Ali is an actor and writer from Dublin. Her debut self-penned play ELECTRIC successfully toured the UK & Ireland in Summer 2019. Her second play DISCONNECTED enjoyed a sell out run at The New Theatre. As an actor Ali recently finished filming on season 2 of FINDING JOY (Treasure Entertainment), THE SOUTH WESTERLIES (Deadpan Pictures) and DEAD HAPPY (Playground Pictures). Ali has a screenplay in development with Screen Ireland & Treasure Entertainment, is a recipient of this year’s Creative Ireland Bursary Award and is a Resident Artist with the Dublin Fringe Festival. Ali is a founder of ILA Productions.
Introduce yourself please. If you are feeling nostalgic you can even describe yourself as your favourite teacher might if asked today what you were like in school.
My name is Ali and I’m from Dublin. My favourite teacher (Mrs. Macey in 5th Class) would probably describe me as a lime light enthusiast who liked to take English homework to the next level and write short novels, normally centring around characters named Britney and Justin (the glory days). I drink 1859398 hot chocolates a day and am obsessed with true crime podcasts.
(Note to catering: make sure there is A HELLA LOTTA hot chocolate brought in on January 18th/ 19th!)
Have you participated in The 24 Hour Plays in aid of Dublin Youth Theatre before? If yes what is your fondest/ most nightmare causing memories? If no what are you looking forward to/ terrified of?
This is my first time doing The 24 Hour Plays. I am so excited for a new challenge and terrified of writers block!
If you took a notion to write a play what element would you definitely include and why?
I have recently taken a notion to stacking cookie jars Khloe Kardashian style and it gives me more joy than I care to admit. Therefore, I think I’d like to include a set that consists of an elaborate display of stacked Oreo Cookie Jars. Theatre and Biscuits married together, my two favourite things!
As a young person, what play made the biggest impression on you?
The play that made the biggest impression on me was probably The Man In The Woman’s Shoes. I was roaring laughing one minute and bawling the next. I love when comedy affects us like that, Mikel [Murfi] had me on the edge of my seat. It had so much heart and I didn’t want it to end. I felt like I had met every character in the story and came away truly inspired. And eh, fangirl moment I’ve seen it 4 times now.
Have you worked with children or animals? How did that work out for ya?
I have a Godson who is four and I treat him more like a son. We go for walks and stop a lot to talk to dogs… so does that count? If so, I don’t know why people say kids are so hard. All Jake wants is to eat Oreos and play lego and that’s all I want to do too.
If you would love to have your own fanperson moment for our cookie loving playwright, Ali Hardiman, at The 24 Hour Plays in aid of Dublin Youth Theatre then book your ticket from the Abbey ASAP!