I, Keano
The grand old environs of The Olympia theatre were packed to capacity for last nights world premiere of I, Keano, the hilarious musical with tells the story of the Roy Keane / Saipan debacle of 2002. Written by Arthur Matthews, who also brought us Father Ted, the ensemble cast includes Gift Grub creator Mario Rosenstock in the title role.
Characters in this Julius Caesar - style tragi-com include Macartacus, Quinnus (who sounds remarkably like TV3's Martin King), Packie Bonnerus and Surfia, the PR obsessed wife of Quinnus. Cleverly put together, the show contains music and lyrics by Paul Woodfull as well as more well known customized songs. I'll be the first to admit that I'm not a big footie fan, and the Saipan affair worried me not, but it is a testament to I, Keano that it has something for all. My date, FM104's Taragh Loughrey - Grant, and I laughed our little hearts out.
From my seat I spied a sparkly Lorraine Keane, writer and broadcaster Shay Healy, RTE presenter Laura Woods and a pleathora of Irish International Rugby players. No football players, though not surprising as I guess they are resting for the upcoming match against Portugal. Did anybody actually expect Roy Keane to show?
Also in attendance were actor Keith Duffy, Rosanna Davison, singers Paddy Casey and Linda Martin (not together!) and model Glenda Gilson, who I'm sure I saw waving down at the rugby boys from aloft in her private box. Later, the party majority continued on around the corner for the after show bash at SIN.
Question of the night: Since Brian & Glenda are no more, who are set to be the next glamour couple? He is one of Brian's team mates and she is a beautiful TV and radio broadcaster. They are keeping the relationship under tight wraps for the moment but I expect them to be stepping out very soon.
