Rising star Cormac McAlinden on appearing opposite Rosamund Pike in 'Inter Alia'

This talented young Irish actor is making his West End debut opposite Rosamund Pike in Inter Alia.

Summary

• Cormac McAlinden is making his West End debut opposite Rosamund Pike in Inter Alia
• Performances continue at Wyndham's Theatre
• He recently performed in Eoin McAndrew's Little Brother

A recent graduate from Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, Cormac McAlinden is sharing the stage with Olivier Award winner Rosamund Pike in Inter Alia, and getting an incredible first taste of life as a West End performer.

We asked him about that experience, where he came from, and where he wants to go next.

How does it feel to be making your West End debut in Suzie Miller’s hit play Inter Alia?
It’s surreal! It’s odd to think when I’m seeing the play advertised on social media and on the Tube, it doesn’t go into my head that I’m in it! When I go into the theatre, it’s like they’re two separate things. Even interacting with the cast — it’s like, “oh, my friend Rosamund” and then I leave the theatre, and there’s this “star” Rosamund on posters. It’s amazing. It’s an absolute dream come true. I graduated in December, so I’ve had a pretty amazing start.

What are you learning from your cast mates, especially the great Rosamund Pike?
It’s different to what I’m used to because I’ve been used to acting with people around my age in drama school. To come into a cast of three and be so much younger than the other two is a strange feeling because they have so much lived experience as actors and as people. To see how Rosamund works, how she listens. Even when I’m not on stage, I’m listening and I’m like, oh my god, she’s completely changed that line tonight because of how she’s received a delivery from Jamie [Glover, who plays her husband Michael]. Their ability to be so present and alive in the moment comes from being very present, alive people. They care a lot about other people. So, when you put them on stage with their greatest love, which is acting, it’s amazing to watch.

What first led you to performing?
It’s a bit of a weird start, but my first love was football. I was very set on that for years and then Covid hit. But I’d always had a real interest in acting. With my younger brother, we would be watching films and I’d always be talking about the actor’s performances. I would always break down things in a way that is a bit strange to my other friends who were only into football. They’re like, “just watch the film!”. I gravitated more and more towards the idea of it being possible. Then I had my sights set on Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and was lucky enough to get in, which was nice because that type of stuff doesn’t normally happen to me.

Suzie Miller’s plays are real conversation starters. What are family and friends making of your performance and the character you play?
It is a conversation starter for sure — and it starts important ones. When my friends and family have seen it I hope they’re proud of me taking it on. Just to go through that every night, it’s tough on your nervous system, tough on your body. Sometimes you feel like you’ve gone on a run by the end of it. Without going into spoilers, a lot of them didn’t know where the story was going - my mum was very shocked. But they’ve been very proud, I would say.

Tell us about your experience of performing in Eoin McAndrew’s Little Brother last year - another powerful and thought-provoking piece.
It was a lot closer to home — it’s about a young guy in Ireland, my age, and what happens at that time in their life when you’re changing into an adult and people are leaving [you behind]. You’re growing up, but you haven’t been given the skills to grow up. That character hit me because he covers a lot of how he was feeling with jokes. It is a dark comedy, and it was very tough on your mind, also harder to shake off than Inter Alia because this character is so far removed from who I am.

What other roles and shows are in your sights?
I have finished a film for Amazon. I can’t say too much, but it is a sequel to a very popular film. That’s due to come out at some point early next year. I’d just love to do more! I’d love to do something comical, something that’s not so dark on stage, and I’d love to do some more screen work, obviously.

Check back for Inter Alia tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

This article first appeared in the June 2026 issue of London Theatre Magazine.

Photo credit: Cormac McAlinden. Inset: with Pike in Inter Alia. (Courtesy of production)