Message to Howth Members from Gay Byrne
As heard on Lyric FM.
“We were in the Mermaid Theatre in Bray – beautiful theatre – but we went to see Michael Murphy – no not Michael Murphy as in newsreader, a different Michael Murphy; No, not Michael Murphy as in Ireland’s answer to Fred Astaire. This is the other Murphy, spelt Mikel.
“The Mermaid was packed to capacity, full house and I want to tell you he is on tour in a show called “The Man in the Woman’s Shoes”.
“And I appeal to you to watch out for it because I thought it was just an enchanting show and beautifully, beautifully done.
“And very, very simply, it is a show about a farmer in rural Ireland, living alone and he cannot speak . That is to say he hasn’t got the power of speech … from the time he was born he is dumb.
“But he has a mind which is thinking all the time of what he would say if he were able to speak. And if that sounds depressing, no that is not so. It is hilariously funny because Mikel Murfi is an extraordinarily talented young man and from the time he comes on, he does all kinds of sounds with his mouth. And he is not miked in any way and he has no mechanical help whatsoever. There are just four little props and that makes up the show.
“And it is just one of the most delightful theatrical experiences we have had in a long time, so I do heartily recommend you to go and see him. It will be a lovely experience for you.
“Don’t prejudge it – just go along and sit there and wait for him to come on. And from the moment he comes on, in about three minutes it will suddenly click with you what it is all about. And it is very, very funny. And very different.
“He will be touring the show all around Ireland over the next few weeks and he is in Howth Golf Club on Wednesday, May 21st. Go and see him – it will be a wonderful experience for you.
“Mikel Murfi in “The Man in the Woman’s Shoes”.