A BIT of Irish moves into the parlour upstairs to Locke Bar & Restaurant for the Summer with the launch of ‘The Old Time Irish Radio Show’. This sunny, sepia-drenched cabaret opened this Wednesday 1 to round applause, and is set to run weekly until late September.
‘The Old Time Irish Radio Show’ is a unique work developed by writer/ director Mike Finn and choreographer Dr Orfhlaith Ní Bhrian, who teaches at Irish World Academy of Music and Dance.
With a cast of five and running time of 90 minutes for live music, dance, singing, all within the framework of this radio show, credit has to go to producers Jacqueline and Richard Costello, owners of The Locke Bar.
‘The Old Time Irish Radio Show’ will flow on from a three-course meal and complimentary drink served upstairs in the restaurant prior to the curtain lifting at Loft Venue theatre.
“Richard and Jacqui had the idea of a summer show that would appeal to tourists and to locals alike,” says Mike Finn. “Last year Myles Breen and myself did Porkville, which was cheap and cheerful but ‘The Old Time Irish Radio Show’ has very much expanded. We have auditioned for more than we need with respect to cast because there will be a total of 63 shows before the run ends. Musically we have an accordionist, a violinist, harpist and guitarists. On stage this will translate to two musicians and two dancers from IWAMD and their talent is fantastic, I am really impressed by them”.
Dr Ni Bhrian is choreographer to ‘The Old Time Irish Radio Show’ and a trusted collaborator of Mike’s. He has pinned all within a radio programme, whose presenter Bobby Fortune is played alternately by actors/ singers Nigel Dugdale and Liam O’Brian. There’s even a regular soap running between the jingles, fruity-voiced advertisements and of course, Bobby Fortune’s commentary.
More anon when Arts page samples this evening of dinner, drink and the ambient appeal of Irish music hall culture. ‘The Old Time Irish Radio Show’ airs 6.15pm – 9.15pm on June Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays. The €38 ticket includes 3-course meal, a Bailey’s or Guinness on the house and ‘the excitement’. Book at Locke Bar & Restaurant on 061-413733.
