Murphia pack the South Bank show

THE opening night of wunderkind Martin McDonagh's play, The Cripple of Inishmaan, at the National Theatre on London's South Bank this week was like a Murphia magnet - the small theatre was packed with Irish people.

Tony Doyle from Ballykissangel was there, as was Gary Hynes who looked understandably delighted she was the first person to recognise the London-Irishman's extraordinary talent. Also over for the night was Tony O Dalaigh, ever anxious to talent-spot for his Dublin Theatre Festival. Culture vulture and great supporter of Irish theatre Harold Fish from the British Council arrived, as did Riverdance executive producer Julian Erskine who made the trip to applaud his partner Anita Reeves.

Drama teacher Ann Kavanagh looked delighted to be there to support her protege Owen Sharpe who was making his London debut. As always on opening nights, actors agents' were well represented, including Terry Hayden, and Lisa Cook who has just opened a London branch of her busy Dublin agency. Adding a bit of glamour to the evening were casting directors Leo Davis, who cast The Van and Susie Figgis who cast Michael Collins. Also spotted in the audience was film director Todd Hayaes whose next film, Velvet Goldmine, stars Irish actor Jonathan Rhys Myers who picked up the young actor's award at the recent Irish film ball. There was a delightful champagne and canape reception after the performance.