EVER unable to resist an encore, Donegal singer Daniel O'Donnell turned up on the stage of Dublin's Gaiety Theatre on two successive nights this week. The perennially youthful Mr O'Donnell was invited by director Pam Brighton to see Women on the Verge of HR in which he features as a romantic fantasy figure. Having arrived only in time to catch the second half of the performance on
Monday, he came back for the full show the following night, joining the cast on stage on both occasions and giving the audience a few verses of I Just Want To Dance With You.
So how did he feel about the production? "It sort of portrayed that I'd be a substitute its women's lives," commented the singer afterwards, "but I think the majority of people come to see me just for the music. Anyway, I almost feel that regardless of what's written or said about me it's actually about somebody else. As long as I keep things at that level, I'm never going to be upset."
Although mild mannered Mr O'Donnell found some of the play's language "a bit strong", nevertheless, "I didn't honestly think it was, vulgar."
Despite rumours that he was going to be popping into the theatre all week, there were only the two sightings on Wednesday night Mr O'Donnell was back on stage in his usual capacity in Carrickmacross and then he went back home to Donegal for a few days' rest. This weekend he heads off to England for the start of a 40 date tour that will last until mid May, after which he'll be recording his first gospel album and a Christmas video, followed by a series of concert dates in Australia and New Zealand. So even if he wanted to call in to see Women on the Verge again, it's unlikely this would be possible for the rest of the year.