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Q&A with Conor MacNeill, Star of ‘A Whole Lotta Sole’
12 Jun 2013 : By Kevin Cronin
Conor MacNeill, with thanks to photographer Paul Black.
Antrim actor Conor MacNeill - currently performing opposite ‘Harry Potter’ star Daniel Radcliffe in Martin McDonagh’s ‘The Cripple of Inishmaan’ on the West End – has also seen his film career take off in recent years and appeared in Terry George’s ‘A Whole Lotta Sole’ which was released in US cinemas this February.

Mr MacNeill first made his silver screen debut with Sir Ben Kingsley and Jim Sturgess in Kari Skogland’s ‘50 Dead Men Walking’ about a British spy who infiltrates the I.R.A.

Several critically-acclaimed roles followed in ‘Philadelphia, Here I Come!’; ‘Half a Glass of Water’ opposite Stephen Rea; and one of the lead parts in BBC’s ‘Privates’.

Later this year Mr MacNeill will appear in Channel 4’s ‘Coming Up: Call It a Night’ and in David Leon’s feature film ‘Orthodox’ starring Stephen Graham.

Speaking to IFTN this week, Mr MacNeill discussed his recent successes, acting philosophy and advice, and upcoming projects.

Can you tell us how you got your first big break in acting?
I started acting at 14 on stage, I was lucky to work with some incredible people. I think working on 'A Whole Lotta Sole' changed things slightly, it opened a few doors.

What attracted you to your role in ‘A Whole Lotta Sole’?
The chance of working with Terry George was the main thing. I admire him greatly and when I heard he was casting I went out of my way to get a meeting. Then I read the script and loved 'Sox', he was great to play. He seemed to always be in this constant state of hilarious panic, I had great fun doing that.

Did you receive formal training as an actor, and if so, where?
I never trained, I have been very lucky to learn on the job. I always study actors I admire, try to figure out their secret.

What do you enjoy most about being an actor?
Everything! The highs and lows are invigorating and it's an education itself. You constantly meet a wide range of people from all walks of life; you learn something new with each script and character. It can also be incredibly cathartic.

Can you describe your typical working day?
I don't think there is such a thing as a typical working day; it changes daily and from job to job. I am on stage at the minute, which brings a slight routine. Eight shows a week with a warm up beforehand... the constant change is one of the reasons I love my job.

What actors are you most influenced by?
The list is endless. Honestly. The cast of 'The White Ribbon' are incredible, the acting in 'The Master' too, the performances were flawless. Philip Seymour Hoffman is constantly incredible. Cillian Murphy too. A lot of actors I have worked with influence me greatly; in particular Stephen Rea, Eleanor Methven and David Wilmot have had a huge impact on my approach. Olivia Colman, Anna Maxwell Martin, Joseph Mawle, Vincent Cassel, Michael Fassbender all blow my mind. I always return to Montgomery Clift too, he was a master. Ah, I could go on all day.

What’s the most valuable lesson you ever learnt from a fellow actor?
Relax and do the job at hand. Focus on your own career, not other people’s. Listen and reply. Any time I get in a muddle I remind myself of these and they never fail.

Is there anything you can reveal about your forthcoming projects?
This year is quite exciting. I am currently on stage in the West End in Martin McDonagh's 'The Cripple of Inishmaan' alongside Daniel Radcliffe and some great Irish actors, Pat Shortt, Sarah Greene and Padraic Delaney to name a few. 'Call it a Night' is set to air on Channel 4 in July/August, it stars myself, Andrew Simpson and Imogen Doel and was written by Belfast born Bronagh Taggart. Recently I was shooting on David Leon's 'Orthodox' which stars Stephen Graham and Michael Smiley. I have also written my first screenplay, which I am in the early stages of bringing to life. It is receiving a really great reaction much to my own surprise. It is introducing me to an entirely new side of the industry, which I am loving.

What advice would you give to anyone wishing to become an actor?
Watch as much theatre and film as you can. Always do your homework - the harder you work the better you'll be and the more you will enjoy it. Be nice to people. Also keep an open mind to everything - empathy and understanding are incredibly important when approaching a character.

The trailer for ‘A Whole Lotta Sole’ (‘The Standoff’ in the US) can be watched below:





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