Mamma Mia! Megan can’t wait for musicals and making travel plans

A member of Portrush’s award-winning Ballywillan Drama Group, Megan answers our questions...

Q. What is your favourite song/album and why?

A. My favourite song in the whole world is Sugababes’ About You Now. I’m really not sure what started my obsession but I absolutely love it and it makes me happy every time I hear it. I’ve listened to it at least once a day for the last ten years!

Sometimes I just search ‘About You Now’ on Spotify and listen to every version of the song one after the other. My current favourite and on repeat is Meadowlark’s version, it’s so chilled and beautiful.

Q. What is your favourite film and why?

A. I’m really useless when it comes to films. There are so many classics I haven’t seen! The first film that sprung to mind is Mamma Mia but I’m not sure if that fully counts as it’s a musical. It’s definitely my most watched film, it’s such a feel good one and my dream would be to perform in Mamma Mia one day. The film has also given me such desire to visit Greece.

Q. What is your favourite piece of classical music and why?

A. At the risk of sounding uncultured, I can’t say I’m much of a classical music fan however I do love Ludovico Einaudi’s music. He’s an Italian pianist and composer who was introduced to me by my brother. His music is perfect to play if you’re in the mood for chilled vibes.

His most well known piece of music is Nuvole Bianche which most of you will recognise from hearing on screen. Most recently I heard it in Ricky Gervais’ series ‘Derek.’

Q. Who is your favourite artist and why?

A. I’ve recently taken up painting during lockdown and I’ve decided to create some abstract pieces, simply because I don’t think you can go wrong with abstract. Instead of taking inspiration from one artist in particular, I’ve been busy browsing Pinterest, Instagram and websites which sell wall-art and screenshotting my favourites.

I’ve recently discovered @sophieteaart on Instagram and I’m obsessed with her work.

Q. What is your favourite play and why?

A. This is an easy one - Robert Harling’s Steel Magnolias. For those who don’t know it, the cast is made up of six females and is set in Truvy’s hair salon. The ladies talk about life, love, relationships and everything in between. One minute you will be belly laughing, and the next, drying the tears dripping from your chin!

I’ve been lucky enough to perform in this play twice - first time round as a GCSE Drama Practical when I played Truvy, and next, in Ballywillan Drama Group’s (BDG) 2014 production when I was lucky enough to take on the rather contrasting character of Truvy’s geeky apprentice Annelle. It was an amazing experience sharing the stage with five extremely talented ladies.

Unfortunately I’ve not yet got to see it performed professionally but it’s on my bucket list. On that note, this question has put me in the mood to watch the 1989 film adaptation on Netflix.

Oh, and for anyone who is curious as to how this play got its name, Harling explained that the title is meant to capture the complex mix of strength and vulnerability exhibited by the women he knew growing up who are portrayed in the play and movie; as strong as steel but as delicate as magnolias.

Q. What is your favourite musical and why?

A. I really don’t think I can pick just one so I’m going to have to go with three! Hairspray, Mamma Mia and Grease and I’m lucky enough to have performed in two of them already.

I played the lead role of Tracy Turnblad in Ballywillan Drama Group’s 2015 production of Hairspray which was literally the dream role. I loved every minute of this fun, fabulous and feel-good show.

There is no better feeling than being on the stage knowing the audience are dying to be up there dancing with you.

I was in the chorus of Grease with an amazing company called Pantheon when I lived in Glasgow, giving me the opportunity to perform in the Kings Theatre alongside such a talented and professional cast, led by an incredible production team which was a class experience from start to end.

I had just made the move to Glasgow and joining Pantheon gave me friends for life. I just have to tick Mamma Mia off the bucket list now and I’ll die happy.

Q. What is your most special moment in the arts and why?

A. Playing Tracy in BDG’s Hairspray will have a special place in my heart forever!

It was amazing to be given the opportunity to play such a fabulous and fun character and I’m not sure that role will ever be topped for me. This year, I was voted ‘Member of the Year’ by my fellow BDG cast members following our production of ‘Whistle Down The Wind’ which was also extremely special.

The BDG family is an amazing one to be part of and to be given this award was such an honour.

Q. What ‘classic’ just doesn’t do it for you?

A. I don’t think I’ve disliked any classics that I have watched to be honest (as stated above, I’ve not watched many!)

Although a recent watch that didn’t do it for me, and contrary to popular opinion... Normal People. Controversial I know! It just didn’t grip me whatsoever. I can appreciate the beautiful acting and passion between Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones as the characters Conal and Marianne, but otherwise I found it repetitive and boring. Sorry to those I have personally offended...

Q. What have you been reading/watching/listening to/revisiting during the Coronavirus period?

A. I have an ever-growing list of things I want to watch, read and listen to in the notes section on my phone however I’ve been very busy throughout lockdown as I was redeployed to the Covid Centre so I made little headway with my list throughout the Coronavirus period.

With a little more time on my hands I’m hoping to read Small Great Things by Jodie Picoult and The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris.

I’m also keen to listen to more podcasts, with ‘I’m Grand Mam’ topping that list. Finally I’m planning to watch ‘Race Across The World’ season 2 on BBC iPlayer, which I would highly recommend to anyone who shares my passion for travelling.

This interview has really highlighted my love for all things arts and travel, both which are suffering significantly due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

I can only hope things will return to normality as soon as possible so we can all get back to doing the things that we love - and never take them for granted again.