What is the best thing that I love about my work?

Self expression. Even when I write in different character’s voices I’m saying something of my outlook on the world, or of my world. I often joke that writing is a cheaper alternative to therapy, but it really is a wonderful means of cleansing the mind, and if anything I write can help someone feel less alone, then I feel I’ve achieved. Many times I’ve spoken with audience members after productions about their personal experiences relating to what I’ve written, be it about cancer, alcoholism, or loss in general, and it’s such a human experience. It can feel very humbling that they’re willing to confide personal instances about their own life with me. Human connection is a wonderful thing.  

What is my idea of happiness?

Being around laughter ; whether it’s hearing my one year old daughter giggling, sitting with close friends or my Partner’s family, and watching tears of laughter roll down their faces, or getting a laugh from an unsuspecting audience. That’s honestly the best feeling in the world. I know they say “laughter is the best medicine” but it truly is, and it’s gotten me through some rough moments in my life – and it’s free! 

What is my greatest fear?

Not seeing my little girl grow up. I genuinely feel sick at the thought that I won’t be here one day, and having lost my own Dad in a plane crash when I was twenty-one, and my Mum to alcoholism a couple of years ago, I’ve realised we’re all on borrowed time – that’s terrifying to me, and perhaps one of the many reasons why I write ; to leave a part of me behind.  

What is the trait that I most deplore in myself?

If I could eradicate one aspect of myself it’d be self doubt. Whilst I’m an over-thinker, which can lead to terrible bouts of anxiety, it’s something I utilise in my work. However, self doubt really isn’t helpful and often times it’s punishing ; that niggling voice that tells you “You’re not good enough.” or “You can’t do it.” Quite literally, at the outset of every writing job I’ve ever had I’ll hear that same voice, but once I start typing it falls silent, only for it to return again the following day. But doing removes doubt.    

Which living persons in my profession do i most admire?

There’s really too many to name, so I’ll focus on the people that have most influenced me ; Bret Easton Ellis, Irvine Welsh, Quentin Tarantino, and Playwrights, like LaBute, Mamet, Marber and McDonagh.

What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work?

Normally I’d say “rejection“, but actually, once you’ve gotten used to the idea that what you’ve created isn’t what someone is looking for, it’s not so bad. I think discourtesy or impoliteness might be the most difficult pill to swallow. After all, everyone is trying to do their best, so when you make a good effort and are met with no response or, arguably worse, a thumbs up emoji, it leaves a poor taste. I wish everyone could just be kinder to one another – you don’t even have to like one another, just send the response you’d hope to receive.  

When and where was I the happiest, in my work?

There are so many stages in a career that it’s nearly impossible to pin point. When you’re starting out, just finishing a project is such a landmark of an achievement that you don’t think that feeling can be topped. Then you become honed in the craft, your work receives praise, and you might win a few awards, and you think there’ll be nothing to eclipse that feeling. I think the most truthful thing to tell you is that I’m happiest when I’ve finished a good day’s writing. 

If I could, what would I change about myself?

I would love not to be such a people pleaser ; be able to say “no” more often, and tell people how I really feel about them if they’ve upset me. I get left with horrible residual feelings of anger or frustration quite often and wish I could be more honest and outspoken. 

What is my greatest achievement in work?

How do you answer this question without sounding boastful? The best I can do is tell you I’ve had productions play to sold out audiences, and now, working in film, I feel so fortunate to have this opportunity, because it was always a dream of mine, but before there was any of that I first had to learn how to write a play, and get it staged ; it was called “Teller” (2008, UCD Dramsoc), and it was somewhat autobiographical but mixed with a healthy dose of the fantastical. It wasn’t perfect, and I’m sure there are aspects to it that would make me cringe today, but I still regard it as my favourite piece of work. Just because it gave me the bug, an ambition and a belief I could write, and for that reason I regard it as my greatest achievement. I mean, what did I know at 22? I probably had no right to be writing about my life and charging people to watch it. 

Where would I most like to live?

Amsterdam. It’s a city that no matter where I am, or what time it is, I feel safe, and I love the culture, history, mentality and architecture. It’s such a beautiful place. I’ve been a number of times and I encourage everyone I know to visit.  

What is my most treasured possession?

I’d have to say my little girl, Maisie. She’s amazing. From the moment I saw her I’ve been obsessed ; she makes a good day great. Before she was born I’d have said my Long Haired Dachshund, Lennon, but unfortunately he’s fallen down the pecking order! I still love him though.  

What is my most marked characteristic?

Physically speaking, maybe my eyes? I’ve been told they can look quite intense, which I find amusing. In terms of my work, it’s probably my sardonic style of writing.  

What is my most inspirational location, in my city?

I love history, and Dublin is full of it, whether it’s the real life 1916 rebellion or Joyce’s fictional masterpiece “Ulysses“, where he name checks real life locations. I don’t get to visit often enough, but I’d have to say The Garden of Remembrance on Parnell Street. It’s dedicated to the lives lost in the pursuit of freedom for our country. My Mum always told me that my Grandfather, who died long before I was born, worked on it. So it inspires me for many reasons. 

What is my favorite place to eat and drink, in my city?

I’m not that taken with eating out, as I prefer hosting friends and family at home (and to be honest, I’d take a bag of Dublin chipper-chips over any Michelin star restaurant). However, there’s one restaurant that I’ve been visiting since I was a teenager with my Mum, and continue to visit today when celebrating an occasion: “Bellagio” in Terenure. It’s been there forever and changed ownership a few times, but the quality of the food never drops. I love their Tiramisu in particular and have many happy memories there. 

What books influenced my life and how?

“Boy” (Roald Dahl), ‘Less Than Zero” (Bret Easton Ellis), “Trainspotting” (Irvine Welsh), “Norwegian Wood” (Haruki Murakami). I could name a hundred, but that’s a nice selection ; it illustrates my growth from childhood, through my teen years, early twenties, and into adulthood. Each book played some sort of role, either offering me comfort (“Boy” – I too was sent to boarding school), inspired me (“Less Than Zero“), or was some sort of an awakening in terms of what I could incorporate stylistically into my own writing (“Trainspotting” / “Norwegian Wood“). Ironically, I try not to read too much fiction as I don’t want to inadvertently borrow too much from other writers, so I largely enjoy reading memoirs these days – the three latest I would recommend would be “Amnesiac” by Neil Jordan, “Crashed and Byrned” by Tommy Byrne & Mark Hughes, and “The Trading Game” by Gary Stevenson. 

You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day?

That’s the most difficult question of all! I listen to music constantly and make playlists relentlessly on Spotify, either for specific projects or my own enjoyment. I have one called “G.O.A.T.” that you can find and it’ll give you an idea of my taste in music. But to answer your question, and to keep myself from blathering on, I’ll create a top five “Last Day on Earth” playlist for you :- 

1. “In My Life” – The Beatles 

2. “Old Man” – Neil Young

3. “Glastonbury Song” – The Waterboys

4. “Ordinary World” – Duran Duran 

5. “Wherever I Go” – One Republic 

Who is my hero or heroine in fiction?

I suppose it might be an anti-hero, but I’ve always loved the fictional character of Patrick Bateman. He’s a terrible flawed character, but essentially he’s a lost soul who desperately wants to fit in. Obviously he’s a maniac and does terrible things, but he’s nothing if not entertaining.  

Who are my heroes and heroines in real life?

I didn’t have much of a relationship with my Dad growing up, but I was fortunate to have three special influences ; my Godfather, Peter, who was honestly better than any Dad to me growing up. He gave me a great stability when things weren’t so stable at at home, supported me and taught me important life values which I’ve held onto to this day. Then there’s my friend, Rob, who’s basically like my big brother, as he’s known me since I was three and he was a teenager. I look up to him greatly. He imbued me with a wealth of his goodness (which I try to emulate) and has always been just a phone call away whenever I’ve needed him. And then there’s my Mum’s Partner, Sean, whose been like a father figure to me and taught me about the importance of having a strong work ethic, structure and seeing a project through to finality, which has been invaluable in my professional life. I love them all and can’t really thank them enough for being part of my life. 

Which movie would i recommend to see once in a lifetime?

I think the one film that had the biggest influence on my life, as it did so many others, would be “Pulp Fiction“. I remember watching a copy of it my Dad must’ve rented when I was about eight or nine, and then showing it to my friend John ; we still quote it at one another to this day. It’s one of those films you can watch time and again, from any scene right to the end, and I’m pretty sure I can determine as to whether or not I’ll get on with a person based on their opinion of the film. The writing is razor sharp, humorous and gritty. It’s a spectacular genre defining film which was essentially like lightning in a bottle, not to mention the soundtrack is wonderful – I often throw the LP on when I’m cooking.  

What role play stories in my life and work?

Stories are at the core of my very being. I’ve always loved becoming engrossed in a good story, be it one I read, create, or hear. They serve to inspire and remind us we’re not alone in this life. From a young age I’ve naturally gravitated towards stories, be they in a book, on screen, or in the lyrics of a song. There’s a place of solace in each story you hear, and it’s mind boggling when you consider the strong emotions they can evoke. The art of passing stories from one generation to the next isn’t just awe-inspiring, it’s necessary. Stories are the foundation of how we understand and relate to one another, and, in uncertain times like today, it’s vitally important that we do.  

What do the words ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ to me?

I guess we forge our own paths and create our own narratives and legacies, but equally we believe the stories we tell ourselves, so you have to be careful in that regards. I’m a big believer that if you tell yourself “Good things are coming” they will, so equally, if you tell yourself “I’m having a bad day“…well, you will. Try remaining positive, even in difficult days. It’s the story you most need to hear. 

Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime?

My partner, Karen, is probably my biggest fan. She’s incredibly supportive and always pushes me, both artistically and in life, and always reads my work, offering me feedback and insights which I very much appreciate. She’s helped me on my journey in many respects ; I love attending functions with her as she’s so warm and fun loving people tend to gravitate towards her, and she tells them about me before she introduces them to me, which is something, I being a little socially awkward, struggle to do myself. She’s the ultimate partner in crime in that regards!   

Which people or companies would I like to work with?

Peter Sheridan 

Katie McNiece

Frank Berry

Ian Hunt Duffy

Peter McKenna

Leah O’Toole

Edwina Forkin

Baz Black 

Stephen Meier

Sinead O’Riordan 

What project am I looking forward to work on?

I’ve a handful of projects I’m working on at the minute. One is a feature script with “The Writer’s Collective“, which I can’t say much about because it’s based on a well known living person ; then I’ve two films (a feature called “Christy & Martin” which I’ve written with Jeff O’Toole, and a short I’ve written for actor Darren Monks called “Last Chance“) and a one-man theatre production (written for actor Mark McAuley, which at this moment in time is top secret, but really exciting). I can’t wait for people to see them.

Where can you see me or my work?

You can purchase a handful of my plays on Amazon, and at this moment in time, my short film “The Black Keys” (Dir. John Kelly) can be viewed on Aer Lingus flights. My short documentary, “Visionaries” (Dir. John Kelly) is due to be released on YouTube shortly. 

What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me?

I love the written word. I still remember my first instance of being confused by a marketing sign and my Dad explaining to me that the words had a double meaning. I think I was five or six, and since then I’ve just been fascinated by words. I can’t imagine that’ll ever fade, and despite having threatened to quit writing on occasion from a bout of frustration or doubt, I don’t think I can. My brain is hardwired to think in terms of words on a page – it really is my true passion, and whilst passion can waver, it rarely dies.   

Which creative heroes should Peter invite to tell their story?

Daniel J. Barnes (Writer)

Jeff O’Toole (Producer)

Barry Roe (Actor)

Mark McAuley (Actor)

John Kelly (Director)

Yvette Eva Bryne (Actor)

Amy Balcomb (Composer)

Paul Chiedozie (Producer / Writer) 

Suzanne & Nick Baily (Film Editors)

Carl Svensson (Filmmaker)

How can you contact me?

LinkedIn is my favourite way to connect and interact with my peers. I welcome anyone working in film or stage, at any point in their career, to drop me a line ; I’ve met some fascinating people this way who’ve become good friends of mine.