Up and at it – what is your new morning routine? How has it changed?
Now that the schools are back, I'm up with my two girls for breakfast and chats by 8am. My eldest heads off to school herself and I walk the youngest down to the Montessori. We live right on the beach, so it's a beautiful walk along the coast. Then I try and get some quick emails and admin done before we kick off rehearsals at 10am.
What might you eat in a typical working day for...Breakfast?
A massive protein shake/smoothie with lots of frozen fruit, spinach, honey, porridge oats, cashews, wheatgerm, fresh mint and a probiotic thrown in for good measure. Sounds mad, but it works.
Lunch?
Home-made soup. I'm doing a pretty good line in carrot and coriander at the moment.
Evening meal?
I'm very much a meat-and-two-veg kind of guy. I'd roast up a chicken a couple of times a week and serve it with garlic-roasted baby spuds and some veg. The kids go mad for it.
Have you been able to work from home – if so, how have you found it?
Weirdly, yes, which, as an actor, I never thought I'd be able to say. Rehearsing via Zoom for Big Telly Theatre Company's production of Macbeth has been a real eye-opener; they really are world leaders in online theatre and I'm amazed at just how much they can do. The cast is scattered across countries – some are in Belfast, I'm in Dublin and we've a few in London too, but it still feels like a real team.
Best/easiest lockdown meal?
Chicken fried rice the day after the roast. And that one really is easy, because it's my wife's speciality, so I just sit back and get it handed to me.
Weekend treat?
A good Rioja and a nice bit of cheese if I'm pretending to be sophisticated; a big bowl of microwave popcorn (with extra melted butter) for a movie night with the kids if I'm not.
How have you kept physically and mentally fit during lockdown?
We were down on the beach pretty much every day during lockdown which was a huge help. We tend to go after the crowds have gone so there's plenty of room for staying socially distant. Both the girls are real water babies and my wife used to be a lifeguard, so we spend a lot of time in the water.
What has been your daily outdoor exercise?
Walking or cycling for me. My knees aren't great, so the road running I did in my 20s isn't really an option any more. I have a cross-trainer in the house for when the weather is against me, but I much prefer being out in the sea air. Often, I'll head out very late at night – a 10k walk after midnight wouldn't be unusual for me.
How do you relax?
Usually live theatre, but that obviously isn't an option at the moment. I'm a huge stand-up fan, so I'd often find a ‘Special' from someone I like and watch that.
Teetotal or tipple?
Tipple – a nice red wine if I'm at home, a good Irish whiskey at a party, or a pint of Guinness if I'm in the pub.
What book are you currently reading?
Under The Black Hat – it's the second autobiography from Pro Wrestling commentator Jim Ross and it's co-authored by Irishman Paul O'Brien. Wrestling has been a passion of mine since I was a kid and in between acting jobs I'm Play-by-Play announcer for OTT Wrestling in Dublin. We run shows at the Europa Hotel about six times a year and the Belfast crowd are always phenomenal.
Best Netflix?
Usually a stand-up special if I'm watching on my own or a crazy true crime documentary if I'm watching with my wife. I'm saving Cobra Kai until after Macbeth is finished.
Most surprising thing you've learned about yourself?
I'm much less stressed than I thought I'd be. Acting can be an insecure game at the best of times but the uncertainty around the business now is making any future planning almost impossible. I'm finding myself very accepting of it, though – the serenity to accept the things I can't change and all that.
On a scale of one to 10, where have you been in relation to cabin fever and where are you now?
I've been incredibly lucky throughout this whole lockdown – it's never really been that bad for me. My family are all healthy, we've lost no-one close to us, and the kids have kept me occupied and entertained throughout. I'd say I never got above a three at any point and I'm immensely grateful for that.
What are the three things you missed most during the beginning of lockdown?
Theatre, theatre, and theatre. I'm a third-generation actor [his grandfather was Bafta-winning actor Ray McAnally and his father, Aonghus senior, is a well-known actor, producer and former RTÉ children's TV presenter] and I've been working professionally since I was 15.
Where will you go and what will you do when restrictions are fully lifted?
Live shows, live theatre, live wrestling, live music. Live anything.
Biggest gripe?
People thinking the rules don't apply to them.
Have your priorities in life or perspectives changed?
The big thing this pandemic revealed to me was how happy I am with what I already have. Money is grand, but it's not everything, and maybe having 'enough'is more than enough.
Any new skills or hobbies?
I've been brushing up on my Gaeilge. I'm reasonably fluent but very out of practice and since I'm hoping to make more work in Irish with my theatre company, Rise Productions, I thought it was a good use of my time while I couldn't be on stage.
What would you like to see change for good when this is all over?
That people really see the value of the arts.
Has coronavirus changed your attitude towards your own mortality?
No but only because I'd lost a couple of friends my own age in the Past 18 months and had started to process those thoughts anyway. This is it, this is the life you have – there's no dress rehearsal, so get out there and get living.
Aonghus Og McAnally appears in Macbeth which headlines this year's Belfast International Arts Festival. The festival takes place primarily online from October 12-November 1. Full programme and ticket details at belfastinternationalartsfestival.com
