We sit down with Cathy Belton to discuss the new series of Hidden Assets…
Cathy, Hidden Assets has such a gripping storyline – what first drew you to the role?
Norah’s brilliant mind, her Mensa level intelligence, her dedication to the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) and her work. For me, it always starts with the writing. Norah was created by the gifted Peter McKenna… she was so well-written, complex, multi-layered, flawed and brilliant.
How would you describe your character in three words?
Tenacious, intelligent and loyal.
What’s been the most challenging or rewarding part of playing this role?
The accountancy. Norah thinks faster than most characters I’ve ever played. I had to understand the process of how she traces the money in order to play the role – if I don’t understand it, the viewer won’t. Let’s just say I am now well up on my credits and debits! The most rewarding part of the job was being given an insight into the intricate and inner workings of the CAB. I was privileged to be allowed into CAB to meet Michael Gubbins (the Head of CAB) and some of his team, including a marvellous forensic accountant. It was unbelievably helpful and quite inspiring. They do immense work.
The show dives into crime, power and secrets, what do you think makes it resonate so strongly with viewers?
I think the reason it resonates so strongly is the age-old battle of good versus evil. Will the team win and finally take down the criminals at the risk of their lives and others? Also, the work family, the CAB team and how they negotiate and how they work together under this highly stressful situation. People can relate to office characters and dynamics. Finally Hidden Assets is set in Ireland and Spain and shot in three cities Dublin, Antwerp and Bilbao. It has high production values and looks wonderful with an epic European palette to enjoy.
Can you share a behind-the-scenes moment from filming that stuck with you?
There were mighty sing songs on the way home from set in the car. We had a wonderful driver in Belgium called Robin who drove us to and from set. He is a huge movie buff and played suitable movie tracks for us each day – on a rainy morning it was Singing in the Rain, or the theme tune from The A Team for the CAB team, to Bon Voyage from the soundtrack The Russia House as he drove me on my final day to the airport to fly home to Dublin. There were tears, but good tears. People like Robin are the true stars in this business!
You’ve played so many memorable characters over the years – how do you prepare for a role?
Firstly, going through the script. Re-reading again, and again. Working on it and getting ideas and asking myself questions. Looking outside myself for them and researching as much as I can. CAB was a fascinating research job – still have CAB on Google alerts! I also make a playlist for every character which is really helpful. Norah is quite quirky and her taste eclectic. She loves Crystal Gayle… with a large dollop of opera!
When you’re not working how do you unwind or reset between projects?
It takes a while to unwind after a big job, but I am getting better at letting it all go. We have a wonderful dog called Daisy and my favourite thing in the world are long walks in nature with my husband and Daisy. I love to swim, read, catch up with great friends, go to the theatre and catch up on TV dramas and films. The nature of my job takes me away a lot for work so just being at home with my hubby and dog enjoying the normal pleasures of cooking dinner and walking herself is the perfect way to unwind between projects.
Do you have a daily mantra or price of advice that keeps you grounded in the industry?
Be prepared, be kind, be present and be on time.
Who or what inspires you most in your work?
Every gifted artist, from drivers to sparks, to producers to cast who bring their talent to work and collaborate with an open heart, leaving their ego at the door.
What’s your guilty pleasure on TV right now?
The Great British Bake Off.
Tea or coffee on set?
Tea.
What’s the one thing people might be surprised to know about you?
I am an introvert.
If you could have dinner with three people (living or gone) who would you choose?
My mum and dad, and Elvis – we all loved Elvis!
And finally, after you finish this question, what’s next?
After this, I am about to get in a car to go to set to film, The Hardacres, a period drama for Channel 5.
Hidden Assets continues on Sunday at 9:30pm, on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.
