Every TD in the Dail was invited but nary a one turned up on the opening night of Out of Order, Sweetie at Dublin's Tivoli Theatre. Des Geraghty, vice-president of SIPTU, was the only political animal in evidence. However the political farce by Ray Cooney, which moved into the 430-seater venue earlier this week, attracted stars from some of RTE's favourite soaps.
Actor Brendan Cauldwell, who plays "Pascal, an adorable rogue in Fair City", was there with his wife, Maureen. After nearly 50 years in the business, he says he has never grown tired of treading the boards. "It's self-indulgence I'm getting paid for."
Sheila McWade, who plays Kay McCoy in the same soap, was curious to see her screen-husband, Gerard Byrne, (the relationships some people have!) play the lead in the play. Another face from TV, Alan Smyth, who plays "Eoghan, a troubled character in the soap", was there too. And just behind him was Pat Moylan, film producer and owner of Andrews Lane Theatre, who is still trawling for a suitable actor to play the 17-year-old Brendan Behan in Peter Sheridan's film of Borstal Boy. If she'd only looked over her shoulder.
Glenroe star Geraldine Plunkett was there with her sister, Joan. And, stepping up like a dancer to the ticket booth was Pat Faulkner, CEO of Riverdance Abhann Productions with his wife Liz.