THE Irish Writers' Centre Ion Parnell Square is, at the early time of 6.15 p.m. for this week only, hosting a quirky snippet written by Robert English and Mick Nolan. The Attendant, embodied by Mr Nolan, works in a city hospital and, for some 50 minutes, recalls his varied experiences as a functionary in this temple of life and death.

The emphasis is mostly on comedy and the piece opens with an account of a small dog running rampant through the wards, pursued by our hero and a large alsatian incontinence, human and canine, is endemic. Hypochondria is examined via an entire family nay, a dynasty with a Munchausen complex, who demand recognition of their services to medical science. The mortuary, indubitably part of the scene, throws up one very funny, and yes, sick joke.

Such a life must have its solemn moments, and a few are included by way of reflective thought and philosophy. This material tends to be the stuff of speeches rather than speech, falling on the ear less naturally than the well timed comedy. Mick Nolan, however, makes the best of it all, creating a personality without pretension and drawing the audience in with his balance and flair.

Part stand up comedy, part one man play, this early evening show makes for an amusing aperitif.