Snappy days for Si
Delaney set to take the stage in adaptation of hit Doyle film
SIMON Delaney has said he has “big shoes to fill” as he takes on Colm Meaney’s iconic role in the stage adaptation of The Snapper.
The 1993 smash hit Roddy Doyle movie premieres at the Gate Theatre next month and sees the Dubliner playing Sharon’s dad Jimmy.
Simon told RTE Entertainment: “Some young fella called Colm Meaney had a go of it a couple of years ago, it went all right for him, but yeah they’re big shoes to fill and it’s one of the most beloved Irish films.”
Taking on the role of the long-suffering father, the former Bachelor’s Walk actor admitted that he has a tough act to follow.
The 47-year-old said: “The part I’m playing, the dad Jimmy, he’s probably the most quoted
Irish dad in history, so I think it’s going to be a bit like karaoke theatre, people will be shouting up the lines, it’ll be great, we won’t need a prompter.”
Simon admitted the theatre’s location directly behind the Rotunda Maternity Hospital is fitting seeing as expectant mum Sharon gives birth there in the movie.
He added: “Literally doing it in the car park of the Rotunda where Sharon Simon Delaney and Colm Meaney ends up.” The Snapper has stood the test of time as one of Ireland’s most iconic films and Simon told of its lasting appeal.
He said: “It’s one of those movies that if you’re flicking through and it’s on, you’ll sit and watch it, even though you know the funny lines, there are so many funny lines.”
The stage version is based more closely on Roddy Doyle’s 1990 book but the hysterical moments are all still there.
Simon explained: “There is a difference with the stage production because it’s based on the book, not the movie, so for example they’re the Rabbittes, they’re not the Curleys, Dessie Curley and Sharon Curley.
“There’re little differences but all the big moments from the movie are in there.” The Mrs Brown’s Boys D’movie actor recently opened his first New York inspired food truck in Kildare Village.
Simply Simon’s Authentic New York Deli was born out of the actor’s love of cuisine when he spent time in the Big Apple.
While working Stateside on TV shows like The Good Wife’ he discovered a fondness for classic American diner food.
The dad of four appeared in Ireland’s Celebrity Masterchef in 2017 where he showed the nation his skills in the kitchen in the finale which led him to publish his first cookbook Simply Simon’s – The Diner Cookbook, in October of last year.
RTE ENTERTAINMENT
Jimmy is probably the most quoted Irish dad in history SIMON DELANEY