Siobhan McSweeney talks about returning to her theatrical roots in Kevin Barry's new play

Set on the Northside of Cork City, Autumn Royal is Kevin Barry’s first piece written originally for stage. The play sees brother and sister May and Timothy – respectively played by McSweeney and Peter Campion – struggle to escape from the domestic life imposed on them by having to look after an aged father. Having premiered in the Everyman last year, Autumn Royal is going on national tour this summer.

“We’re thrilled this time to have a national tour and a more comprehensive show,” says Siobhan. “We believe the production is richer, and better, so we’re really excited to tour around the country. It’s very rare in theatre to have the luxury to go back and rework things. Last time, we only had a week in Cork and a week in Dublin. This time, we’ve had a chance to think about new things and how to make it a more involved production.”

How was it revisiting her character, May?

“It was lovely to re-visit her! She’s very dark, (and I’m only sweetness and light myself of course!), so to combat that I’ve been trying to spend most of my days of rehearsal laughing - she does get under my skin a little bit, but it’s lovely playing her.”

It must be great working with a writer as accomplished as Kevin Barry.

“Kevin has such beautiful language and such lovely jokes,” she enthuses. “It’s fantastic for an actor to get their hands on his writing, really. I’m a huge fan of his books anyway, so I was so delighted when I was approached to do this initially. He’s very quick and smart and was really open to collaboration and discussion. Then we were very lucky with our director as well, Caitriona McLaughlin. She was the captain of our ship and she knew exactly how to work with us. I’m an actor and Kevin is a writer and she can see exactly how those two can merge and become theatre.

“This is also my third time working with Peter Campion, and he’s just a fantastic céilí partner! Even though very dark topics are covered in this play, having someone as adept as Peter to play off eases the sadness sometimes.”

Between this and Derry Girls, it sounds like she’s keeping busy then!

“Oh, rushed off my feet! If you could see me in my slouchy pyjamas right now with a cup of tea!” she laughs. “But yes, the response to Derry Girls has been extraordinary. And then aside from that, and this, I’ve just finished a new film called Extra Ordinary with Maeve Higgins, then I’m waiting to hear back from a few other projects. I’m obviously delighted to hear about Derry Girls going for the second time – but I couldn't possibly say anything about that... All under wraps!”

Autumn Royal is in theatres across Ireland throughout May and June. See everyman.com/autumn-royal for details, and read Siobhan on Repeal on page 49