Cork’s Mairéad Tyers Takes London by Storm in New Roles

UPDATE: Cork-born actress Mairéad Tyers is making headlines as she embraces her new roles in the highly anticipated second season of Obituary and the drama series The Walsh Sisters. Just announced, these projects showcase Tyers’ incredible talent, following her BAFTA-nominated performance in Extraordinary.

In a revealing interview, Tyers shared insights about her career journey and the challenges she faced transitioning from her hometown of Ballinhassig to the bustling streets of London. Reflecting on her experience, she recounted a memorable moment with Paul Mescal, where legendary director Ridley Scott urged him to overcome nerves and focus on the job. “If you’re nervous and insecure, you’ve got to put those feelings aside,” Tyers emphasized, showcasing the tenacity required in the industry.

Her character, Vivienne Birch, in Obituary is described as “unapologetic” and “completely mad,” while Tyers’ portrayal of Helen Walsh in The Walsh Sisters is gaining attention for its depth and complexity. “I was like, ‘oh my God, yes, I want to do this’,” Tyers said about her decision to take on these roles, underscoring her passion for meaningful storytelling.

Tyers, now 26, has faced her own struggles in the competitive world of acting, experiencing an 18-month period without work. “I hate not being busy,” she confessed, revealing her anxiety during downtime. However, voiceover work has provided stability, allowing her to keep afloat during uncertain times.

Having moved to London at just 18 years old to study at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), Tyers initially felt out of her depth. “It took a while to feel like I fitted in,” she admitted, but she has since built a supportive network of fellow actors, particularly within the vibrant Irish community in the city.

As her career evolves, Tyers has crafted a list of actors with whom she dreams of collaborating. One standout on that list is Siobhán Cullen, her co-star in Obituary. “Getting to work with her was a complete dream,” Tyers gushed, highlighting the camaraderie and mutual respect among actors.

While Tyers acknowledges the significance of accolades like a BAFTA nomination, she remains focused on the craft rather than the awards. “It’s categorically not why we do it,” she stated, revealing her commitment to artistic integrity.

Currently preparing for a run of Chekhov’s Three Sisters, Tyers embraces the challenges of character development. “You literally have to fail every single day,” she explained, drawing inspiration from Samuel Beckett’s famous quote about failure, which she has carried with her throughout her career.

The upcoming series The Walsh Sisters aims to introduce a new generation to Marian Keyes’ writing, as Tyers and her team update beloved characters for today’s audience. “I love the Helen we’ve created,” she said, excited about the fresh perspective the show brings.

Looking ahead, Tyers envisions a future where she continues to work on diverse projects and hopes to pen her own script, despite her perfectionist tendencies. “Perfectionism doesn’t belong in art,” she remarked, recognizing the need to embrace imperfection in the creative process.

As Mairéad Tyers prepares for the launch of Obituary and The Walsh Sisters, her story is one of resilience, passion, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Fans eagerly await her performances, which promise to captivate audiences and solidify her place as a rising star in the acting world.