This latest production of a Shaun Purcell musical drama demonstrates once again that this Irish author-composer has significant talent. The songs are, as usual, mellifluous and three of them, at least, are strikingly good: Grow Up, Get Smart, Sing Me A Song and Hello Is That Julie?. They are also well sung, notably by Eamon Glancy, Emer Hartnett in the title role, and Kelly Brown as Julie's friend. But, written 10 or so years ago, the book shows the author to be in need of a professional dramaturg or playwright to put a dramatic shape on the work.

The story is of bright young Julie, working in Joey's seedy cafe to establish her independence even before she leaves school.

It is the simplest of tales: Julie gets hooked on drugs, is unable to fulfil her academic promise and slides predictably downhill. But every step in the story is signalled from the start, so there is no dramatic tension and surprise is out of the question. We could leave at the interval and still know the outcome, although we might miss some of the show's best numbers.

The piece has neither the domestic dramatic content of The Raven Beckons, nor the theatrical ambition of Aisling (two of Mr Purcell's recent works). It needs a good book and much of the dialogue, especially between Julie and her parents, is utterly unconvincing. The production, directed by Tony Finnegan, is slow and portentous for the most part, and the acting is downbeat and uneven. Eamon Glancy as Smack is the evil being who woos Julie into addiction. Kelly Brown is her afflicted but good-hearted and lively friend. And Emer Hartnett's Julie is outstanding. With a new book and a sharper production, there is enough in the music and the lyrics and these performances to make possible a more substantial success.

Runs until October 31st. Booking at (01) 458 3002.