Person to Person: Jack Healy stars in a new production

Tell us about yourself;

I am a Cork-based theatre maker. I have lived in Cork since I came here to go to college in 1977. I took my first acting role in the early ’80s and have worked in all areas of the theatre in the intervening years.

Where were you born?

Roscrea, Co. Tipperary.

Where do you live?

In the St Luke’s area of Cork city.

Family?

I come from a family of seven (one died in infancy). I am married (to Ita) and we have one daughter, Fiona.

Best friend?

I am blessed with a plethora of brilliant and loving friends. When I came to Cork in 1977, the first new person that I met was Mr John Talty. He has been like my guardian angel in the intervening years.

Earliest childhood memory?

1963. My family had moved to the town of Fethard in south Tipperary. I was three. Everything about that time I . JFK was shot in November of that year. I a big crowd outside the window of the shop that sold the TVs, watching footage of the funeral.

Where was your most memorable holiday?

Pazenas, south of with family!

Favourite TV programme?

Frasier.

Favourite radio show?

Anything on Lyric.

Your signature dish if cooking?

Pasta!

Favourite restaurant?

Issacs Cork, which is our go-to place. Café Paradiso where we go less often.

Last book you read?

Songs For A Burning City by my great friend Mr Ger Fitzgibbon.

Best book you read?

War And Peace.

Last album/CD/ you bought?

Just Another Diamond Day by Vashti Bunyan.

Favourite song?

Penny Lane.

One person you would like to see in concert?

Mozart.

Do you have a pet?

No.

Morning person or night owl?

Oddly, both!

Your proudest moment?

Several, all associated with my daughter’s (Fiona) achievements.

Spendthrift or saver?

Spendthrift (if I had money!).

Name one thing you would improve in your area in which you live?

Nothing. It’s perfect!!

What makes you happy?

Being with family, especially my grandchildren.

How would you like to be ed?

As a helpful person who brought a bit of joy into the world.

What else are you up to at the moment?

I teach acting classes at UCC. I am writing a book about acting called Acting In A Cosmic Context.

CURRENT PLAY

Fight2Flight Theatre present: Declan’s Got Talent by Peter Gowen.

Declan lives on his own, but he is not alone. He wants to prove to himself and his constant companion that he has got what it takes. After years of suffering from a lack of confidence, he’s decided to “Go for it!”

Fight2Flight Theatre’s latest offering is a new dark comedy for two actors by Peter Gowen. We see Declan trying to prepare for his audition on a talent show, but there is someone else there. And as Declan tries to silence this other voice, we are dragged back into east Cork/west Waterford in the late 1960s. We follow Declan attempting to enter the Church, cope with his infatuations, and watch him triumph.

Declan’s Got Talent, starring Peter Gowen and Jack Healy, received its world premiere at the newly re-opened Briery Gap, Macroom before touring Ireland for three weeks, with a final night at The Palace, Fermoy.

It will be also revived in January, 2025, at Smock Alley as part of First Fortnight Festival.

Declan’s Got Talent is ed by Cork and Waterford County Councils and First Fortnight Festival.

TOURING INFORMATION

THE GLENS, Manorhamilton, Wednesday Nov 6, 8pm

BALLINA ARTS, Thursday Nov 7, 8pm

BALLYDUFF, Waterford, Friday Nov 8, 8pm

St DECLAN’S HALL, Ardmore, Saturday Nov 9, 8pm

KILL COMMUNITY HALL, Sunday Nov 10, 8pm

St JOHN’S, Listowel, Thursday Nov 14, 8pm

SKIBBEREEN TOWN HALL, Friday Nov 15, 8pm

FERMOY, Saturday Nov 16, 8pm

For more see http://fight2flight.com/