A few of my favourite things: Niamh Cusack

With a successful television and theatre career spanning over 20 years, Niamh Cusack returns to the stage this Autumn, starring in Juno and the Paycock at the Bristol Old Vic from 5 September and the Liverpool Playhouse from 1 October.

What/who is your favourite…

Film?
Boyhood has got to be one of my top films of all time. It was thought provoking, funny, bold, intriguing and incredibly moving. I watched the film with my son, Calam, who is almost exactly the same age as the film’s protagonist. I love all of Richard Linklater’s films.

Place to hang out in Liverpool?
Bold St. Coffee has a lovely relaxed vibe about it and the coffee is excellent. The clientèle are wonderfully eclectic too, so great for people watching.

Restaurant?
Indian Zilla in Barnes. This is a light spacious restaurant in Barnes in South West London. The food is just delicious and caters for vegetarians as well as meat eaters and the staff are friendly but really unobtrusive. My husband FInbar cooks amazing Indian food so we go to Indian Zilla as a treat and for comparative study!

Holiday desination?
Well, it has to be either the west coast of Ireland with its wild Atlantic landscape or any little village in the south of France. I love walking and cycling and reading on holiday and although I need a bit of sunshine I would be lost without a drop of rain so a week in France followed by a week in Clare would be my favourite!

Play?
Saw The Amen Corner at the National last year. Everything about it blew me away; and a few weeks ago saw Medea in which Helen McCrory was spectacularly good and I loved the whole production. Earlier on this year I saw Visitors at the Arcola by Barney Norris which made me laugh and cry… Wonderful performances by the cast of four. I felt privileged to witness it in that tiny space. It’s coming to the Bush at
Christmas, go and see it!

Theatre to visit?
The National… Such variety on offer and the Southbank to wander around before and after.

Theatre to work in?
After nearly 20 years of working in London, I have worked away from home this year at the Sheffield Crucible, Everyman in Liverpool and the Bristol Old Vic. There seems to be a real pride in their theatres and I have loved playing to local audiences and getting feedback on the street or when I’m doing my shopping. In London, the Old Vic has always had a special place in my heart… you can feel the history… I’m SURE there are ghosts wandering around!

Actor/Actress?
There are so many actors and actresses I admire and am inspired by. SO many. Judi Dench is truly great in every way: she oozes humanity, she is funny and moving and clever. She makes acting seem so bloody easy…