Precious Abimbola joins a 17-strong cast who will perform in Cork Opera House’s upcoming spectacular summer show, Summer Revels!, from July 24.
TELL us about yourself;
My name is Precious Abimbola, and I am a third-year student at MTU Cork School of Music, where I’m currently studying a BA in Musical Theatre degree. Both my parents are from Nigeria, specifically from the Yoruba tribe. They both moved to Ireland in the early 2000s and raised my siblings and I here in Cork. In primary school I would participate in poetry competitions in Feis Maitiú Hall. I’ve been involved in various aspects of music from an early age, starting with my local church choir and then later joining the Cork school of Music Junior Choir when I was eight years old. I’ve been at the Cork School of Music for over ten years, starting with the choir as a day student, and now I will be finishing as a university student in 2025. It upsets me to think about how I will be leaving there so soon because I would consider CSM as a second home.
Where were you born?
I was born and raised in Cork.
Family?
I am the eldest of five, I have two brothers and two sisters. My sister Latoya is currently in her first year at UCC. My brother Alex is in fifth year and is probably the most relaxed person in our house. Rachel is the second youngest, she is incredibly sassy and surprisingly confident for a 13-year-old! Mark, the youngest, is the friendliest, bubbliest and sweetest child. I would consider him the baby of the house even though he’d disagree and state that “being eight years old is mature”!
Best friend?
This is a hard question to answer, and I can honestly say I am blessed with many people in my life who I am quite close to. My childhood friends, including one of my longest friends, Debbie, have been with me all my life and I would even call them my family. I am also incredibly fortunate to have such close college friends who I love and appreciate dearly.
Earliest childhood memory?
My earliest memory would have to be watching Bear In The Big Blue House and bopping along to the Goodbye song.
Person you most admire?
There are many people in my life that I admire but I would have to say my mom. Her resilience and her strength are just incredible. She is the reason why I challenge myself and work so hard every day.
Person who most irritates you?
I don’t have a specific person, but I would say when people don’t respect people in hospitality and public service departments, that irks me like no other.
Where was your most memorable holiday?
I would say my most memorable holiday was when I got to see my first West End show in TY with my school. We got to see The School Of Rock and I remember thinking how ridiculously talented those kids were up on that stage and how I’d love to perform like they do.
Favourite TV programme?
I have recently just binge-watched Desperate Housewives for the third time (I know, all eight seasons), so at the moment that would be my favourite show.
Favourite radio show?
I don’t listen to the radio that much, but I have just started listening to a new podcast called Cocktails And Takeaways on Spotify which I’m really enjoying.
Your signature dish if cooking?
My signature dish is quite a basic college student meal – it’s pasta with some tomato sauce and mozzarella. Now, I season my sauce with a range of different spices so it’s not completely basic.
Favourite restaurant?
Sober Lane, and I’d say the Deliveroo drivers would agree, seeing how often I have ordered from there.
Last book you read?
Shadow And Bone, written by Leigh Bardugo.
Best book you read?
The Importance Of Being Aisling is definitely up there as one of my favourite books.
Last album/CD/download you bought?
Cowboy Carter -the new Beyoncé album. I was obsessed with her last album, Renaissance, and I knew that this would be no exception.
Favourite song?
Killing Me Softly, by Roberta Flack.
One person you would like to see in concert?
I would love to see RAYE in concert. I’ve watched so many of her live performances on YouTube and I feel like she would be even more spectacular in person.
Morning person or night owl?
I’m without a doubt a morning person, I could never sleep in past seven.
Your proudest moment?
Finding out that I was going to be a part of the Summer Revels! cast. When I received the call that I had got the role, I was overjoyed. I really couldn’t believe it. I rang my mom straight away after I got the news, and she was cheering over the phone. Being able to study what I love is such a blessing, and now to be able to do it on the Cork Opera House stage is such an honour and I cannot wait.
Spendthrift or saver?
Now this one is interesting because I would say that I am a spender because at the moment I am currently trying to expand my style and wardrobe. I do, however, borrow a lot of clothes from my sister Latoya. I would say she is more into fashion than me. No matter where she goes or what she is doing, she always looks put together.
Name one thing you would improve in your area in which you live?
The bus service. Need I say more…
What makes you happy?
Having chats with my siblings. Some days after college, my siblings and I would be on Facetime, and we would be talking and laughing for ages.
How would you like to be remembered?
I would like to be remembered as someone who always worked hard and cared for people as much as she could.
What else are you up to at the moment?
I am finishing my exams at the Cork School of Music for the summer.
I am currently involved with my church choir, working on new material for Sunday services.
See https://www.corkoperahouse.ie/ for tickets to Summer Revels.
Read original interview on echolive.ie
