Dear Frankie, I am in love with a lovely farmer twice my age, my parents don’t approve…

Mention two words; Dear Frankie to anyone aged forty 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.

...it may not be your problem today, but it could be someday!

 A new production from Verdant Productions, Dear Frankie follows the true story of the eclectic life and times of Frankie Byrne, Ireland’s first on air agony aunt.
 
Frankie Byrne was queen of the airwaves for over twenty years on matters amorous. Solving everyone’s problems on her iconic Radio Eireann programme which became an institution between 1963 and 1985.

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.  She dispensed no-nonsense advice in her reassuringly gravelly tones like a woman who had seen it all. In some respects, she had. Beneath her good humour was a well of secrets, such as a 30-year affair and a love child, and in later life her bright passion was dulled by alcoholism.
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 60’s and 70’s.

“Nuala Hayes does a marvelously sustained mimic of Byrne’s voice and even her body language.” Emer O’Kelly. Sunday Independent
 
So if you remember Frankie, you will love this show.  But you don’t have to know Frankie Byrne or be aware of what she did to enjoy the play because the whole story is given to you.
 
Tickets €25 are on sale soon and available from the Royal Box Office on 094 90 23111 or 0818 300 000 and ticketmaster.  Further information is available on www.TheRoyal.ie.
Why not make a night of it! Pre theatre menu is available from only €25 pp including a glass of wine.