Aoibhinn McGinnity is best known for playing Trish in Love/Hate but this Christmas she is turning her hand to a new (more festive) role.
That’s right, she will be taking to the stage alongside Ben Forster at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre next month as Jovie in ELF, The Musical.
We caught up with the actress to talk about auditioning for the part and being part of the biggest show in Ireland…
Getting the part
It was a bit flukey because I was coming here to see a show and mentioned that I did musical theatre in college so a meeting was set up. After getting some singing lessons, I went to London for the audition. A day later, I found out that I got the part. So it was a really flukey story, one of those ones that you hear and say ‘that never happens’, but it actually happened! It’s kind of amazing and I’m really happy.
Living up to the film
I think it’s better to just focus on the task at hand because you can’t worry about all those other things that you have no control over. I’ve got so much trust in Ben (Forster – who plays Elf), the producers, the director, the music and the script, so that’s a lot of boxes ticked already. The rest is up to me but I think getting overwhelmed by the pressure that is Elf isn’t going to do anybody any good. It will help us if we put a good spin on it.
Aiobhinn alongside her co-star Ben Forster.
Performing in Ireland
Broadway, where the show has already been tried out and is a success, is amazing but we’ve a different humour here so we have to respect what’s written in the film and what’s already been adapted for stage but put our own spin on it. We have to keep to what’s been done but also put our stamp on it which should be fun.
Being on stage again
It’s just a different craft but it’s one that is equally as important and something that I’ve been doing for longer than I’ve been screen acting. It’s slightly more nerve-wracking but I’m also very comfortable up there. I trust myself up there. Of course there will be opening night nerves and all that jazz but once you get into a routine, it’s grand. It’s important to have fun as well.
The success of Love/Hate
I don’t think anybody expected it! This year and last year, we had to get security on set. Flocks of school kids would come to the set, looking to get a glimpse of Nidge. Crazy stuff like that is hard to believe but luckily I’m normally indoors so it doesn’t distract me that much. It’s phenomenal but you just have no time to stop and take it in because we have so little time when we’re filming. It’s nice to be a part of it though.
The actress is best known for playing Trish in Love/Hate.
Her favourite Christmas movie
I like The Wizard of Oz even though it’s not a Christmas movie. I like the old-fashioned ones but I also like Home Alone. A lot of the new ones just copy the old ones but it’s still all about sitting beside the fire surrounded by family and friends.
ELF, The Musical in three words
Funny… em… festive and… I have to get another ‘f’ now… fabulous!
ELF, The Musical is playing at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre from December 16th 2014 to January 10th 2015. Tickets are on sale now. For more information, check out the website or go to Ticketmaster.
