-based actor has an impressive CV, which includes roles in The Clinic, Moone Boy, and Bridget & Eamon. And she is gearing up for her next project, a stage show called 60 Is The New 40.

How do you keep fit?

I only sit down when I’m driving. I also walk the pier in Dún Laoghaire a lot because it’s near the house. I love yoga, but I don’t practise it often enough, I’ll jog 5km the odd time. I cycle the 10km to the city sometimes to work.

Do you have a morning routine?

No, every day is different.

What is one thing you do every day?

I start the day with a pint or two of water, or herbal tea, or ginger water, etc.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

My supplements include spirulina, vitamin C, probiotics, and fish oil. My extra healthy foods would be some of the yeast killers that help the good bacteria in the gut: Ginger, garlic, onion, leek, cinnamon, oregano, and turmeric.

What are your guiltiest pleasures?

Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate. I also love bubbly, whiskey, crisps, and sugary cereal clusters.

What keeps you awake at night?

Nothing. If you’re tired enough and have worked physically and mentally all day, you’ll sleep soundly. When I have the odd issue, I get up and structure my gripes or solutions in an email. 

Alternatively, I flick the issue into the sky and tell my dead relatives to sort it out.

How do you relax?

I walk and talk with a friend. Or dance my ass off. It’s tricky finding dance floors as you get older.

Who are your sporting heroes?

I take my hat off to all athletes for their commitment. My list is a bit Cork-heavy: Valerie Mulcahy, Davy Russell, Roy Keane, and Ronan O’Gara.

What is your favourite smell?

Lavender, and it calms me too.

Norma is gearing up for her next project, a stage show called 60 is the new 40. Picture: Larry Cummins

When was the last time you cried?

We buried a true hero in Whitechurch, Co Cork, a few weeks ago — my Uncle Liam Sheahan. 

There were five hours of handshakes from people he’d helped throughout his life. This wise, kind man was also my godfather.

What is the best health advice you’ve ever been given?

My mother always said, “It’s not hard to die when you know you’ve lived”.

What traits do you least like in others?

Being mean or unkind or looking down on others.

What traits do you least like about yourself?

Sometimes I try to be funny, and I probably just insult people.

Do you pray?

No, because the words in the prayers don’t make sense to me. But I do believe in energy, and I do talk to my dead relatives.

What cheers you up if you’re having a bad day?

I’ve great sisters and friends, but I usually try to cheer myself up. I just decide to shake it off.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

I find celebrities fierce awkward, so it would be a nightmare dinner party. The dream party would be an open invite to 200 friends and family. 

Only 60 would turn up if you look at the stats on cancellations. A bit of a bop, bubbles, and bites.

Has climate change impacted on how you live your life?

Not yet, but I need to cop on. Are we about to combust?

What quote inspires you most and why?

“If you’ve nothing to say, shut up. If you’ve a talent and don’t use it, it’s a sin.”

Where is your favourite place in the world?

You could be miserable in the Maldives or ecstatic in a mucky bog, so I think you have to be in a good place yourself, and then locations might be an added bonus. 

I do like living by the sea. It’s peaceful here.