‘People love Anne, and it really touches me’ – The Irish Times
Philippa Dunne is returning to a familiar neighborhood, one that holds a special significance in her career. As a student in Dublin, she lived near the Black Church and the Gate Theatre, a place she once considered reserved for “real actors.” Now, Dunne is preparing to take the stage at the Gate, a full-circle moment she hadn’t imagined during her student days.
A Return to the Stage
Dunne will soon appear in Eureka Day, an ensemble comedy set in Berkeley, California, which follows a school board navigating a health scare. She describes rehearsals with the cast and director Roy Alexander Weise as “intense, but great intense,” noting the deep dive they’ve taken into Jonathan Spector’s play, “talking about every inch and every angle of each page.”
Finding Camaraderie Through Theatre
This role marks a return to live performance for Dunne, her most recent stage work being with the comedy group Diet of Worms. She admits she’d been hesitant to return to theatre, finding it “terrifying,” but was drawn to the sense of community she observed among Irish actors. She expressed a desire to experience that same camaraderie, a feeling she believes is fostered through theatrical collaboration.
Exploring Complex Characters
In Eureka Day, Dunne plays Suzanne, one of five school board members grappling with a mumps outbreak. The play, first performed in 2018, isn’t solely focused on vaccination, but rather explores how individual trauma, perspectives, and positions influence decision-making and their consequences. Dunne emphasizes the play’s nuanced view of life, stating, “We can take life as black and white. It’s actually this big splodge of grey.”
Balancing Work and Family
Dunne has relocated to Dublin for the duration of the play’s run, though she anticipates some commuting back to southwest London, where she lives with her husband and five-year-old daughter. She recently filmed projects in Ireland, including Tall Tales & Murder and the family series Showkids, highlighting her commitment to working in her home country.
From Comedy Roots to Dramatic Roles
Dunne’s background is steeped in comedy, growing up with influences like The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Brass Eye, and The Day Today. She discovered a passion for creating laughter, recognizing its power to uplift and connect people. While she initially struggled with formal drama training, failing to gain admission to Trinity College Dublin’s program, she found success through her comedy group, Diet of Worms, performing sketch shows, including a memorable performance in a swimming pool at the Edinburgh Fringe.
Success with Motherland and Amandaland
Dunne’s breakthrough role came with her portrayal of Anne in the BBC sitcom Motherland, a character who later transitioned into the spin-off series, Amandaland. She describes Anne as someone who “has a breaking point, but she’s just very gentle,” and deeply cares for those around her. Amandaland, co-created by Sharon Horgan, has been well-received, and a second series has already been completed.
Looking Ahead
Dunne expresses a desire to continue diversifying her work and collaborating with a wide range of people. She anticipates further live comedy performances, drawn to the immediate gratification of audience laughter. She also hopes to continue working for many years to come, citing a family history of longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What play is Philippa Dunne currently rehearsing for?
Philippa Dunne is currently rehearsing for Eureka Day at the Gate Theatre in Dublin.
What role does Dunne play in Eureka Day?
Dunne plays Suzanne, one of five school board members navigating a mumps outbreak.
What other recent television roles is Dunne known for?
Dunne is known for her roles as Geraldine Devlin in Derry Girls and Anne in Motherland and Amandaland.
What qualities do you think are most important for an actor to bring to a role, and how might those qualities differ between stage and screen performances?