Up and at it – what is your new morning routine? How has it changed?
It hasn't really changed... I still do some exercise, have a big breakfast (with a bit of telly), check messages, shower, and then, off I go... I can't do it all in anything less than 90 minutes, despite really trying.
What might you eat in a typical working day for...Breakfast?
My dad worked in the fruit business most of his life, so he trained us well. I'm a creature of habit and breakfast is my most important meal of the day - I have a mug of hot water with lemon juice, a mandarin orange, a bowl of blueberries/kiwi and pineapple with kefir, round of toast - and maybe an egg. It is a bit odd, but I do get withdrawal symptoms if I don't get fruit and veg on a regular basis.
Lunch?
Usually a home-made salad - I make a load of salad on a Sunday and then take some every day. I will include fish, beans, tomatoes and cucumber. On an odd day, lunch is a takeaway soup. I am pretty good at drinking pints of diluted juice and I force myself to have the occasional green or peppermint tea. I live on coffee when I am in rehearsals.
Evening meal?
Dinner is ever-changing and my husband, Vincent, does the cooking - steak, fish, pasta. We don't really do takeaways as I am not a fan, but we'll maybe have the occasional pizza. I'm not mad into desserts unless we're out for dinner, but I have a penchant for cashew nuts, Haribo and chocolate. With red wine, naturally.
Have you been able to work from home – if so, how have you found it?
I do work from home when needed and I am lucky to be able to do so - the main problem was working even longer hours.
Best/easiest lockdown meal?
Bacon, cabbage and potatoes. We also had this as our wedding feast - we did get married on St Patrick's Day...
Weekend treat?
Most weekends we enjoy a walk round the lovely Ormeau Park - what an asset for the community. Friday night is gogglebox and one weekend every month we have a home film night with nieces and nephews. A big treat is watching Antrim play in Corrigan Park.
How have you kept physically and mentally fit during lockdown?
Most mornings, I do free yoga on YouTube with Adriene Mishler in the privacy of my living room - it was a real find. There are monthly calendars with a daily session ranging from 10-35 minutes - you choose what you fancy, so you get a taste of everything and you soon know what you can and can't do. A wee bit every day you can make a difference... also, she keeps telling you that you're brilliant. I keep mentally fit by continuing to work.
What has been your daily outdoor exercise?
When I am working in the Kabosh office or rehearsing, I am lucky that I can stroll along the Lagan, door-to-door, in 30 minutes. It sets me up for the day and helps me process what has occurred before I open our front door. I usually manage a dander of some degree.
How do you relax?
Hanging out with my nieces and nephews, watching disaster movies with my husband and having a bottle of Rioja to hand. Anyone who knows me will be quick to point out that I am not the best at 'switching off'.
Teetotal or tipple?
I love a cheeky bottle of Rioja, occasionally preceded by a Jawbox gin with Russchian. When the pubs allow, I happily hug a cool pint of lager. We try to keep Monday to Thursday as 'dry' nights, but we frequently forgive ourselves if the need arises.
What book are you currently reading?
Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo.
Best Netflix?
Schitt's Creek, Ted Lasso, Ozark and Squid Game.
Most surprising thing you've learned about yourself?
That I enjoyed rehearsing work on Zoom and we managed to pull it off because we had to. I wouldn't fancy it all the time, though.
On a scale of one to 10, where have you been in relation to cabin fever and where are you now?
Eight then and about six now. It can fluctuate.
What are the three things you missed most during the beginning of lockdown?
Spending time with family, being in a rehearsal room and going out for dinner. I also missed packed auditoriums and holidays.
Where will you go and what will you do when restrictions are fully lifted?
I want to go to San Sebastian with Vincent. I also want to take my niece to Paris and hang out in Laytown with my godchildren. Family getting to visit home from the US in the summer will also be something to look forward to.
Biggest gripe?
The overwhelming lack of decent public housing in Ireland, north and south. And our shameless human rights record.
Have your priorities in life or perspectives changed?
Even the shortest of communication can make a considerable positive impact - if you think of someone, tell them.
Any new skills or hobbies?
Absolutely none.
What would you like to see change for good when this is all over?
The value placed on affordable arts engagement.
Has coronavirus changed your attitude towards your own mortality?
I don't fancy slowing down or watching those I love slowing down. Age can be a cruel beast. We're not great at caring for our ageing population and, like many, I hate seeing family members being slowly rubbed out through illness. My attitude on this hasn't changed due to coronavirus, but it has made me value funerals.
Paula McFetridge is directing Callings, looking at the role of Cara-Friend, a befriending service set up in 1974 to support hidden LGBTQ communities in Northern Ireland. It is showing at the Lyric Theatre tonight before going on regional tour until February 26. Further information at kabosh.net
