There is no nudity in the foyer of the Abbey. That comes later - on the stage. The opening night of the Dublin Theatre Festival kicks off early. Salmon and egg sandwiches are passed around for those who have missed their tea. We grit our teeth going in see the controversial production of Barbaric Come- dies. Will we be shocked? Relax, says Richard Wakely, managing director of the National Theatre. "Water off a duck's back," he says.
The welcoming Wakely hugs Brian McMaster, director of the Edinburgh International Festival, who has come over to watch an Irish audience's reaction to the play with violent and "barbaric" content. Next Wakely hugs Judith Woodworth, director of the National Concert Hall. We wait, and wait, for a hug. Sniff.
James Cromwell, who played the farmer in the film Babe, is here, towering over everyone. He's in Dublin currently playing the lead in The Magnificent Ambersons, which is being shot in Kilruddery House, outside Bray, Co Wickow, at the moment. "I play Major Amberson, the patriarch himself," says the tall, handsome actor who looks made for the part. We almost salute. He chats to Canadian actor Bruce Green- wood, who's in "the Joseph Cotton role".
Will Geoffrey Rush, the Oscar-winning actor from Shine, be joining them for dinner later? He's just flown in from Sydney, not to mention having just finished filming the lead in the Marquis de Sade, opposite Kate Winslet and Joachim Pheonix, which opens in the US in November. Dinner will depend on jet lag, he says.
As to the Barbaric Comedies, a new version by Frank McGuinness: "It's a very interesting piece," says Moya Doherty, chairwoman of the festival. Meanwhile, up at Dublin Castle, the state rooms are heaving with the friends and relations of Richard Harris who have gathered to celebrate his 70th birthday. Breith la fe shean is fe mhaise duit, a Risteaird. Of course, it's a very late night all round.