Two Types of Guinness
Tours appear to be grouping Dublin & Belfast together more often these days. It makes sense as it involves fewer ferry crossings for the lorries, and fewer air miles collected by the company.
It was the first time I had done such a double-header, and thus the first time I had tried Guinness in both cities. The immediate verdict? Dublin Guinness is creamier, Belfast is chocolatier. They are both however utterly delicious.
It was great to be back in Dublin. I was last here only two years ago opening Girl From The North Country at The Olympia. This time, at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre, we welcomed Irish audiences back to The Rock. The reception at the end of each performance was incredibly warm - it even sounded like the loudest cheers went up for the traditional Irish instruments that we use in the show! Our whistles player for Ireland was Matt Bashford, who played Come From Away during its original Dublin & West End runs. He certainly earned his place amongst our ranks with expert top tips on fabulous local bars & things to do, as well as being an incredible musician. One of my favourite evenings was visiting a small pub north of the Liffey to hear a spectacular trad session with a sumptuous pint of The Black Stuff.
Onto Belfast (via a beautiful 2-hour train ride) to a venue we definitely could have packed out over a fortnight, let alone a week, the gorgeous Grand Opera House. Before we opened, some of us took the opportunity to travel up the Antrim Coast to Giants Causeway. I have visited before, but the combination of taking colleagues to see it for the first time with their own eyes, plus it being a well-organised trip by a local travel company that included stop at various other places, made it one of the best days out I have ever had on tour. I still can’t believe I get to call this my job.
On then to Ipswich! There is great excitement that a show like Come From Away is visiting this quiet corner of the UK, so we’re looking forward to a warm welcome. Then it’s Sheffield later in the month, followed by the seaside beauty spot of Llandudno. On we fly!