They are the biggest pop band in the world, but do not be surprised if One Direction take a break from their busy touring schedule and head to Ireland to enjoy Menopause The Musical. The boys, whose hits include ‘Best Song Ever’, are close friends of Mary Byrne, who stars in the theatrical extravaganza.
Mary, 55, met the teen idols when they appeared together on TV talent show X Factor. “They’re lovely lads,” said Mary. “We still keep in touch on Twitter. I don’t know if they’ll be able to make it over, they’re so busy, but I’m sure they’ll enjoy it if they do. It’s a show with real heart and humour, and bags of great songs.”
Menopause The Musical tours Ireland this autumn. The toe-tapping, singalong sensation also stars Linda Nolan, Sue Collins, and Niamh Kavanagh and is directed by Richie Hayes of The Voice of Ireland.
Set in a department store, it tells the story of four very different ladies meeting by chance at a lingerie sale. Packed with hot flushes and hot tunes, it has warmth, wit, and wonderful women.
Linda Nolan of The Nolan Family is thrilled to have been cast in the show: “Even before I got the opportunity to work on the musical I’d heard about it from friends and family,” she said. “They were all raving about it.”
The 56-year-old, who was born in Dublin, promises to bring valuable experience to her role. “For the first time I’ll be working as a method actor,” she chuckled. “I’ll be taking my own hot flushes onto the stage!” However, Niamh Kavanagh says the show isn’t just for women of ‘that certain age’. She said: “I’m 47, so I’m not quite there myself yet. But I’ve talked about it with my mum and plenty of friends, who all tell me their stories.
“That’s what’s so great about this show. It allows women to share and laugh. Though blokes will enjoy it, too. It’ll certainly provide them with an education.” Kavanagh, who is the mother of teenage boys, says her sons will definitely find the musical entertaining and enlightening. She said: “They’re going through puberty at the moment. I tell them that so am I. Only I happen to be going through it backwards.”
Menopause The Musical is proving to be exactly the sort of challenge Niamh thrives on. She said: “I’m very excited about this opportunity. I’ve enjoyed performing in panto for quite a few years, but I’ve always wanted to appear in a musical. Even just reading the script has been a laugh. It really is a top show.”
Menopause The Musical will take place at The Dean Crowe Theatre, Athlone, on Saturday October 10 with two separate shows kicking off at 4pm and 8pm. For further information or to book tickets visit www.deancrowetheatre.com.
