PHELIMLIM DREW TO REVISIT HIS DAD’S MUSIC
Actor and musician Phelim Drew will revisit the music of his dad Ronnie during a concert in the Whale Theatre in his hometown of Greystones.
On Wednesday, June 9, Phelim will put his own twist on the collection made famous by one of Ireland’s most beloved raconteurs.
‘Growing up, I was always struck by the electricity generated by a concert given by The Dubliners,’ he said. ‘Looking back I can see that the group was made up by the individual strength of each performer but together they were a force of nature.
‘ That energy and excitement coupled with the unbridled joy of the audience made for a night’s entertainment that felt more like a party in full swing, where the host and guests were in perfect harmony.’
He said that having such large shoes to fill meant he had modest ambitions as a singer.
‘However, in my chosen path as an actor, music has always played a part – either professionally, in shows like The Abbey Theatre production of The Risen People, or more recently the musical Once. Also, over the years, playing with friends in bars.’
In the 10 years since Ronnie passed away, Phelim has come to enjoy listening back over his musical legacy and the wealth of material has reawakened not only a sense of pride but also appreciation. ‘With the upcoming show at The Whale in Greystones I’ll be singing some of the songs made famous by Ronnie, Luke, Barney, Ciaran and John as well as other personal favourites by other artists including The Pogues and Paul Brady that will hopefully go towards making up a night that the audience will enjoy as much as I will,’ said Phelim.
Having established himself as one of the country’s most in-demand actors and voiceover artists, Phelim has always held a special place in his heart for music, performing with numerous collaborators and bands over the decades. And now, finally, he’s happy to embrace those early influences, the music that resounded through the Drew home on Killincarrig Road.
For tickets or more information go to whaletheatre.ie.