Saturday with Nanny Nellie: It's hard work being this glamourous, darling!

Cork panto icon Nanny Nellie, aka Frank Mackey, stars in Cork Opera House's production of Cinderella.

Frank Mackey as Nanny Nellie in Cinderella at Cork Opera House. Picture: Shane Horan

11.00

I’m up at the crack of dawn! I get up at about 11am if I’m feeling really ambitious. On a Sunday though I might just stay in bed until the cow comes home — that’s what we call Denise next door — slamming that front door of hers at all hours!

The first thing I do is I look in the mirror and say: ‘Who is that glorious creature?’ Then I throw on a little sparkle and check my eyelashes (they’ve got to be just right) — you can’t start the day without glamour, darling!

I hate housework — you make the beds, do the dishes, clean the windows and six months later you start all over again.

I’ve got such a workout routine! I start the day with a long stretch, like I’m on a beach in Barbados. After that I lift the teapot, I lift the spoon… that’s the extent of my exercise for the day. I have flabby thighs but fortunately my lovely tummy covers them.

If God wanted me to bend over he would have put diamonds on the floor!

12.00

I’ll go for brunch. Who has time for breakfast when you’ve got to flaunt yourself? I’ll have eggs benedict, a cheeky glass of champagne, and then a pastry, because carbs are my best friend.

Of course I work on the weekend — I’m a professional after all. The schedule is simple: mornings are for beauty and breakfast, midday is for rehearsal, and evenings are all about fabulous performances and being adored by my fans. It’s hard work being this glamorous, darling!

I’m not really one for getting out in nature. A quick stroll in Fitzgerald Park to get some fresh air would be about it — gardening for me extends to the bouquets of flowers that decorate my living room.

Cinderella played by Megan Pottinger and Nanny Nellie played by Frank Mackey in a scene from the annual Christmas Panto, Cinderella at the Opera House, Cork. Picture: David Creedon

14.00

I don’t really eat lunch, but if I must, it’s a light affair... perhaps a lovely salad or maybe a tiny sandwich… or let’s be real, probably some Tayto, a handful of Celebrations and a glass of champagne — it is Christmas after all!

If I’m not working (which I usually am) an ideal Saturday would involve a little shopping to show off, then a decadent lunch with friends with lots of laughs, lots of food and a lot of gossip. Then, a fabulous afternoon with sparkling performances, followed by a night out in town.

I don’t generally get to see my family at the weekend — Cork Prison doesn’t allow visitors then but I always make time for friends — they know how to throw a party!

I love a good plan but I also live for the surprise! One minute I’ll be heading to a posh lunch, the next I’m in a disco in the middle of nowhere. You’ve got to keep life exciting, don’t you? And I do love to boogie!

16.00

Late afternoon is tea time, isn’t it? A nice cup of Barry’s, one or two biscuits — packets that is — then I might go for a little stroll down Pana to show off my new shoes and stop into Guineys for a new fur thong.

18.00

I like both going out for dinner but also staying in. I love going out to a nice restaurant where I can make a grand entrance but there’s something about staying in, popping on my fluffiest slippers and cosiest pyjamas and ordering a takeaway that really gets me. Bliss!

Nanny Nellie. Pic: Fotoware

20.00

I’m a complete social butterfly! I love a good gig — especially if there’s a rock star to flirt with. I love the glamour of the cinema but clubs, darling, I live for clubs!

I have thousands of people who want to be in my fabulous orbit. But sometimes it’s nice to have a quiet night in, with a small entourage of course. Just to recharge.

My perfect Saturday would be spent at the Cork Opera House of course! Kicking back with the cast and crew between shows and hearing the roar of my adoring fans as I take to the stage gets me going like nothing else can.

00.00

I like to unwind after a long day’s work by getting into a bubble bath, pouring myself a large glass of… sparkling water and listening to some classical music — the kind where the violins make me feel like I’m in a movie. Oh, it’s bliss,.

01.00

I’ll get into my silk sheets around 1am and drift off with a smile on my face, knowing I’ve been absolutely fabulous. I sleep like a queen dreaming of my next big performance!

• Join Nanny Nellie, Cinderella and a host of lovable companions in at this year’s Cork Opera House panto, running until January 19, 2025. Tickets from €25. Family passes from €145. See corkoperahouse.ie.