Person to Person: Cork's Aoife Hosford is ionate about the arts  

Tell us about yourself;

My name is Aoife Hosford. I’m 31 years old and I’m from age West in Cork. I went to CADA Performing Arts from the age of three. I went to Ashton in Blackrock and once I finished my Leaving Cert I moved to London.

I trained in Musical Theatre at Momentum Performing Arts Academy and graduated with a diploma in Musical Theatre. I also gained my DDE qualifications with ISTD in both tap and modern. I performed, taught and lived in London for 10 years. It was amazing.

I moved back to Cork in 2022 and went on to a one-year top-up from my diploma to a degree at MTU Cork School of Music. I graduated this October with a BA honours degree in Musical Theatre.

I love performing and teaching and I adore the performing arts, especially dance.

I am super-excited to be performing in this year’s panto Red Riding Hood as Pip, especially because back in 2003 I played Little Red in The Everyman’s production. It is a real full circle moment and I am so grateful to Catherine Mahon Buckley for giving me the opportunity.

Where were you born?

I was born in Cork.

Where do you live?

I live in age West in Cork. I am currently saving for a house so back home saving every penny!

Family?

I have one older sister, Sarah. She is also an actor and is living in London. She is truly an inspiration to me. She is the most hard-working, caring and ionate person I know. We lived together for about six years of my time in London. She is an incredible actress and you may recognise her on your screens in the An Post Christmas advert with the tin man.

Best friend?

I have so many amazing friends that I have met through the years from Cork and London. One of my best friends is Kadie. We met when we were five in dance class at CADA and have been best friends ever since. I was recently a bridesmaid at her wedding and it was such an amazing, emotional day. She is the most incredible friend and I would be lost without her.

Earliest childhood memory?

I think the earliest thing I is being in pre-school and painting with black paint and not realising we had to wait for the coloured paint. I was really upset about this, haha.

Person you most ire?

There are so many people I ire and who inspire me every day. My parents for a start, they’re the most incredible, kind, hard-working people. If I could be half the people they are, I’d be doing incredibly well. My sister, as I said, is a true inspiration.

I also have had some of the most incredible dance teachers throughout my training who inspired and continue to inspire me.

Person who most irritates you?

There is not one particular person who irritates me, to be honest. I can get irritated by the smallest things. I’m a Taurus so it can be the most random thing that suddenly irritates me.

Where was your most memorable holiday?

I have been so lucky and have had some amazing holidays with friends, family and work. Recently, for my 30th birthday, my family and I went to Barcelona and it is such an amazing holiday in a gorgeous city.

Favourite TV programme?

Friends. I have loved it since I was in my teens and have watched it from start to finish more times than I can count. It’s my comfort show.

Favourite radio show?

I don’t really listen to the radio. I’ll listen to music on my Spotify and I love a good podcast. Staying Relevant with Sam Thompson and Pete Wicks is my go-to at the moment.

Your signature dish if cooking?

I make an amazing chicken risotto if I do say so myself.

Favourite restaurant?

I love Bramley Lodge in Carrigtwohill.

Last book you read?

Only Love Is Real, by Brian Weiss

Best book you read?

I’m not great for reading but I have read all the Harry Potter books!

Last album/CD/ you bought?

Lady Gaga’s new Harlequin album. It’s all the old classic songs but modernised. I’m obsessed!

Favourite song?

I love so many songs so this is hard. But I do love I Wanna Dance With Somebody by Whitney Houston.

One person you would like to see in concert?

The next band on my list is Coldplay. I saw them years ago at Oxygen but their concerts look so incredible so I really want to see them again.

Do you have a pet?

Yes, I have a beautiful dog called Belle. She is a two-year-old cockapoo and I am obsessed with her.

Morning person or night owl?

Morning person. I am way more productive in the morning.

Your proudest moment?

It’s hard to pick one moment but I was extremely proud to have been cast in Singin’ In The Rain, Showtimes 48-hour musical. We got to perform at the Adelphi Theatre in London and I can’t express how amazing a feeling it was. I am so proud of that but also all the other gigs that came from that after.

Spendthrift or saver?

A little bit of both. I’m a bit more of a saver now as I want to buy my own house. But as my mum always says, if you like it, buy it!

Name one thing you would improve in your area in which you live?

I would love to bring more performing arts to my area. I have started my own little performing school in age West but I would love there to be more things here for the children.

What makes you happy?

As cliche as it sounds, it’s all the little things. Spending time with my family and friends. Having a cup of tea and chats. Going for walks with my dog.

How would you like to be ed?

I would love to be ed as a hard-working, kind person.

What else are you up to at the moment?

I am currently doing lots of teaching. I teach at Montfort Performing Arts College and I also have just opened my own little school Hosford Performing Arts in age West. I am so ionate about the arts and want to bring and share my knowledge and ion with all the young performers. Whether they do it as a hobby or want to pursue it as a career.

I also just worked alongside my sister producing a charity concert in London in aid of UNICEF. We gathered musical theatre performers who performed alongside us at the Irish Cultural Centre in Hammersmith. It was an amazing show and all for such a great cause.