Bodyclock: David Shannon – Irish Independent

Article by Nancy Previs

Macbeth actor David Shannon loves to rustle up a tasty breakfast and dinner; just don’t deprive him of coffee…

I get up and immediately put on the coffee because if I don’t have my morning coffee I am not a very nice person!

I’m touring with Macbeth, which means my days are hectic and varied but, because I am staying in an apartment, I am able to make myself freshly-brewed coffee and a good breakfast each morning.

I do some press-ups and sit-ups before grabbing a shower. My stomach isn’t interested in food first thing in the morning, so I have three cups of coffee with some Splenda and low-fat Coffee-mate.

This morning, I make my favourite breakfast — a slice of toasted brown bread topped with salsa, sweet chilli, garlic fried mushrooms, a poached egg and grated cheddar cheese.

I love to cook but when I’m touring, I’m often out until late in the evening. So, making a special effort to eat a good breakfast sets me up for the day.

10am

I watch the news, finish breakfast and then walk to work, picking up a bottle of water along the way.

12pm

After a brisk walk to the theatre, I start rehearsing the sword fight scene. We do this each day because the swords are very heavy and dangerous — I’ve got a few cuts and bruises to prove it.

1pm

The matinee begins and I’m constantly on stage during the first act. At the interval, I do as little as possible. I’m not great at drinking water, unless I’m playing a sport.

3.15pm

The matinee is over and I must change and clean myself up. It’s then time to do a post-show talk with the leaving cert students who were in the audience.

4.30pm

I pick up bits and pieces to cook for the dinner on my walk back to the apartment.

5.30pm

This evening, I prepare a high-energy pasta dish, mixing freshly-cooked tagliatelle with my own sauce. I make my tomato sauce by adding seasoning, as well as a little cream, chorizo, cooked peppers, onions, chilli and garlic. After dinner, I have a bath and a little nap before walking back to the theatre.

8pm

The evening’s performance begins and we are finished around 10.15pm. I change and go for a pint of Guinness in the local, before walking back to the apartment.

Midnight

I chill out and watch some TV. I’m in bed by about 1.30am.

David Shannon stars in the title role of Second Age Theatre Company’s Macbeth, currently on national tour and running at The Helix in Dublin until next Friday,March 14. For further information visit www.thehelix.ie or www.secondage.com

- Nancy Previs