Christina Nelson, who is currently rehearsing for Maria Connolly's new play I Got You Dolly, Love Cher
Up and at it – what is your new morning routine? How has it changed?
My morning routine is ever-changing – in fact, it could not even be described as a morning routine. Being a mother and a freelance actor in a pandemic does not bode well for any sort of ‘routine’. One child was back to school for four-and-a-half days and then off for Easter, while the teenager hadn’t even seen a morning since Christmas before they went back last week. Meanwhile, there’s me, aged 50 and dressed as an Easter chick, hosting a Zoom disco in the living room while trying to learn my lines for a new play, I Got You Dolly, Love Cher.
What might you eat in a typical working day for...Breakfast?
A cup of lukewarm tea on the run.
Lunch?
I normally don’t have time for lunch but the kids like to make home-made pizza or a tuna wrap and chicken noodle soup.
Evening meal?
We all love loaded wedges or something from the ‘HelloFresh’ menu because it’s step-by-step cooking. The kids like to cook and I heat mine up later.
Have you been able to work from home – if so, how have you found it?
I am very fortunate and have been able to work from home. Although the theatres have closed, actors are very resilient and creative – we have had no choice. I’ve been able to collaborate and create live performances online and even bring theatre to nursing home car parks and mini shows performed outdoors in streets – but working days are few and far between. I also had the privilege of playing a Beefeater in a new film to be released soon by Armchair and Rocket – Back In Five.
Best/easiest lockdown meal?
The best and easiest lockdown meal for me is chickpea curry – delicious and even the kids love it. It’s made with two tins of chickpeas, one tin of coconut milk and one tin of chopped tomatoes, all blended with ginger, paprika, curry powder and coriander. Serve with rice and you have the easiest meal ever.
Weekend treat?
A Saturday night takeaway from Shimla Indian Cuisine on the Woodstock Road, Belfast.
How have you kept physically and mentally fit during lockdown?
I am Betty from the 'Belfast Girls' and so I am totally unfit, both physically and mentally. My emotions are up and down like everyone else’s. At the start of lockdown, I was dancing round the living room with Joe Wicks and Oti Mabuse and now I can’t even be bothered to get off the sofa and go for a walk.
What has been your daily outdoor exercise?
I do try to get out for a walk – near the water or trees as much as possible. I love the outdoors, it’s the only thing that keeps me sane. To be honest, since Christmas I haven’t stopped eating, especially between online auditions, Zoom classes, home-schooling, Equity meetings and sitting up late watching endless box sets. Somehow, I’ve managed to munch my way to being the size of a sofa and that’s even when doing Lent and not eating crisps. I go to bed every night vowing this is the last night I’m eating rubbish, but by the time it gets to 9pm, I’ve said, "Sod it, life is too short," and I’m back to munching on the cinema popcorn tub with a glass of wine in my hand.
How do you relax?
I don’t relax, but I think I might be happy in a caravan by the sea with no internet.
Teetotal or tipple?
Massive tipple...
What book are you currently reading?
I’m reading my script for I Got You Dolly, Love Cher, by Maria Connolly.
Best Netflix?
Grace and Frankie or Schitt'ts Creek.
Most surprising thing you've learned about yourself?
That I’m not 30.
On a scale of one to 10, where have you been in relation to cabin fever and where are you now?
During the first lockdown I was walking the walls, second lockdown I was climbing them and now I’m on the ceiling, so it’s a consistent 10.
What are the three things you missed most during the beginning of lockdown?
Not working, not getting away from the kids and not seeing my friends.
Where will you go and what will you do when restrictions are fully lifted?
I will go to the theatre, hopefully. If I'm not on stage, I will definitely be in the audience.
Biggest gripe?
People who don’t lift their dog's poo – or, just as bad, those who pick it up and then leave the poo bag lying on the ground or hanging from a tree.
Have your priorities in life or perspectives changed?
No, not really, I have always valued family, friends and fun. I suppose one of my priorities before lockdown was travel – and it still is.
Any new skills or hobbies?
I have become a wild woman... More seriously, I am a member of the Wild Women of the Woods and we support each other, plant things and swim and talk about when we can go camping. We have also played Taskmaster – hilarious.
What would you like to see change for good when this is all over?
I would like to see healthcare workers getting paid more money, not the pharmaceutical companies.
Has coronavirus changed your attitude towards your own mortality?
Yes, I am more frightened of popping my clogs – I love life and I love people and I have so much that I still want to do. Fun is at the top of my list – and thankfully my work is also fun, so I can't wait to do more of it.
