Actor, dancer and singer Ghaliah Conroy is currently appearing as one of the Street Urchins in Little Shop of Horrors at Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, and took the time to chat with us about life working in the arts, acting inspirations, and post-performance rituals.
The first-ever Irish production of the beloved Broadway musical Little Shop of Horrors is currently underway at Bord Gáis Energy Theatre — and it features an entirely Irish cast and creative team.
Among the incredible cast is actor, dancer and singer Ghalia Conroy, a woman who has recently garnered acclaim for her versatile stage performances, most notably on the national tour of HOTHOUSE by Carys D. Coburn with Malaprop Theatre, directed by Claire O’Reilly.
Ghalia also appeared at The Lyric Theatre Belfast in a striking dual role as Lady Anne and Richmond in Richard III. Other recent credits include her portrayal of Bridie Sweeney in Emma Donoghue’s The Pull of the Stars at The Gate Theatre Dublin, and Annie Flinter in HAMMAM with ANU Productions, an Abbey co-production directed by Louise Lowe on the Peacock stage.
Was a career in the theatre something you always aspired to?
I had never thought of being an actor when I was younger; my first love was Irish dancing. I competed a lot growing up and was obsessed. I always thought I would do it professionally, so I guess I’ve always wanted to perform in some capacity.
I left Irish dancing when I was 16, as it had become quite a toxic environment and then moved into contemporary dance. I went on to study Contemporary Dance and Choreography in the Netherlands. It was a really tough course but amazing training and some of the most transformative years of my life. I came back to Ireland and the work just snowballed from there.
How do you go about taking a story or character from the page and bringing it to life on the stage?
I think my dance training informs a lot of how I find a character. Music and movement are a big part of my process in bringing a character to life. I begin by making playlists for them and then finding their physicality. Also, a lot of writing.
Tell us about Little Shop of Horrors, and your role as one of the Street Urchins.
Little Shop of Horrors is a wacky, satirical black comedy set in a florist’s shop on Skid Row. The Street Urchins are a trio who almost act as the Greek Chorus, overseeing and interacting with the story. They’re bold, brave and a ball of energy throughout the show.
How would you describe the show for someone who’s never seen it before?
It’s a really fun show and doesn’t take itself too seriously.
What has the reaction been like so far?
It has been incredible. It’s my first musical, so I’ve never experienced a crowd like this. They’re so generous and enthusiastic.
Who is someone you look up to in the world of Irish theatre?
Amanda Coogan. I have never seen a performer like her; everything stops when she’s onstage. She has a way of commanding the space which is so powerful.
What is one thing you wish everyone knew about working in theatre?
The glamour is minimal.
What is one piece of advice you would give to someone hoping to have a career in the arts?
Take the work seriously, but not yourself. Also, there’s no rush. Good things take time!
Ghaliah Conroy’s life in culture
The last thing I saw and loved… A friend brought me to see The Piano Teacher in the IFI the other week. I’d never seen it before and haven’t stopped thinking of Isabelle Huppert’s performance since.
The book I keep coming back to… Open Water by Caleb Azumah Nelson.
I find inspiration in… Art. Kerry James Marshall is a painter who constantly inspires me.
My favourite film is… Spirited Away and All About Eve.
My career highlight is… Being part of ANU productions HAMMAM in the Peacock Theatre. The combination of working with Louise Lowe and the stellar cast and crew will be a hard one to beat.
The song I listen to to get in the zone is… I have two moods: ‘Go Dig My Grave’ by Lankum and ‘Losing You’ by Solange.
The last film I recommended is… The film Love Lies Bleeding.
The performance I still think about is… A dance piece I saw in Amsterdam by a Brazilian company, Grupo Cena 11. It was like nothing I’ve ever seen before.
My dream role would be… Anything with good people. But a real dream would be to play Billie Holiday.
The art that means the most to me is… Anything by Nina Simone.
My favourite moment in this show is… The opening number. It’s just us three street urchins, and it’s such an energetic song. It sets the tone for the whole show.
The most challenging thing about being on stage is… The nerves!
After a show, I… Have a glass of wine and a hot shower.
If I wasn’t an actor, I… would love to make films or go into social care.
The magic of acting to me is… Stepping into someone else’s world and telling their story.
Little Shop of Horrors runs at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre until August 9, tickets are available here.
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