Health scan

LIFESTYLE Q&A:Jessie Buckley, musical theatre performer

Do you think you have a healthy lifestyle?

I think I do, I probably get too stressed at times but my health is very important to me.

I like to get out for a walk. That’s what I miss about Ireland, the fresh air and the walks because there’s not as many of them here in London.

How often do you exercise?

I’m studying at Rada [Royal Academy of Dramatic Art] drama school at the moment and we do exercise every day. A lot of the movement is Pilates-based, stretching and elongating your body.

It’s not as aerobic as you would have in a gym which, to be honest, I prefer. I’ve never been a gym-bunny; the running machine drives me mad.

We do lots of yoga. It’s very good for centring you, allowing you to open up your body. It’s amazing, after a movement class, your voice changes because there is more space for it to resonate.

I cycle to school as well, which helps me clear my head for the day.

Do you get your five a day?

I’m a vegetarian, so yes; otherwise I’d be starving. I love veg.

At the moment I’m eating couscous with Mediterranean vegetables and I love fruits and berries.

Do you worry?

Yes, that’s probably my worst habit. I’m very passionate about what I do and it’s a responsibility to have to fill someone else’s shoes, a character’s shoes.

So I worry that I won’t be able to do that but I try to relax myself and I don’t worry-worry.

What do you do to relax?

I like going to the cinema and the theatre quite a lot and I also really like my own time, going up to Hampstead Heath and just walking around. I really enjoy that.

What’s your unhealthiest habit?

I really like a good cup of coffee, so if you come to London and go to any of the good coffee shops, you’re bound to find me. That’s my only vice, a latte.

I don’t smoke and I don’t drink excessively. I need one good cup of coffee a day and I feel I’m sorted.

Jessie Buckley makes her RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra début at the National Concert Hall on July 15th in The Great American Songbook.