The familiar theme music begins, the audience chuckles in anticipation, and on comes Dolores, a middleaged housewife ready for her daily therapy with Gay Byrne. He talks to her and her peers of intimate things, their bodies and lives; and he is never dirty like those other fellows.

But the radio isn't working, and she begins to talk to him. Her husband has deserted her, and there has been tragedy in her life; but she is still kicking. We eavesdrop on her evolution from a 17-year-old slave-wife to her current status, a woman of liberal and independent character.

The piece's debt to the wellknown Shirley Valentine is obvious. Mary Halpin's script is generally realistic, occasionally fanciful and often funny. Billie Traynor, an actress with the common touch, makes the very best of it with a bravura solo performance.

Continues until November 29th; booking on: 01-6795720