Ross goes totally thespian with stage play, roysh

IT’S loike totally thespian!

South Dublin’s best-known character, Ross O’Carroll Kelly, has always lived his life centre stage but now the living “ledj” is giving a whole new meaning to the phrase as the famous creation of writer and former journalist, Paul Howard, is about to make the transformation from page to stage. The massive success of the seven books about Ross has prompted Howard, roysh, to bring the character even more to life.

The result is that the latest instalment in the story of the self-obsessed rugby jock, entitled The Last Days of the Celtic Tiger, will open in Dublin later this year.

And Ross won’t be crossing the River Liffey to tread the boards in the Abbey or Gate as he is staying firmly and safely on the city’s southside.

The Olympia Theatre, just a short trek from Ross’s famous transport modes of the Dorsh and Daniel Day, will host the world premiere of the play on November 12.

It will see Ross falling on hard times after a lengthy bout of affluenza, scoring birds and general dossing.

“Ross is left penniless and alone thanks to pure bad luck. Well that and an investigation by the Criminal Assets Bureau into the source of his old man’s wealth and getting caught conkers-deep in the family nanny,” said Howard.

Little-known Irish actor, Rory Nolan, will take on the role of the obnoxious, self-obsessed rugby jock, while rising acting star, Lisa Lambe will play Ross’s hard-pressed wife, Sorcha.

The writer also revealed that he would love to see Ross being the inspiration for a film or TV series.

“I could see it working as the column is so dialogue driven,” said Howard.

The production of The Last Days of the Celtic Tiger will also coincide with the forthcoming publication of the latest book by Howard entitled This Champagne Mojito is the Last Thing I Own.

However, what Ross’s mates would say about him engaging in the girly pursuit of “the orts” could still put a spanner in his works.