Phillip McMahon, Actor, Writer and Director

The pop baby philosophy? There's nothing that can't be fixed by a pair of heels.


It all started when we wanted to remount a play a few of us had put on called Danny And Chantelle... in The Project. We needed a name, so thisispopbaby was born. From that, we realised that there's lots of things we can do, and lots of amazing people we can collaborate with – we can ask an actor to direct, or a director to be a stage manager, or a drag queen to be a playwright... It's like "What do you want to do today?" It changes every day.


Running a Pop Baby tent at the Electric Picnic was an amazing experience. The highlight? Putting a sign on the door saying "Gone to Grace Jones. Back at 10pm."


We're not quite sure what we are yet. People come to us and ask "do you want to produce our art exhibition?". We don't want to just be a theatre company. We don't want to be put into a box.


We're definitely tuned into the vibrancy that comes from gay culture in Dublin. There's an amazing creative energy there. A lot of drama, too.


Why should you go to the theatre? Because it excites you. We've had people who don't go to plays come to one of our shows and then come back again with their mates. When that happens, it feels like we're doing something right.


I guess we're trying to build a brand of sorts, to say that everything that we do under this umbrella will – we hope – tickle your fancy. It's not just for the gays, it's not just for the straights, it's trying to take stuff that might be otherwise seen as underground and putting it out there for everyone to enjoy.


Three things I enjoy? I like to go socialising – a lot. I like to drink alcohol. And I like a good drag show.


I was one of those nerdy kids who wanted to help people and change the world. That hasn't changed. I am changing the world. When people read this, I do hope it comes across that I'm being occasionally sarcastic.


Twink is the biggest star in Dublin. She's a goddess.


People have been incredibly supportive. We haven't come up against any obstacles yet. There have been plenty of leaps of faith, considering that we're a really young company.


You have to have a good ear to be a writer, especially in Dublin, where the language is so vibrant. You hear so much naff Dublinese. You have to get it right. You need to be on the inside looking out.


It would be nice to make a living from doing this, but right now that isn't possible.


My style? Whatever's clean.


My parents have always been like "Go for it... But if it doesn't work out, don't come back here looking for money." They taught me to be self-sufficient.


A part in Fair City would be brilliant. There's a camp value there that really attracts me.