Renowned actors to grace Opera House stage

LATER this month Olivier Award winning actor Niall Buggy and Golden Globe winner Brenda Blethyn will be gracing the stage of the Grand Opera House.

The duo will be starring in a brand new play by Edna O'Brien, 'Haunted', which opened to audiences in Dublin this week. They will also be joined on stage by Beth Cooke, who takes on the role of a captivating young stall holder who captures the imagination of Niall's Mr Berry.

"The play is about Mr and Mrs Berry," explained Niall, who, despite his years of experience, was feeling decidedly nervous about the opening night of the show on Thursday (February 4). "He is an Anglo-Irishman who lives in London with his wife. He has been married for quite some time when a young woman appears on the scene.

"He's a romantic. He loves his wife but he becomes involved with this young lady. Nothing untoward happens but he does start giving her his wife's clothes and pretends his wife has passed away."

Niall continued: "It is about loss and loneliness but it has got touches of humour as well."

Niall is thoroughly enjoying working with both Beth Cooke and Brenda Blethyn, who was nominated for an Oscar for her roles in both Little Voice and Secrets and Lies.

Despite his many years of experience on stage and screen, including roles in The Butcher Boy, Lucy Sullivan is Getting Married, Mamma Mia and even Father Ted, Niall admitted he was nervous about the opening night of the six-month tour in Dublin. "I am in complete fear," he joked. "I just hope I serve it well."

Niall is also looking forward to a return visit to Belfast and is hoping the local audience will be able to relate to the play.

"I love Belfast," he said. "The people are so friendly, I always have a great time when I'm in Belfast."

Haunted comes to the Grand Opera House on Monday February 15 and runs until Saturday February 20. For further information or to book tickets, priced 10.75 - 26.75, contact the Grand Opera House Box Office on 9024 1919.

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