What’s that, Dougal? It’s Father Ted the Musical
…but who will play Ted? That would be an ecumenical matter
THE last time we saw Father Ted, he appeared doomed to spend the rest of his days on Craggy Island.
But now, 22 years after his last TV appearance, he is back with a stage musical… and a whole new role.
The show’s co-creator, Graham Linehan, announced on Twitter yesterday that he is working on a musical along with the show’s co-writer Arthur Mathews and musician Neil Hannon of The Divine Comedy.
And he revealed that in the show, Ted will be leaving the island to take up the job of Pope. The big question last night was who would play the role of Father Ted, and Linehan gave no clues. Hannon, who composed the TV show’s theme tune, will compose the music for the musical.
‘Pope Ted – The Father Ted Musical, written by Arthur Mathews and myself, music by Neil Hannon, is almost written. I just thought you’d like to know,’ Linehan tweeted yesterday.
He described it as ‘the real final episode of Father Ted’.
He told the BBC yesterday: ‘It’s like putting on an old pair of slippers. I didn’t want to do anything like this until the right idea came along, and when Trump won and Corbyn won [the Labour leadership], I kind of thought: “Maybe Ted has a chance.”’
He said the musical was about ‘the least qualified man in the world becoming Pope. I thought it wouldn’t be too much of a stretch. Obviously we’re pulling some shenanigans to get him into that position but I think the shenanigans are entertaining enough that people won’t mind.’
He gave no indication of casting, but there will be a problem with filling at least two roles as both Dermot Morgan and Frank Kelly, who played Father Ted and Father Jack, are dead.
A long list of Irish comedians have featured on the TV show, from Graham Norton to Tommy Tiernan. Dermot Morgan, who played Ted during the three seasons, died a day after filming the final episode.
Linehan would give no indication of plans for casting or whether any of the old stars, from Pauline McLynn (Mrs Doyle) to Ardal O’Hanlon (Father Dougal) would be returning. ‘That’s all ahead of us,’ he said.
The best way to think of it is that it’s episode 26,’ Linehan said.
And he said the show would definitely be coming to Dublin.
‘Didn’t want to do something until the right idea came along. This was the right idea. Arthur and I have been laughing our as off while writing it, just like the old days.’