We’re talking about hosting. We’re talking about hosting because before that we were talking about wine and we’re talking about wine because well, as you’ve probably heard, Amy, actor, author, screenwriter and now winemaker – sort of – has just launched her own wine line, Ah. We’ll raise a glass to that!
It’s telling, we think, that when hosting Amy has to either cook something easy, like a Pad Thai, as she did recently for friends, or be totally prepped beforehand with the meal basically done. The reason she must be prepped she tells us exclusively here, is that if you’re over, she is talking. Yeah, Amy Huberman loves the chats. In fact, this chat, which was due to be a short one, turned out to be very long indeed.
She also has oodles of energy too. Though you may see her mostly looking fabulously glam out and about at events, it’s jeans and runners she’s more comfortable in as she runs from pillar to post, from the school gates to after school activities and back again. But she does stop. Unwinding happens with a good book, or two; she often has a couple on the go. Or with a trip to the movies where she loves nothing more than losing herself in someone else’s story.
If you’re in the mood for a cinema date yourself now, we can’t recommend new movie Fran The Man, in which Amy stars, enough. Directed by Stephen Bradley and starring his wife Deirdre O’Kane and also Ardal O’Hanlon, Risteárd Cooper and Amy’s brother Mark Huberman, it is laugh out loud funny! “I guarantee you” she says, “you’ll come out smiling!”.
We talk about the days being a race, spring being here, cooking roasts on a Sunday and popping corks with pals…
So, Amy, how are you doing, how’s life?
Life is good – busy; kids are well, family are well. And it’s spring! As much as I love the cosiness of winter when we’re heading into it; coats, boots, jumpers, fairy lights… I’m done and dusted by the time we’ve got to February. Although the jumpers might not be done with me until June!
To see the buds bursting forth is a cause for celebration!
Well, I don’t know if this is just the stage of life I’m at, but I find myself heralding, ‘Oh Look! There’s some magnolias’, ‘Here come the blossoms’…! And I’m pretty sure from last year that the roses are June, so I’ll be ready for it. Show me a rose and I’ll sniff it! Yup, this is obviously the stage of life I’m at, where I’ve no clue about the current slang lingo but I can tell a ranunculus from a rhododendron!
Yes, blooming has begun as it starts to heat up!
I was away in Sweden recently, where it was -20 degrees Celsius, and I met an ice sculptor from Norway, further up towards the Arctic Circle where it’s winter for eight months and often -40. So I came home, and I thought, right, I won’t complain about our winters ever again!
April is a busy month for you too…
Yes the next few months will be really busy with lots going on. My eldest is also finishing up in junior school. It’s the end of an era for her and I guess for us. She’s so excited to start secondary which is great, but it’s such a big move. I mean, I remember it so clearly. I remember the day I started junior school so clearly! I even remember playschool! They are such momentous moments in our lives. My youngest will be starting in junior infants too, so it’ll be one in, one out, and another factory line of sandwiches to be made!
Oh my gosh, you’ll be wailing!
Wailing! Weeping! Squealing! It’s really exciting too.
It is exciting, one chapter closing, another opening.
Absolutely! I used to get emotional about it; wanting to sort of hold on to everything as it was, but you can’t. I think I’m better now, or certainly more conscious of trying to embrace all the different stages. It’s a real joy to see them growing up. But there is the other side where you look back, or your phone looks back for you and all these photo memories flash up…the heartbreak of that in the moment, when they were teeny tiny. But you know what, I’ll take my sleep too, thanks!
Yes, we wish Apple would get rid of that photo memories feature!
Like if it was a girl’s trip that’s fine, it might even spur you on to book another one. But the other stuff is just a reminder of how fast time is going!
You’ll need a new hobby, or a few new projects to fill your time now…
I’ve thought about this a lot over the last while because I’ve definitely been at home a good bit for the last couple of years with the kids all in school, and in a way I had my busyness contained, trying to squeeze the most out of myself and my work into each morning before collection. But that has a pace of its own as well because by the end of the day I was nearly ready for bed before them!
The days are a race!
Yeah and then the moving parts when you work in a job where you don’t really have a routine, or you have a routine that keeps changing. But in a way, I’ve gotten used to that and if there are periods of time where it’s really busy, I’ll make sure to try and not take on as much for the next stretch. But then again you almost get attuned to that fear that if you don’t take on the work that you’ll never get a job again. So, I don’t know! It’s complicated and it’s always changing and what’s right for one family isn’t right for the next. Shifting sands constantly!
Home projects aside, you do have two big work projects on the go this month. Let’s talk about the movie first, Fran the Man which releases April 11th nationwide – we’ve watched it, it’s very funny.
I’ve never done a mockumentary before. But I have a fascination with mockumentary comedy. I love the tone of it. I love how you are very much in the real world, but there’s a wink and a nod to it all. I think it gives a different tension to a scene which always makes me laugh because I always think there’s an awkwardness to it. And there’s something about the comedy of awkwardness that just entertains me.
What’s the story about?
The story is all about rooting for the underdog, about passion, about community. And, you know, I don’t come from a sporting family, my only sporting legacy is coming third in the sack race in 3rd class! So yeah, I’ve found myself in many sport adjacent situations; mostly shouting from the side lines. I’m happy to take on that role as I’m absolutely not sporty myself. Well, mostly I think it’s team sports. I hate being chased, which doesn’t work out too well in a team environment! I’d just end up shouting “Take the ball and leave me alone!” Cheering for the rugby in real life, cheering for the football in this film, it’s a safer place for me. My character Jackie’s kid in the film is mad about football and that’s how she gets involved in that world. The cast was brilliant. We had so much fun.
Deirdre O’Kane stars in it also, it must have been great craic working with that funny gal and your pal too?
I’ve been lucky enough to know Dee for years now. We would bounce a lot of stuff off each other; we even have plans to do something together ourselves, we’re working away on that at the moment. It’s kind of weird to say that you’re a fan of your friend, but I am! I was a fan before I knew her, I just have so much respect for her. She’s one of our most talented comedians. She’s just magic and she’s also a real cheerleader, a really good person to be around, and you know there’ll be messing! She also has a great brain. Deirdre O’Kane for President!
She has our vote! You also had the joy of acting alongside your brother, Mark Huberman.
Mark is one of my favourite people to be around, he’s one of my best mates. I am so close to both of my brothers, and loved having brothers growing up. Mark also just lives around the corner from me now. He’s incredibly talented, I mean it was because of him that I went down this acting path. I saw him doing it first and was inspired. Working together was a lot of fun, also because the movie was so fun! Go and watch it, go and support Irish cinema, please do. It’s especially important in the first few days of a cinema release because the smaller Irish films are up against some big heavy players. I’ll guarantee you’ll come out smiling. And there’s nothing like going to the cinema.
Do you go alone or with others?
I often go on my own. Getting lost in a movie is great therapy. Popcorn, sweets, not on your phone, no one calling you, immersing yourself in someone else’s story – great escapism.
What’s the last thing you went to see?
I went to see Black Bag with Michael Fassbender and Cate Blanchett. Loved it.
Your other project also launching this April is Ah Wines. Why wine?
I have never launched my own product before, I’ve worked with different companies, I’ve worked with shoes and jewellery, and that’s been brilliant. But I’ve never been involved from this grassroots stage, or started a business before. I learned a lot about marketing, really finding your brand, your story. But the genesis of all this started because I do like a glass of bubbles! Champagne to me feels like a very special occasion drink and then Prosecco, I know people love it, but for me I can only have one glass because I find it quite sweet. But we (Shane Davey, Brian Fagan and Hugh Murray…all who have been in the industry for years) got talking and I was telling them that I love cava because it’s drier, it tastes more like champagne, but it’s a way more accessible drink, so that’s how our conversation progressed.
So, in the Ah Wines collection, there are two: Ah Cava Brut Rose and Ah Sauvignon Blanc, is that right?
Correct. We went out to the vineyard in Valencia and met the family who own it, who’ve made wine for generations. There’s an incredible history there. I’m excited about this project, the job that I’m in, writing and acting, will always be my first love, but to have another project on the go is great. I’ve loved every step of it so far; the design of our brand labels, that took us months. Irish artist Jill Deering created the winking lady you see on the bottle. I wanted to mix the sense of heritage with wine making and give it a modern twist. A wink and a nod. A great, refreshing, accessible wine. We spoke a lot too about demystifying wine as it can often feel like you need to know so much about it all, like an inner sommelier club! When really, it’s knowing what you like.
We like that, and we do like the labels too where you can write your own message on the bottle.
Yeah, it’s a bit of fun, isn’t it? You can finish the sentence with your own puns, sentiments, jokes, messages to whomever you are gifting. Ah…here…or Ah… Jaysus…or Ah…you know I love you! You can have a bit of fun writing a message if you’re giving it as a gift. Or it can be a heartfelt message either to remember or celebrate a moment. It’s a nice little touch. You can keep the bottle then as a memory and stick a candle in it!
So anytime someone’s coming over to your house from now on, it’s gonna be, Ah, wine time!
Yes! We’ll have to build a wine cellar, dig into the ground!
What type of host are you? Do you go all Meghan Markle on it or do you opt for the easy route?
I would love to say that it comes naturally to me, but I don’t think I’m a natural cook. Though nowadays, I do enjoy cooking way more than I used to. But I’m not doing a slow cooker 3-hour dish! If I have time and I’m not actively minding three children, I like to stick on an audiobook, and I’ll enjoy cooking even more then. But I have to be prepped no matter what because I’m a talker and if you come over and I’m not prepped, I’m talking to you! My friends came over recently and I did a Pad Thai, I make a good Pad Thai because it’s quick and I don’t have to keep an eye on everything at different times. So no, I’m never doing a seven-course tasting menu, maybe I will down the line, maybe I will get into that but at this stage in my life, definitely not! I don’t have time with all those roses that need sniffing!
Would you go in for a bit of tablescaping?
I like a bit of tablescaping! Depending on the time of year, I might pick something from the garden but it might be teeny, and in a teeny tiny vase! I do have nice candle sticks holders. I love the sense of occasion, so I like popping open a bottle of cava and making a toast, having good music. I want whoever’s coming over whether it’s family of friends to feel comfortable and relaxed. And there’s always takeaway if I get too distracted and burn the dinner!
Do you host a lot?
Brian really likes having people over and he loves cooking on a Sunday too. I like cooking a roast as well, that’s a relatively easy dish to do. Roasts looks like you’ve made a load of effort when you’ve just bunged it in the oven and walked away. “Alexa set timer for one hour 30 minutes”, and boom!
Who’s your favourite person to open a bottle of wine with?
It’s a tie between with my husband if we’re having a catch up after a long week or have something to celebrate. If it’s a Friday night and
you’re ready to unwind! Or my girlfriends! Music on, pop the bubbles, chats and laughs until the early hours.
You are talking to us now from your office. Are you productive in that office of yours or do you get distracted easily?
I used not to have an office; I used to write at home. I wrote some books at home, but I wrote my TV series here. I find the office actually helps me focus. Having somewhere a little bit away from the house has definitely helped my head to be more productive because there’s nothing else to distract me here, I have to write. It’s also close enough that I don’t have to go too far and don’t have to get in the car. So, it’s perfect.
Obviously, you’ve been styled today for this photoshoot Amy, but what type of outfit are you most comfortable in?
Well, my every day is jeans and runners because I seem to walk a lot, to school, from school, to after school activities. So, jeans and runners take up the majority of my wardrobe. I like a nice jumper too and I have a weakness for jewellery. I love camels and blacks and navy tones, but when it comes to summer, I am craving prints and lots of pinks, blues, greens. I love shirts or printed blouses tucked into jeans for a dressier day time look, cropped bomber jacket over it; good to go. I’m always craving coats! I have a problem with coats! I get this from my dad. Fashion was always big in our house because of dad and he designed coats so it’s genetic, I can’t help it!
What about makeup? Today it took an hour, how quick can you do yours?!
If you timed me, I know I could definitely do it in under two minutes! Especially if I have to leg it out the door to get the kids. If I have time and I’m going out I love going upstairs, putting on music and taking time with my makeup at my dressing table. But mostly, it’s a rush. And anyway, I definitely wear less makeup than I did when I was younger.
What products are in your makeup bag?
I love the new Laura Mercier tinted moisturiser; it goes on like a dream and gives great coverage. My Lancóme mascara Monsieur Big, that’s definitely my favourite. I can do without lips; I am happy with a lip balm! But I feel like I’m in need of an old-school vitamin tonic and an 8-hour kip without mascara. I’ll definitely get the old, “Are you okay, you look very tired” nugget if I don’t. It’s like an instant cup of coffee for my face!
When you take that makeup off and crash into bed at the end of the day, do you sleep well?
I used to always be a night owl. That was always when I did my writing, I could write ’till two or three in the morning. But kids put an end to that so now I’m my most productive in the mornings. I do try to go to bed a bit earlier now because I’m generally up from six. It is important as tricky as it can be to make time for yourself, so I really do try to take some time to wind down, to listen to an audiobook, or read, or watch a tv programme. Just even a little bit of headspace can stop the mind racing before you nod off.
Reading anything or listening to anything worth recommending?
I usually have a few good books on the go. I’ve just finished The Nightingale, which I loved by Kristin Hannah. She writes historical fiction, which is one of my favourite genres, so well. I also just downloaded David Sedaris’ book Me Talk Pretty One Day which is more funny reflections on life. I also finished A Thousand Splendid Suns, the 2007 novel by Afghan-American author Khaled Hosseini recently, which was an incredible book that will stay with me. Then I’ll have audiobooks and podcasts on the go as well.
What’s your favourite podcast at the moment?
I’m listening to Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ podcast called Wiser Than Me, where she interviews women who are older than her, it is particularly good. The last episode I listened to was with Jane Fonda who is just incredible. It’s amazing, a fantastic podcast, I would highly recommend. There’s something so sisterly about a woman who’s lived and wants to share advice on what she has learned. I guess it’s like life advice from people who’ve lived, failed, achieved, loved, lost, just… lived!
Finally, Amy, your Instagram posts make us laugh, you in Fran The Man make us laugh, sometimes just looking at you makes us laugh! Who makes you laugh?
My kids, my friends, my husband, my family. The small things in the everyday. For other laughs I’m looking forward to watching the new season of Hacks. I loved the first two!
What’s the plan now? Where are you off to?
I’m off to open a bottle of bubbles! Whoop!
