Meet Aisling O’Mara, the actress embodying Katriona O’Sullivan in the stage adaptation of ‘POOR’
Having just made her Gate Theatre debut in the stage adaptation of POOR, Aisling O’Mara is a sharp theatrical talent that knows how to capture and crystallise the poignancy of a story.
It has just been announced that Sonya Kelly’s adaptation of Katriona O’Sullivan’s powerful memoir, POOR, will return to the Gate Theatre for a limited six-week run in 2026 due to phenomenal demand.
Adapted by Sonya Kelly and directed by Róisín McBrinn, POOR charts Katriona O’Sullivan’s extraordinary journey as she emerges from her childhood in Coventry and Birmingham marked by poverty, addiction and homelessness. Moving to Dublin as a teenager, Poor follows O’Sullivan as she overcomes seemingly insurmountable obstacles to earn a PhD from Trinity College Dublin and inspire a generation through her writing, teaching and speaking.
This unforgettable story is vividly and movingly portrayed through her close relationships with family and friends, and thrums with the music that has resonated through her life.
Aisling O’Mara stars as Katriona, with Hollie Lawlor and Pippa Owens alternating in the role of Younger Katriona. Hilda Fay and Aidan Helly play Katriona’s parents, Tilly and Tony, with Ghalia Conroy, Keiren Hamilton-Amos, Thommas Kane Byrne and Mary Murray playing the ensemble of people that have had such a pivotal impact on O’Sullivan’s life and work.
Was a career in the arts something you always aspired to?
To be honest, I didn’t do great in my Leaving Cert and went to an open day in Bull Alley, saw trainee actors doing a rehearsal and thought I could try that. It wasn’t based on points, it was audition based, so for me that worked.
How did you pursue a career as an actress?
I went to Bull Alley theatre training like many of my peers and afterwards I fell into retail for a few years. I did a lot of living I guess. Then when I was in my mid/late 20s I auditioned for the Lir Academy and was lucky enough to get a place. It was always a feeling I had that I could do it.
Tell us about POOR, and taking on the starring role of Katriona O’Sullivan.
Poor is an adaptation of Katriona’s autobiography of the same name. It’s a harrowing story with pockets of sunshine about the resilience of Katriona coming from poverty, addiction and abandonment. Ultimately, it’s about hope and change.
Was there an added pressure in taking on this role, considering Katriona is involved with the production?
Katriona is heavily involved with the process which is brilliant. I’ve met her several times and we talk regularly. She’s extraordinarily supportive. It’s daunting playing any real person, not added they are still young and kicking. She’s really open for me to ask hard and uncomfortable questions about her life. It’s an incredibly unique moment we are sharing and have built a special relationship now that I feel will last a lifetime.
What goes into taking a character from the page and translating it to the screen or stage?
Loads. It takes a village. The adaptation for the stage is written by the über talented Sonya Kelly. She’s built this world where all the monumental moments in Katriona’s life come alive quite effortlessly. This is all at the wheel of our brilliant director Róisín McBrinn, her vision is really beautiful and understood.
Themes of addiction, sexual assault, drug use, and domestic violence surface in the memoir. How have they been approached in the stage adaptation?
With empathy. No judgement. We are there to understand and tell the story from all angles.
What is the best part of your job?
Getting to embody such an iconic person. Katriona’s need and want for change is outstanding. And she doesn’t just talk about it, she does it. She’s a huge advocate for the working class and women.
Who is someone you look up to in the world of Irish theatre?
So many, Derbhle Crotty is a big hero of mine that I have watched numerous times. Her power and truth is mesmerising. There’s also Hilda Fay who is in Poor as well. I’ve always admired how she embodies so much, she is that character to the fingertips. Aislín McGuckin is incredibly versatile. I still think about her performance in Come on Home.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
A film I was in last year is set to release this month called Blue Moon, directed by Richard Linklater. It stars Ethan Hawk, Andrew Scott and Marget Qually. It turned into a dream job watching this level of talent work, and getting to work with them was very special.
What is one thing you wish everyone knew about working in the arts?
The people, they are fantastic.
What is one piece of advice you would give to someone hoping to have a career in the arts?
See as much work as you possibly can, in all genres. It’s incredibly important. Get to know what makes you think, feel and what is memorable and why.
Aisling O’Mara’s life in culture
The last thing I saw and loved… A Misanthrope in Smock Alley by a new theatre company called SugarGlass. It was so sexy and stylish, their work is very exciting.
The book I keep coming back to… Poor by Katriona O Sullivan (had to be done) and Watermelon by Marian Keyes.
I find inspiration in… Music, I listen to a lot of music. I constantly have the radio on.
My favourite film is… Beaches. If you don’t know it, you should.
The song I listen to to get in the zone is… ‘Cold Little Heart’ by Michael Kiwanuka.
The last show I recommended is… Come on Home, by Phillip McMahon.
I never leave the house without… Earphones.
The performance I still think about is… Rebecca O’Mara in Helen and I. Outstanding
My dream job would be… Playing Mary Robinson in a feature film.
The best advice I’ve ever gotten… Remember it’s magic.
The art that means the most to me is… Seeing Christy Moore live. His storytelling. Our history all in one.
The most challenging thing about being on stage is… Childcare.
After a show, I… Breathe.
If I wasn’t working in the arts, I would be… I think I’d be a stylist.
The magic of theatre to me is… That moment when the audience gasp, or when you can hear a pin drop.
Photography by Ste Murray.
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