We went backstage at the Abbey Theatre with Caroline Menton
Currently performing on the Peacock Stage at the Abbey Theatre as Kiera in Fair Deal, Caroline Menton chats to IMAGE about the production, life in the arts, and shares her life in culture.
Caroline Menton truly is a rising star on both the stage and screen. Having just played the role of Rachel in RTÉ’s six-part drama The Walsh Sisters—which is based on the books for Marian Keyes—alongside Louisa Harland, Máiréad Tyers, Carrie Crowley and Aidan Quinn, Caroline also appeared as a series regular in All Creatures Great and Small for opposite Samuel West, Nicholas Ralph and Rachel Shenton.
Currently playing the leading role in Fair Deal at the Abbey Theatre, Caroline mesmeric in the role of Kiera, a woman who has taken on the role of carer in this satirical family drama-comedy. The show, written by Una McKevitt and directed by Conall Morrison, charts one last night in the Thornton family home.
The show is twisted, sharp and genuinely laugh-out-loud funny. It’s dark, unexpectedly so, has you in the palm of its hand right up until the lights go up. We got the chance to meet with Caroline backstage at the Abbey ahead of one night’s performance, and her energy was every bit as magnetic off-stage as it is on. Read on for an insight into Caroline’s life in culture.
Was a career in the arts something you always aspired to?
Yes. It was the only thing I’ve ever wanted to do.
How did you venture into becoming an actor?
I did a lot of drama during my time in school and decided I wanted to train, so I packed my bags and moved to London and studied at RADA and Drama Centre.
What goes into bringing a character from the page to the screen or stage?
It really varies depending on the job/character. For me personally I love doing as much research as I possibly can to really give the character substance and make them feel as real as possible.
Tell us about Fair Deal and your role of Kiera.
Fair Deal is a very dark comedy dealing with family and the roles we all play within that construct. How those roles can either limit or liberate us… but at what cost? I love playing Kiera, she takes on the role of the ‘carer’ within the family dynamic and becomes trapped within her circumstances. She is witty, logical and the glue of the Thornton family.
What has the experience been like working with Una McKevitt, Conall Morrison, and your fellow cast members?
I absolutely adore every human on this job. Una is a pure delight and so unbelievably talented, I feel so grateful to play Kiera. Conall is such a meticulous director, everything is so detailed and specific and the work just completely comes to life because of it. He is a joy to work with and so open and generous. The cast are dreamy and we have been having so much fun.
What is the best part of your job?
Honestly, I love people and you meet people from all walks of life in this job and that is something that is so rare and special.
Who is someone you look up to in the world of Irish theatre?
Niamh Cusack, she is sensational.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Playing in our national theatre is pretty high on the list and bringing a Marian Keyes character to life is pretty cool. I am feeling very lucky.
What is one thing you wish everyone knew about working in the arts?
It’s a really tough gig when you’re in-between jobs and trying to maintain your sanity through those periods can be challenging.
What is one piece of advice you would give to someone hoping to have a career in the arts?
Try and keep yourself stimulated and inspired, not just by your chosen field, but by art in every capacity. Try not to put so much pressure on becoming an ‘artist’ when you carve out time for yourself and itch other interests in your life; it actually makes your work richer and takes the pressure off.
Caroline Menton’s life in culture
The last thing I saw and loved… Slow Horses.
The book I keep coming back to… Evening and Weekends by Oisín McKenna.
I find inspiration in… Cooking!
My favourite film is… The Commitments.
The song I listen to to get in the zone is… ‘Norrland’ by Gidge.
The last piece of art I recommended is… I Swear, directed by Kirk Jones.
I never leave the house without… Earphones.
The film I still think about is… The Father by Kenneth Cranham.
My dream role would be… Hedda Gabler.
The best advice I’ve ever gotten… Don’t be a d*ckhead.
The most challenging thing about being on stage is… Keeping it fresh and new every show.
After a show, I… go home and watch reality TV.
If I wasn’t working in the arts, I would be… working in costume or fashion.
The magic of theatre/acting to me is… Every night is so different, the audience are like a new character… you never know what you’re going to get. It’s pure magic.
Editorial photography by David Reiss; Styling by Anna Stapleton; HMU: Sian Duke. Production shots by Ros Kavanagh.
Fair Deal runs on the Peacock Stage at the Abbey Theatre until March 28. Tickets are on sale here.
Also Read
