Mark O’Regan: Don’t sweat the small stuff

Mark O’Regan as John Twohig in Lennox Robinson’s Drama at Inish at the Abbey Theatre. Image by Ros Kavanagh

Actor Mark O’Regan has worked in Irish theatre, television and film for over 30 years. He recently appeared as Laman Griffin in Angela’s Ashes the Musical and as Frank in Blood opposite Adrian Dunbar on Virgin Media One. Currently on stage at the Abbey Theatre in Lennox Robinson’s comedy Drama at Inish, he shares his motivations and hopes for the future with ALHAUS magazine.

Tell us about your character in Drama at Inish.

I play John Twohig, a small hotel owner in a seaside town somewhere in East Cork. He’s a bit of a wheeler dealer with a finger in many pies and a hold over the sitting TD.

Does your performance change over the course of a show?

Most definitely. It usually takes me about two weeks of performance to understand every aspect of my character and how he relates to an audience.

How do you prepare before a show?

I look over my scenes in the dressing room every evening before the show. You want to eliminate any possible error – for me it’s all about the precision. I also try to get to the gym three times a week.

Name a challenge you've faced during this play.

I was lucky to work with director Cal McCrystal, a comedy specialist; he helped us with all the stage gags, some of which require expert timing.

High points of the experience?

I’m working with a lot of young actors on this show and they’re great fun and a very talented group of people.

Do you have any golden rules for life?

Don’t sweat the small stuff—we’re only passing through.

Mark O’Regan as John Twohig in Lennox Robinson’s Drama at Inish at the Abbey Theatre. Images by Ros Kavanagh

What do you do to relax?

I visit the National Concert Hall as often as I can and I also play cricket with the Theatrical Cavaliers during the summer.

Favourite place you visited in 2019?

I visited the ancient amphitheatre at Epidaurus in Greece last July to see a production of Oedipus, which was amazing. It was built in the 4th century BC but it’s still used as a performance space and the acoustics are incredible.

The meal you enjoyed most in 2019?

I like Bastible on South Circular Road. It rarely disappoints and the food is delicious.

Did you read a book last year you can recommend?

I really enjoyed the Elton John autobiography – full of hilarious anecdotes across an extraordinary career in showbiz.

Favourite product or brand of 2019?

I put a deposit on a Brompton E-bike and am looking forward to its arrival soon.

Most exciting moment of 2019?

Watching golfer Shane Lowry win the British Open.

Any new and exciting projects on the horizon for 2020? General hopes?

My daughter and I have significant birthdays this year so we’re looking to have a joint celebration in the spring.

Mark O’Regan as John Twohig in Lennox Robinson’s Drama at Inish at the Abbey Theatre. Image by Malcolm McGettigan

Drama at Inish runs until 25 January 2020 on the Abbey Stage in Dublin, with its very first historic premiere back in 1933. This new production takes Lennox Robinson’s brilliant farce into 1960s Ireland and features some of Ireland’s best-loved actors, including Nick Dunning, Breffni Holahan, Marcus Lamb, Aoibhinn McGinnity, Anthony Moriarty, Helen Norton, Marion O'Dwyer and Mark O’Regan. Drama at Inish is directed by Belfast-born director Cal McCrystal, in his debut at the Abbey Theatre.

Booking: abbeytheatre.ie or call 01 87 87 222 @abbeytheatredublin