The legal eagles will be breaking all their rules next week when they switch roles - normally a serious offence indeed - in the cause of charity. High Court Justice Peter Kelly, who has become something of a hero since his remarks on Zoe Developments, will be a senior counsel and his colleague, Justice Diarmuid O'Donovan will become a juror. The occasion is the performance by members of the Law Society and The Bar in Dublin's Green Street Court House, for four nights from Wednesday, of Gilbert and Sullivan's Trial By Jury. Profits, including those from the associated supper in Blackhall Place, will go to the Solicitors' Benevolent Society, the Barristers' Benevolent Society and Temple Street Children's Hospital. Five years ago, a similar production made £16,000.
The all-music script tells of a breach-of-promise case between Angelina and Edwin. The judge will be played by solicitor Henry Lappin, Justice Kelly will act as counsel for the plaintiff and Michael Hanna SC will act for the defendant. The plaintiff is played by barrister Emily Daly. District Court Judge Mary Collins and solicitor Elma Lynch are in the chorus. Proinsias O Duinn is musical director and Joan Merrigan producer. In case anyone thinks this is a bit of a ruse, it should be noted that it is a very serious performance. While the odd line will be thrown in here and there to update the script and let the audience know this is 1997, the cast of 40 will be decked out in period costume.