His biggest role to date is playing Fran in RTE drama Love/Hate, but now Peter Coonan is moving to the stage.
The actor, who started out in theatre, has been cast in the new play Borstal Boy in Dublin’s Gaiety Theatre.
Speaking to Goss.ie, Peter revealed he starred in the Gaiety as a child, and returning as an accomplished actor is surreal.
“I was actually in here years ago. I played a very small part in Filler on The Roof, I was just playing like a young kid who was in one of the families, I was only about 12.
IFTA winner: Peter won Best Actor in a TV drama this year | VIPIRELAND.COM
“So it’s very exciting to be going in the stage now years later. I’ve seen so many plays in the Gaiety, I’m really looking forward to it,” he said.
Starring alongside Calvary actor Gary Lydon, Peter will play famous Irish playwright Brendan Behan, who wrote the book the play is based on.
“I played a small character in Quirke that was loosely based on Behan so I’ve already done a good bit of research, I’ve always found him a really interesting character.
From gangland drama to acting on stage every night, Peter said he’s looking forward to going back to basics.
“It’s great to be able to go from one to the other, from an acting point of view there is no better way to become a better way than on stage.
Peter with Goss.ie editor Ali
“The most difficult thing for me is getting used to the hours. You’re working intensely from six to eleven at night and you can’t properly relax until two in the morning.
“So getting used to that is a different lifestyle than television, you need a different energy. You have to bring a different intensity to the role everyday, you have to find a reason why today is a different day to yesterday,” he told Goss.ie.
Peter isn’t the only Love/Hate actor making the move to the stage.
Tom Vaughn Lawlor aka Nidge and Charlie Murphy aka Siobhan will star in Mark O’Rowe’s new play Our Few and Evil Days.
“I know Charlie is really looking forward to getting back into theatre, she’s done a lot of television now,” Peter said.
“But it’s great, it’s wonderful that Irish theatre has so many good quality shows being put on at the same time. It’s what the city really needs.”
Peter only wrapped filming of Love/Hate a few weeks ago, with rehearsals for Borstal Boy beginning next month, the actor has some time to get to know his baby girl.
“I have a break for about two or three weeks, so that gives me time to be a dad.”
Fran the man: Peter is looking forward to heading back to the theatre | VIPIRELAND.COM
Despite filming being over, Peter is still hanging out with his co-stars. Today Peter joined Laurence Kinlan aka Elmo in Trim, to be sized for new golf clubs.
“I got golf clubs fitted, Laurence was with me today. It’s a 30th birthday present from my dad. We went to Fore Golf, it’s one of the top stores in the world.
Tickets for Borstal Boy go on sale from €24.50 on Friday June 20th from www.ticketmaster.ie. Performances begin from September 11th with a strictly limited engagement.
