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Kirby Enthusiasm
29 Sep 2014 : Paul Byrne
This may be her busiest year yet - what with Jimmy’s Hall, Love/Hate, Peaky Blinders and working with Johnny Depp - but Irish actress Simone Kirby managed to find time to talk with IFTN.

Irish actress Simone Kirby has played Ophelia in Stephen Cavanagh’s 2005 Hamlet adaptation, and the fiesty, Fenian Oonah in Ken Loach’s Jimmy’s Hall. And, begorrah, she’s held her own, rather beautifully, in the likes of Pure Mule, Peaky Blinders and Love/Hate. She's currently starring opposite Johnny Depp in the upcoming Alice In Wonderland sequel, Through The Looking Glass.

With the arrival this week on DVD of Jimmy’s Hall - Loach’s true-life tale of Irishman Jimmy Gralton [played by Barry Ward] being the only Irishman to be deported from this country without a trial back in those Red menace days of the 1930s - we talked to Kirby.

PAUL BYRNE: Loach is one of the icons of modern cinema, as distinctive as Woody Allen, Martin Scorsese or Mike Leigh in not only his work but his working methods too - feel the need to study the man and his methods before signing on to play Oonagh?

KIRBY: I spoke to my friend Orla Fitzgerald who had worked with him on The Wind That Shakes the Barley, and she described his working method. And what you quickly realise is that there is only so much you can do to prepare. You don't get a script, so ultimately you have to be comfortable enough to relinquish control and go with your instincts in the moment.

I know Barry Ward read up on his politics for Jimmy’s Hall - how about you?

Ken recommended a book by Liz Curtis, The Cause of Ireland, which was a good way to get my head into the politics of the time. Then we had some history lectures with Donal O’Drisceoil, and we visited Jimmy Gralton's homestead and spoke with his family. We also set up some political debates to get into the swing of things. Everyone was well versed by the time filming started.

There’s a distinct lack of Bord Failte when it comes to Ken Loach’s take on Ireland, even if there is beauty there. Trust him completely, or did you find your own authenticity for Oonagh?

Ken and Paul know their stuff, so I absolutely trust their storytelling. When it came to Oonagh I would say its Ken who put his trust in me. He casts very carefully. You have to bring your own authenticity to your character because he can't do that for you. Whenever I felt something wasn't quite accurate they were very open. Oonagh wasn't initially in the Church scene, but I felt that a mother in those times would bring her children to mass; even if she was a free thinker. So they brought my family back in for another days filming.

Were there movie references suggested? Did you have any in mind?

Not at all. Ken is very much inspired by life, not other movies, so there was no suggestions made at all. The closest we came to was watching a documentary RTE made years ago with the Gralton family. Never aired unfortunately.

Your Spotlight profile reveals much, but not your beginnings. Where were you born, and what sparked this heartbreaking, head-wrecking career choice?

Born and bred in Ennis. I have no feckin’ idea what possessed me to choose this career. The best answer I can grapple is that it chose me. I just love telling stories, and have always been drawn to that. May I quote Lady Gaga? Nah, let's not.

Mind you, your head and heart must be feeling pretty good of late, with Peaky Blinders returning, alongside Love/Hate, whilst you’re currently shooting the Alice In Wonderland sequel. Have you had time to pinch yourself of late?

I have sore arms from pinching myself. Its such a tricky career to navigate so when times are good you have to be very grateful.

How the shoot is going on the prequel to Alice in Wonderland?

The shoot is going very well thanks. I’ve only started on it, but it’s fun. It’s Wonderland, so it’s got to be. The whole 3D, bluescreen thing couldn't be more different from a Loach set, and has its own challenges. Keeps me on my toes. It's exciting.

Can you tell us anything about your character in the movie, Tyva Hightopp?

She's the Mad Hatters mother. Other than that I'm shtum.

You’ve written and directed, on the Comedy Fringe, and you contributed to Meet Your Neighbours in 2011 - have you got aspirations to work behind the camera?

Well the writing is an ongoing thing; I’m talking with PJ Gallagher about another TV show at the moment. Directing..? Not so much. I think it'd bore my pants off to be honest. I'd probably push the actors to one side and be like "THIS is how you do it!" Nightmare.

I see that you’re a qualified massage therapist - Plan B?

Well brain surgery is Plan B but I’m still working on the qualification. Massage is a hobby; I love it. It was a short course, but I'd like to learn more. It’s important to have other interests, and to be able to see yourself doing other things. I'm always imagining myself giving it all up to do something else. The same way someone at their computer probably imagines being an actor. Daydreaming, despite what the school reports say, is a great thing.

Where to next? Tempted by theatre still, or has film got its claws in you now?

I am really enjoying being on sets, doing something different every day. There are things about doing film that make life a bit easier. You get to see your family more. But I also love doing theatre, particularly miss the rehearsal room, where you build the world a bit more every day. There's a wonderful camaraderie with theatre. Still, though.... Do I have to choose?

Jimmy’s Hall is out on DVD now. Alice In Wonderland: Through The Looking Glass will be out May 27th, 2016.



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