I was so excited to speak to Roseanna Purcell this week after witnessing her stunning performance in David Gilna’s new play, The Unsung Hero. In todays Wellness Wednesday she explains why she champions eggs, why good communication is so important to her and why bananas are her top health tip for the Be Complete readers.
How would you describe your lifestyle?
My lifestyle can appear vicarious but I try to keep it as routed as possible. I’ve an incredible network of family and friends and lots of interests outside of acting, they keep me grounded. Working as an actor is unpredictable but I’ve learned to embrace that uncertainty and it’s now what makes my job so exciting. You never know what the future has in store, it’s unknown and that’s the thrill of it.
What’s your favorite food? Naughty or nice.
That. Is. One. Seriously. Tough. Question…. I’m a big fan of eggs. Simple in their goodness, so satisfying, comforting and variable. I’m a champion of the underrated egg.
Do you exercise and if so what do you do to keep fit?
At the moment I’m in between homes, I’ve had to move house twice in the last month or so, so it’s quite the upheaval to your routine. I’m looking forward to getting booked into a new gym in my new area in Glasnevin. In the meantime I have Judy Garland (my trusty bicycle) who takes me around the city.
How do you find balance in your day-to-day life?
People. I’ll call my Mam or Dad or chat with friends I haven’t spoken to in a while or speak to everyday. Communication, at any level is so important. Being present and not elsewhere in my head. Also, (back to food J) I think it’s really important to have at least one decent meal a day, for me that’s dinner. A day feels neither here nor there for me if it doesn’t involve that unwinding, relaxing time to sit and enjoy a meal.
How do you manage stress in your life? Do you meditate? Have you ever tried it?
Again communication. If there’s something on my back or bothering me, even if I’ve told myself to not talk about it, it manages to seep out in conversations. People you trust, who know you offer reassurance, help and comfort. Engaging and really living in the present and not imaginary stresses about the future etc. Also singing. Music; playing or listening. DANCING! Music is very much part of who I am and offers huge cathartic release. Try turning on some tunes that make you feel good, turn it up and just dance! Good for the soul stuff! I haven’t meditated but I’m up for trying it.
People often set goals or intentions as they go through life. Is this something you do?
Very much so. I have done since I was small. I’m stubborn about them too! But as I get older I’ve learned to be stubborn about your goals and flexible in your methods of achieving them. Life throws up lots of diversions, embrace them and trust you are still going in the right direction. Everything happens for a reason!
How do you unwind after a busy day?
A phone call to someone close to me, my fella or family or friends. Cooking something, I’m no Masterchef but love the therapeutic, rewarding process.
It’s the weekend, what do you do for fun?
I try to fill it with cultural things. You’ll find me in a theatre enjoying an enriching stage experience, the cinema, the odd gig now and then. Ireland is saturated in artistic talent, get out there and soak it up!
What’s your top health tip for our readers?
Bananas! They settle nerves, they’re filling and full of goodness. Bananas and communicating, just careful not to combine the two. That would be most unhealthy!
Finish the sentence – Being complete for me means…
Being surrounded by good people.
Roseanna is an award winning actress, hailing from Co. Tipperary. She attended UCC studying Drama and Theatre before going on to train full time as a professional actor at The Gaiety School of Acting. Some of Roseanna’s memorable theatre credits include AnnaBellaEema (Rough Magic Seeds), War Of Attrition (Devious Theatre Company; Dublin Fringe Festival Best Female Performer Nomination), The Bridge Below The Town (Livin’ Dred Theatre Company), Beyond The Brooklyn Sky (Red Kettle Theatre Company) and Perfidia (Theatre Upstairs). As well as being a professional actor Roseanna is also a singer and musician. She is currently a member of Discovery Gospel Choir; Ireland’s leading intercultural choir and plays both violin and piano. She is currently performing in “The Unsung Hero” by David Gilna at Theatre Upstairs on Eden Quay running until April 2nd. Following this she will be performing in “Signatories”, a prestigous theatrical event collaborating with world class writers such as Emma O’Donoghue, Frank McGuinness and Marina Carr, directed by Patrick Mason as part of the Easter Rising commemorations, playing at Kilmainham Gaol and other various venues across Dublin.
© 2019 Alison Canavan | 
