There's a poster of Che Guevara on the wall, so it's got to be red wine. We're on the premises in Temple Bar used over the years by the Communist Party of Ireland for the opening night of the New Theatre Company's production of Shirley Valentine with Jayne Snow in the title part.
Vincent Dowling enters wearing a large, black Amish hat. "A dinosaur" in theatrical terms, he says he is one of the last actor/ managers. He's home for a short while from managing the Miniature Theatre in Chester, Massachusetts.
Mary McEvoy is chilled to the bone but ready to enjoy the play. Actor Michael McElhatton brings flowers for the star. Her son, Daniel Snow (17), is here to wish her luck as well. She's dying with a cold but the show must go on - and it does to tremendous applause.