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[0:00] Robert Bannon: Are you ready? It's The Roundtable with me, Robert Bannon.

[0:08] Robert Bannon: Well, welcome to The Roundtable, everybody. My name is Robert Bannon. You're listening to this on Broadway World over here on the Broadway Podcast Network, iHeart, Spotify, wherever artists are talking about art. I'm excited. We have a good... You know, I'm a good little Irish guy myself, and at least half Irish. And I love seeing people celebrate and their incredible journey. Not only is our next guest on television right now with a show that you need... I grew up in Jersey in the 80s, and this is a show that you need to check out. But he's also Dublin-born, Toronto-based, been in Academy Award-nominated movies, done theater, done television. He's worked all over this globe, and now he's here, and you got to check him out on MGM+, and you're going to love, love, love The Westies. You're going to have to definitely check it out. Tadhg McMahon is here at The Roundtable. Thank you for being here.

[0:59] Tadhg McMahon: Thank you. It's fantastic to be here. Thank you.

[1:01] Robert Bannon: I'm excited about a journey, because it seems like you've had quite the journey in your life.

[1:08] Tadhg McMahon: Yeah, yeah, yeah. You know, yeah, as you mentioned in your intro there, yeah, I was born in Dublin, and then we went to, of all places, Winnipeg, which is in the middle of Canada, just before I turned 12. So yeah, that was quite a shift. And yeah, in terms of my acting work, you know, I started auditioning right before I left Ireland at that age, and been working in the industry since I was 12 years old.

[1:36] Robert Bannon: So you were a child actor?

[1:40] Tadhg McMahon: I don't know if I would say child actor, because it didn't really get going until I was 12. I worked a lot from like 12 to like 16, you know, in theatre, you know, doing cartoon voiceover, stuff like that. So I felt like it was like, I started really in my, felt like it was the beginning of my adolescence, you know? Was there something, we've been joined by my dog. I apologize, viewers and listeners. What's the dog's name?

[2:07] Tadhg McMahon: This is Diamond. We're very needy. She's a tough interviewer. She's like the Barbara Walters of dogs. So for you, at the very young age, what was the impetus? What did you see that inspired you? Or was there a moment or a theatre production, a television show that made you want to act?

[2:24] Tadhg McMahon: Well, funny enough, it started off with a gangster project. Do you ever hear this? Do you remember the movie, Bugsy Malone?

[2:32] Robert Bannon: Yes.

[2:34] Tadhg McMahon: Yeah, not Bugsy Malone. It was, what was it called? It was a child adaptation that they do of Bugsy Malone, where they did, like, they had, like, their Tommy guns would, like, shoot, like, cream pies. So they'd get, like, they'd, like, have, like, food fights, basically, instead of gunfights. But there was a play that they did in Ireland that I auditioned for. And I literally was, like, kids lined up down the street at the Olympia Theatre in Dublin. Like, hundreds of us auditioned, maybe even thousands. And went in there, did the first audition. And then for a callback, they said, can you come and do a song and dance number? And I had no idea what they were talking about. So I learned how to tap dance.

I learned how to do, like, the Broadway type of thing for Ireland. Auditioned for it. They said, we love you, but you're too young. There's no part for you in this. But really great audition. Otherwise, you'd be in the show. I was like, oh, okay. This is what I do. And so shortly after that, we ended up moving to Canada. And I mean, literally two weeks after I moved, a friend of mine who was, like, doing the acting thing was like, hey, I'm going to an audition. I said, can I tag along? Went in, did the audition, got that job, got on to the next job, started working at the Manitoba Theatre Centre. Worked a lot. And it was just, it's been my job since I was 12. Which has allowed me to go off and do all the other things, you know, and not feel like I was, like, tied to it.

Or you never have that feeling of, like, oh, they're not going to like me, or they're going to reject me. Rejection is not something that I really, like, think about it when I don't work. It's like, okay, this is just a period where I'm not working.

[4:08] Robert Bannon: Which is so funny that, because I usually ask people, were you scared to make it a career? Like, there's a moment where you're like, okay, this is, I'm going to either go this road or go that road. But it's all you, it was what you knew. Like, you were already, you were already out here working, working, working.

[4:22] Tadhg McMahon: Yeah, you know, well, you know, I would say, like, you know, around about when I was 15-ish, I was like, oh, is this something I really want to do? And I stopped for a while, like, sort of, you know, pursued other things. And then when I got to be about 19, I started to get into Irish theatre productions with an amateur group in Winnipeg, and we started to tour. And then when I started to get the plays of, like, J.B. Keane, and I started to understand the language, and I started to really delve into the writing and the characters, I was like, oh. And it really fired me up in a new way. And I like, you know, I came to it from, like, the text, which is why I ended up moving back to Ireland, went to drama school there, started working there, got on my first TV show there. And it was, yeah, it was the writers, it was the text that really brought me back, yeah.

[5:14] Robert Bannon: You know, something that we both have in common, not television work, that's for sure. But what we have, what we both have in common is that I have a degree in English, I have a master's in English, but I also, acting school, and I think people always ask how, some people have said, like, how do they work together? But I think they work totally tandem together, because to be an actor, it's about words and relationships and language. I mean, what led you to both, you know, an English lit degree, and then also going to school for acting?

[5:37] Tadhg McMahon: Yeah, yeah. While I was trying to get into drama school, you know, when I worked as an actor, but for me, the skill of getting into a good drama school and the skill of being an actor that's working with someone are two completely different skill sets. I really didn't understand, I'd never worked on a show where I really had a monologue, I didn't really know what, and I also, I think, really also kind of lacked the discipline that it takes to sit down and focus and do it. I loved being around the people, which is what I really still love about it, but like, learning that journey. So while I was learning how to get into acting school, how to get the money together, everything like that, I started doing some English classes and arts classes.

And then after I'd been working for about five years, I had ended up writing a few shows and becoming involved as a writer, and then I was like, oh, maybe I need to just focus a bit more on this. We also had, I had two film projects I was making in Montreal, because that's where I sort of landed by accident. And then while I was in Montreal, we had these two film projects that were going to take a year each, there were grants involved, so we need to be residents. So I got, went back, did my degree while I was sort of finishing up those two projects, yeah.

[6:52] Tadhg McMahon: Incredible, incredible. Yeah, and then before I was even graduated, I was back on stage doing Romeo and Juliet, so it just kept on, it's kept on rolling, yeah.

[7:03] Robert Bannon: Do you feel, having stage work and doing classic, classical work now, and then you talk about a show or television, like what we're talking about today, which you can, you all should be watching the Westies, it's out and about, go to MGM+. So when you approach two different characters, the time frame's different, the language might be different, but is the homework the same, or is stage versus television very different?

[7:24] Tadhg McMahon: The Westies, first off, I think that, you know, let's start with the Westies. The Westies for me, you know, there wasn't a ton on the page when I was offered the role of Cliffy in the Westies. They were like, we have this role in development, we don't really know where he's going to come in, but we'd love for you to be part of a project. And I was like, yeah, absolutely, I'm in. And so what I sort of started to do in terms of Cliffy was like, okay, he's there, he's in this world. It was much more of like, what's my backstory? What's he thinking when he's in these situations where he's not saying much, but he's there as a presence? And it was really, you know, that fantastic opportunity to be like, okay, like, where do I fit into the frame of this power struggle?

And it's more about body language, inner life than it is about, you know, when you're doing, you know, Shakespeare, where you have this massive monologue, and you basically are the camera. And there's a lot to dive into from like a language point of view. And it wasn't until later in the season, you know, where, you know, JK's character and Cliffy start to really work together was like, okay, there, I could start to, you know, JK is such a fantastic actor's use of his voice is incredible. And just being like, okay, now I can start to use that instrument. And it was very exciting.

[8:48] Robert Bannon: Oh yeah. Incredible. So when we talk about the Westies, how did the role that you talk about them offering the role that wasn't a lot, you play, you already said you play Cliffy, who was like the foot soldier part of this gang, how do you describe what the show's about? And what your role is in this in this piece?

[9:06] Tadhg McMahon: Yeah, so the show takes place in late 70s into the 80s in New York City in Hell's Kitchen, during the construction of the Javits Center. So as I always say, you know, I was there in New York for the premiere. And you know, everyone who stays in a hotel in New York, there's that Javits Center fee, I think it's $1.98. So it's like, you know, everyone's still paying for it. I wonder how much the Westies had to do with that. But, you know, it takes place around this Javits Center that was happening on Irish turf, you know, and as everybody knows, you know, the Italian Mafia was getting strong at that time, it was the rise of Gotti. And, you know, it's about not only that power struggle between the Italians and the Irish, but also, there's a there's a power struggle on the inside, it was the rise of cocaine and narcotics coming into that world, you know, the sort of old gang who had been in that area didn't go by the name of the Westies, you know, they were in union rackets, numbers rackets, you know, that type of stuff, loan sharking, they weren't in on the cocaine side of things.

So there's a conflict there between the young and the old too. And Cliffie's on the older side of things. He's, you know, he's a guy that's been around the streets a long time. You know, and I think, you know, there's almost a feeling of nostalgia for the way things were, you know, as Irish people at that time started to leave these urban areas, you know, spread out and, you know, the election of JFK being like a big turnaround for Irish people going from this marginalized community to, you know, considered, you know, certainly part of the middle class America, these little enclaves, you know, we're starting to, we're starting to, to change, you know, with gentrification and stuff like that, you know, condos.

[10:53] Tadhg McMahon: I'm really excited to be here and talk about "The Westies." It's such a unique project, and stepping into the gritty world of Hell's Kitchen in the 1980s has been an incredible experience.

[11:23] Tadhg McMahon: Playing Cliffie, a character who is deeply entrenched in the Irish-American gang culture, has allowed me to explore themes of loyalty and family in a way that feels very raw and real.

[11:43] Tadhg McMahon: The show dives into the complexities of these characters, and I think that's what makes it stand out. It's not just about crime; it's about the relationships and the struggles they face.

[12:03] Tadhg McMahon: Working with such a talented ensemble cast, including J.K. Simmons, has been a dream come true. Each actor brings their own unique energy to the table, which really enhances the storytelling.

[12:23] Tadhg McMahon: I trained at Dublin's Gaiety School of Acting, and I've had the opportunity to work on various projects, but this one feels particularly special. The depth of the characters and the story is something I really connect with.

[12:43] Tadhg McMahon: The world of "The Westies" is filled with violence and power struggles, but at its core, it's about family and the lengths people will go to protect their loved ones.

[13:03] Tadhg McMahon: I think audiences will be drawn to the authenticity of the characters. They are flawed, complicated, and very human, which makes them relatable despite their circumstances.

[13:23] Tadhg McMahon: It's fascinating to see how the Irish-American gang culture has evolved over the years, and this show captures that evolution in a compelling way.

[13:43] Tadhg McMahon: I hope viewers will not only be entertained but also gain a deeper understanding of the motivations behind these characters' actions.

[14:03] Tadhg McMahon: The writing from Chris Brancato and Michael Panes really brings the story to life. They have a knack for creating tension and drama that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

[14:23] Tadhg McMahon: I think the show's setting in Hell's Kitchen adds another layer of authenticity. The location itself has such a rich history, and it plays a significant role in shaping the characters and their stories.

[14:43] Tadhg McMahon: Being part of this project has been a transformative experience for me as an actor. I feel like I've grown so much through the process.

[15:03] Tadhg McMahon: I can't wait for everyone to see how the story unfolds. There are so many twists and turns that will keep viewers guessing.

[15:23] Tadhg McMahon: It's a thrilling ride, and I think people will be surprised by the depth of the narrative and the characters.

[15:43] Tadhg McMahon: I'm really proud of the work we've done, and I hope it resonates with audiences as much as it has with us during filming.

[16:03] Tadhg McMahon: The camaraderie among the cast has been incredible. We've all bonded over the shared experience of bringing these characters to life.

[16:23] Tadhg McMahon: I think that chemistry translates on screen, making the relationships feel genuine and impactful.

[16:43] Tadhg McMahon: It's been a wild journey, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a powerful story.

[17:03] Tadhg McMahon: I really believe that "The Westies" will leave a lasting impression on viewers, and I can't wait to hear their reactions.

[17:23] Tadhg McMahon: Thank you for having me on the show, Robert. It's been a pleasure discussing this project with you.

[17:43] Tadhg McMahon: I'm looking forward to sharing more about my journey and the experiences I've had while working on "The Westies."

[18:03] Tadhg McMahon: It's a thrilling time to be part of this industry, and I feel lucky to be involved in such meaningful work.

[18:23] Tadhg McMahon: I hope everyone tunes in and enjoys the ride as much as we did making it.

[18:43] Tadhg McMahon: Thanks again for the opportunity to chat about this amazing project!

[19:03] Tadhg McMahon: I can't wait for the audience to see the final product. It's going to be something special.

[19:23] Tadhg McMahon: The blend of action, drama, and character development is something I think everyone will appreciate.

[19:43] Tadhg McMahon: I'm excited to see how people connect with the story and the characters we've created.

[20:03] Tadhg McMahon: It's been a journey filled with hard work and dedication, and I hope it pays off in the end.

[20:23] Tadhg McMahon: Thank you for having me, Robert. It's always great to share my experiences and insights with your audience.

[20:43] Tadhg McMahon: I'm looking forward to what the future holds for "The Westies" and for my career as well.

[21:03] Tadhg McMahon: Let's keep the conversation going, and I hope to return to discuss more about the show as it progresses!