Nicola Redman hails from Annaghmore, a small village in Co. Armagh but has been living and working in London for almost seven years. She is a voice actor and a vocal coach, helping actors to perfect accents and improve their vocal quality and strength.
What are you up to right now?
Staring at pictures of vocal anatomy…the larynx is a funny old thing.
Who are your heroes?
Naff, but it’s my family. They’ve supported me through thick and thin. I wouldn’t be where I am without their support, so them and the person who invented Wotsits. And Meatloaf.
What’s been the best decade of your life so far and why?
This one. Career coming together, settled personal life and just generally having a good time.
What record/song sends a shiver down your spine?
Anything in the key of D minor and in a musical.
What is your favourite place in Ireland?
Crookhaven in West Cork. I spent every summer there with lots of incredible folk and will always remember the delight of finally turning 18 and having I.D. to buy my own Murphy’s.
What makes you angry?
Littering, over sharing on social media and people who don’t understand musical theatre.
What book influenced you most?
Lordy, that’s a tough one. There have been many. I’ll just say anything by the hot chef Jamie Oliver and be done with it.
What was the worst moment of your life?
No regrets. But I did get my skirt tucked into my pants in a cafe the other day that was bad.
Which local star in any field should the world outside Ireland know about?
My friend Lisbee Stainton. She’s local to me in London and a bloody incredible musician doing great things. In Ireland — the band Amadáns & Bodhráns. Class craic!
What is your favourite film and why?
Pretty Woman. Because I am a woman.
What is the best lesson life has taught you?
Have perspective. There’s always something worse going on than what you are experiencing so get on with it.
If you could change one thing in your life, what would it be?
I’d love better hair.
What do you believe in?
Honesty, hard work and kindness. And aliens.
What trait do others criticise you for?
As I get older I’m less patient with eejits. And apparently I like things too tidy.
On what occasion is it OK to lie?
Never. If possible you should always try to be honest.
Can you recommend an interesting website?
Apart from my own? nicredmanvoice.com (subtle), it’s gotta be YouTube. Videos of all sorts of nonsense.
Where do you live and what are the best and worst things about that place?
In London I can get any food I like any time of the day — awesome, but it’s too darned expensive.
What do you consider the greatest work of art?
The London Underground.
What is your ultimate guilty pleasure?
Fried chicken. There’s too much access to that in London.
Who is/was the love of your life?
Life, sure what’s not to love?
See More: 10 Minutes With..., Nicola Redman
