'Dear Frankie’ show revives agony aunt memories

Mention two words: 'Dear Frankie’ to anyone aged 40 or over in this country and something predictable happens. They start to sing the signature tune to Frankie Byrne’s iconic radio show, 'The Women’s Page’. For over 20 years, Frankie ruled supreme on the airwaves on matters amorous. In an era without internet, without dedicated self-help book sections in the bookshop, where the librarian knew your mother so you couldn’t borrow that book, information was pretty hard to come by. Luckily, there was Frankie Byrne. Dear Frankie is the new production from Five Lamps Theatre Company, celebrating the eclectic life and times of Frankie Byrne, Ireland’s first radio agony aunt, coming to Ramor Theatre at the weekend. The various and authentic problems written to her and heard throughout the play offer a fascinating insight into the hang-ups, concerns and sorrows of Ireland in the 60s and 70s. Nuala Hayes will play the part of Frankie in the show. There are two other actors playing various roles in the full-length two-hour show. Like Frankie’s own radio programme, the score features carefully selected Frank Sinatra numbers throughout. This is the first production of Dear Frankie. The play has benefited from a staged, rehearsed reading in April 2009 performed for both members of Frankie’s own family and friends and the general public, which garnered both praise and excellent feedback. There is hilarity in the show and moments of deep despair. And always there is empathy, as Frankie reaches out to everyone who comes her way and everyone who starts off their handwritten letter with the words; Dear Frankie... The show is on Friday 15th October with booking on (049) 854 7074.