An established radio and TV broadcaster, podcaster and now actor too, Laura Whitmore is currently starring as Lauren in a production of 2:22 A Ghost Story running at the 3Olympia Theatre. A huge promoter of the arts – both in her day job and off time – she shares some of her favourite shows, books and films with us below.
The last thing I saw and loved… Inside Out 2 is so, so good! I relate to the anxiety character so much! I watch a lot of kids films having a small child and we saw this at the cinema and it was so lovely. I think I cried. Great for kids but also lots to learn in there for adults too.
The book I keep coming back to… I wrote my first book, No One Can Change Your Life Except For You, about being the hero of your own life. Sometimes I forget this and have to go back myself to my own book which sounds crazy! I need to take my own advice. I love Glennon Doyle and Love Warrior and Untamed are powerful reads about self-love.
I find inspiration in… nature. I know it sounds cheesy but I’ve spent the last month living by the sea – something I took for granted growing up. It’s a great way to reset the mind. Whether going for a walk or jumping into the cold water, it kickstarts me and inspires me to make the most out of my day.
My favourite film is… so hard to answer this as it can change depending on my mood. I bloody love The Commitments though. I love Roddy Doyle’s writing and I love how music is interwoven. It’s an iconic piece of film.
My career highlight is… I’d like to think it hasn’t happened yet! But so far there have been so, so many. The biggest was winning Pick Me MTV and moving to London, it was a massive platform and learning experience.
The song I listen to to get in the zone is… The Wolves (Act I and II) by Bon Iver. I find it really calming. If I want to feel energised, Mandika by Sinéad O Connor is powerful.
The last show I recommended is… my play! I starred in 2:22 A Ghost Story on the West End and bringing it to Dublin has been so special. I’m so proud of this play and cast. I hand on heart love the script and it’s been lovely meeting people at the stage door every night who really connect with it.
I never leave the house without… my phone! So boring I know, but I don’t even use it as a phone much, I write so many notes, set timers, use it to pay for things. Apart from that, snacks. I always have snacks in my bag – cashew nuts, granola bars, jellies. I’m prepared!
The performance I still think about is… Denise Gough in People Places Things. I saw her on the West End in 2016 and she was breathtaking. I also love her story. She has worked so hard to get to where she is and is so talented and lovely!
My dream role would be… I saw a play called Blackbird by David Harrower on Broadway. Michelle Williams played Una and there’s so much to that character. I also would love to do a Conor McPherson play. I love his writing. Val in The Weir maybe! I have to say playing Lauren in this play is a bit of a dream. I’ve wanted to do it for so long. Outside of theatre, it would be cool to be in a Marvel or Star Wars role. Who doesn’t want to get to do that?!
The best advice I’ve ever gotten… what other people think of you is none of your business, the most important person’s opinion is your own. I think we can be very hard on ourselves, so I’m trying some self-care and self-love, doing nice things for myself. I recently started the core to floor treatment at Therapie, which has really helped me post-pregnancy with feeling strong! If I do get a Marvel role I’ll be in the best shape I’ll tell ya that!
The art that means the most to me is… at the movement, I’m going to say 2:22. The writer, Danny Robbins, is just so brilliant. I think he has brought so many young people back to the theatre. Seeing the theatre full every night is so lovely. Two hours of no phone and the subject matter is so relevant
My favourite moment in this show is… the character of Ben has this beautiful speech about gentrification and the importance of not forgetting what came before us.
The most challenging thing about being on stage is… eight shows a week for eight weeks is full on! And it’s finding something new in every performance. Remembering that every audience member deserves to see the best version of the show so give it your all! My character is a functioning alcoholic so I consume a lot of liquid on stage. Thank god I’ve been doing the core to floor for my pelvic floor!
After a show, I… come off stage and the whole cast has a group hug and a bit of a jump around – before I run to the loo, ha!
If I wasn’t an actor, I would be… I feel I’m looking to work in different areas of the industry from writing to presenting entertainment shows as well as documentaries. I love storytelling! I’m really interested in asking questions and figuring things out so at one point I thought I wanted to do forensics. I’m not a huge fan of blood though! I do a BBC podcast called Murder They Wrote and love the psychology of true crime and working out how we can prevent this from happening again!
The magic of theatre to me is… storytelling! What a gift to share and tell stories – whether it’s hosting a show, interviewing someone, writing or playing a character. Being able to evoke emotions or provide escapism is such a privilege.
Laura Whitmore is Thérapie Clinic’s new core to floor ambassador, from €135 per session, therapieclinic.com.
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