Broadway-meets-Barretstown is how this year's gala fundraiser for Paul Newman's Kildare-based children's charity is being billed, all thanks to the willing participation of one Meryl Streep. At the launch to announce the line-up for Fantasia '97 in the Herbert Park Hotel, Alice Kearney articulated perfectly the valuable service given by Barretstown to very ill children such as her daughter, Lily. It makes them feel normal again and gives them control in their life, she said. On hand to offer any support necessary was a selection of celebrities from the entertainment world. Marty Whelan reckoned that, thankful for two healthy children of his own, he should do something to help. Jon Kenny and Pat Shortt, aka the D'Unbelievables, said that they were also committed to the charity.
Beckett actor Barry McGovern was fresh from filming I Once Had A Life, a film about dead Dublin criminal, The General. He remained tight-lipped about what exactly his contribution to the event would be. It will be "different" was all he could confirm.
Singer and actress Honor Heffernan shed a little light on the mystery by letting slip that some dance steps were involved. "What dance steps?" Barry asked mischievously.
Lending his support from behind impenetrable shades was Robbie Fox, taking things easy after a night spent revelling in his Dublin nightclub, Renards. He was chatting to fundraising committee member Blaise O'Hara. Fantasia '97 producer Fred O'Donovan said the show would include poetry, comedy and song. According to chief executive David Strahan, there is a long fundraising road ahead of Barretstown. They need to raise £12 million over the next four years if they are to continue their work with terminally ill children from all over Europe.
The great event takes place on October 5th in Barretstown Castle, Co Kildare. Joining Meryl Streep will be the children of Barretstown and a castleload of stars including actor Peter O'Toole, singer Paul Brady and traditional music group Clannad.