My cultural life: Actress Mary Murray

Mary Murray. Picture by Justin Melia

Lucy White

April 10 2022 02:30 AM

The Dubliner is a familiar face on stage and screen (Love/Hate, Adam & Paul), and stars in Fishamble’s OUTRAGE playing online from Thursday until April 23.

TV: The Morning Show
I’m watching season two of Sky Atlantic’s Succession at the moment. The scripts and performances are outstanding, but nothing will ever top The Morning Show on Apple TV, with Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon and Steve Carell. I always knew Jennifer Aniston was incredibly talented but nothing prepared me for the virtuosity she displayed in this. She is sensational. Mare of Easttown is another brilliant production – Kate Winslet is phenomenal. We’re so lucky to get to watch such high quality drama these days from the comfort of our own homes.

Book: The 13th Apostle
Over the past few weeks as research into the mindset of the Irish nation in the early 20th century, I read: The 13th Apostle by Dermot McEvoy, Wounds by Fergal Keane, 1916 and 1921, both by Morgan Llywelyn, and A Star Called Henry by Roddy Doyle. They were so informative and entertaining. I find when I explore opposing characters with differing struggles and ambitions, my decisions as an actor become much more instinctive. I develop an expansive viewpoint about living conditions, prejudices, etc, so I seem to slip into the role unconsciously.

Audio: Sinéad O'Connor
I’m listening to Rememberings, an audiobook memoir written and read by Sinéad O’Connor. We’ve always known her as a tortured artist with a unique gift but to understand her take on the world from her own lips is a true gift. She’s so eloquent, deeply emotional and only truly herself when she’s on stage. I’ve never seen her live but I imagine she would be mesmerising.

Comedy: Patser Murray
I’m looking forward to seeing my brother Patser Murray at The Laughter Lounge. He’s a very funny stand-up comedian and back on the circuit doing what he does best. It was a long hard slog for him throughout the lockdown. Online comedy without a live audience was difficult to make an impact. I am so glad things are getting back to normal now.