25-06-2025
Something For The Weekend: Aidan McArdle's cultural picks
Dubliner Aidan McArdle gained acclaim portraying figures like Dudley Moore, Albert Einstein and Igor Stravinsky in a series of acclaimed small-screen biopics.
On stage, he's tackled Richard III with the Royal Shakespeare Company and starred in A Prayer for Owen Meany at London's National Theatre.
He's also known for high-profile TV roles in Beautiful People, Garrow's Law and Mr Selfridge.
Later this month, Aidan stars in a revival of Martin McDonagh's play The Pillowman at The Gate Theatre.
We asked Aidan for his choice cultural picks...
FILM
I never rewatch films, but I could never get tired watching these beautifully crafted stories: The Lives of Others, Michael Clayton, LA Confidential and Groundhog Day.
MUSIC
Simone White, Lisa Hannigan, Brandi Carlisle and Antony (Anohni) and the Johnsons.
BOOK
Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders is still a favourite, the latest elemental book by John Boyne and The Wildlings by Lisa Harding.
THEATRE
Looking forward to seeing The Cave at the Abbey and the revival of Dancing at Lughnasa in the Olympia. I recently loved watching Murder On the Orient Express at the Gaiety directed by Lucy Bailey and saw my friend Derbhle Crotty shine in Conor McPherson's The Brightening Air over in London. Every performance was fantastic - brilliant actors, who also happened to be Irish.
TV
Andor is excellent and I've started watching the documentary series Shifty by Adam Curtis.
GIG
Last gig I went to was to Al Murray The Pub Landlord… hilarious.
PODCAST
With the world being in such a state of chassis, I hide from reality using podcasts. I love Uncanny on BBC Sounds and Spooked, both silly with supernatural themes. I listen to All In with Chris Hayes and Pod Save America for the American stuff. Most Pushkin Industry podcasts are great, as is The Rest is Entertainment, Where There's a Will There's a Wake with Mel Giedroyc. Also: Oh God What Now… and all the LFC podcasts.
TECH
I am a bit addicted to tech I don't need, but I was very impressed with my Oura Ring which knew I had Covid-like symptoms before I did!
THE NEXT BIG THING
Varada Sethu, whose career has just started shooting to the stars. She's brilliant in Doctor Who and Andor. I also saw a trailer for Saipan, and Steve Coogan and Eanna Hardwicke look like they will be superb as Mick McCarthy and Roy Keane.
