Play by the 13-year-old Simon was ‘a sell-out’

A LOCAL Wicklow paper has uncovered a hidden talent of the taoiseach-in-waiting, after discovering a play written by a 13-yearold Simon Harris.

The Greystones Guide describes how, back at the turn of the millennium, Mr Harris was ‘already weaving wily words and spinning tales to keep the masses happy, the 13year-old St David’s student having written a play whilst still getting used to long trousers’.

The production, On The Run, tackled such subjects as alcoholism, child abuse and death, and ran for five audience-packed nights at St Patrick’s Hall.

The Guide noted: ‘Studying under the steady hand of the iconic Gladys Sheehan, young Simon was wise enough to present his work to an established playwright before unleashing it upon the public, and luckily for him, the Abbey Theatre’s Bernard Farrell gave On The Run the thumbs up.’

The play took the young Harris ‘about three or four weeks to write’ and, encouraged by ‘the seal of approval from the man behind I Do Not Like Thee, Dr Fell and The Last Apache Reunion, rehearsals began in the Sea Scouts Den. The play, we are told: ‘was a sellout, despite the fact that tickets were £4 for adults and £2 for OAPs and children.’ A cast of 50 was involved with the young playwright noting he was ‘absolutely thrilled.’ Simon, the Greystones Guide notes, was also quick to give thanks and praise to his music teacher at St David’s, Stuart Crampton.

One FG source observed: ‘With that interest in the arts, maybe Harris could be the new Haughey.’ They added: ‘He’ll certainly know a lot about “Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better” and he’ll know a lot about being On The Run.’