Acclaimed young actor Patrick McBrearty prepares to play Puck
Published 2008 Donegal Democrat
By Julie COSTELLO
Even as a wee lad, Patrick McBrearty of St. Johnston was aware of having a very
special calling.
"In primary school, other people wanted to be firemen and doctors," Patrick
said. "I wanted to be an actor. I never had a time when I didn't want to be an
actor! I don't know where it comes from. I've got an ambitious drive that will
keep me going and keep me pushing on to become an actor."
The 21-year-old is well on his way, having performed in 17 productions since his
2004 dbut in the Letterkenny Music and Drama Society's production of "South
Pacific" at An Griann Theatre. "I loved it, I love the buzz of the stage,"
Patrick said. "It was my first time on stage and it was a great feeling. I felt
I was at home on the stage."
Other productions that Patrick has appeared in since then have included lead
roles in "Rob O'Rea" directed by J.P. Conahan, "Blood Brothers" directed by
Patrick Doherty, "Children of the Dead End" directed by Pluincad Fearraigh, and
"Flight of the Earls" directed by Declan Birney.
He is currently in rehearsals for his next appearance on stage, this time
playing the mischievous fairy named Puck in Shakespeare's comedy "A Midsummer
Night's Dream," an An Griann Theatre production that will be opening the 20th
annual Earagail Arts Festival next month. "He's a fabulous character," Patrick
said of Puck. "If I was reading the play and trying to figure out what role
would I want, he's the role I would want."
The role of Puck was first suggested to Patrick by Director David Grant, who
also directed him in "The O'Neill," a Flight of the Earls-based drama produced
by An Griann Theatre which ran during last year's Earagail Arts Festival. "We
had a talk last year during 'The O'Neill' about how perfect the role of Puck
would be for me," Patrick said. "It was the way I played the role of The Poet in
'The O'Neill' that David thought was reminiscent of Puck. Puck is like Peter
Pan, the boy who never grew up. He's mischievous, and enjoys stirring things up
a bit. He doesn't understand mortals, so he enjoys messing with them."
Over the years there have been many interpretations of Puck, an imp who mixes up
some very important love potions in the play, but Patrick is very clear that he
doesn't want to see any of them before he plays the role. "I'd rather it be a
creation, not an imitation," he said. "I'm trying to avoid watching DVDs of the
play...I've seen glimpses of them, but I'm going to do my own version. I want to
make my own mark on the role of Puck, and see what I can do with it. I feel it's
important for an actor to do that if you're serious about your art. In all the
shows I've done, I've tried to find the differences in the roles and tried to
make them unique in every way."
In addition to preparing for the role of Puck, Patrick is also gearing up to
make acting not just his love but his livelihood. "This year I'm starting to
make a big push to get into the professional industry, whether in television,
film, or professional theatre," said Patrick, who holds a diploma in Performing
Arts from the North West Institute in Derry. "Currently I'm putting some show
reels of my work together and looking for an agent. It's a tough
industry...there's a move to Dublin or London coming soon, but I mean to build
some foundations with contacts beforehand."
Patrick said the support he has received from the local theatre community has
been instrumental in making his dream of becoming an actor come true. "You have
the likes of Pluincad Fearraigh phoning you up to tell you about roles that are
coming up, and the chance to learn from experienced actors like Anthony Delap
and Tommy Sweeney, who are so helpful with wee tips that make all the
difference," Patrick said. "There's a real lot of talent in this town, and An
Grianan Theatre and the local drama societies really help push it forward. It's
a great support network to have."