Conal Gallen takes his first comedy drama, A Bit On The Side, to The Olympia Theatre in Dublin on Saturday, 1 March.

He is relishing the challenge of staging the play in the capital after enjoying a string of sell-out shows in the north-west and other parts of the country in recent months.

Conal and his son Rory began writing the comedy three years ago and finally finished it in April last year. The play was launched in August before a full house at the Balor Theatre, Ballybofey, and features the goings-on of Bridie, Willie, Dick and Cynthia.

“The action takes place in the household of Bridie and Willie Murphy, a couple who have fought the war of marriage for over 30 years. It is a love story unlike any other,” quips Conal, with a glint in the eye

The Ballybofey man says that the reaction he has received has been over-whelming.

“We have been bowled over with the response from around country. This is just one exciting project in a long list that I have been working hard to complete.

“To do this play, I really had to make the decision to step back from my live stand-up shows. These shows have been my bread and butter all my life. To take a break from this to pursue the comedy play is a major risk.

“The play demands my full attention, so I have decided to give it my best shot. For it to be as successful as my stand-up comedy career, I have to give the play 100% of my time and effort.

“This is not a real deep, meaningful, hard thinking or clever play. It is just fun. Light-hearted fun is what’s required and that is exactly what A Bit On The Side is all about. It’s just a laugh from start to finish.”

He is delighted to have friends alongside him on stage.

“It is brilliant to be on stage with other people for a change. The cast are fantastic. I have worked with each of them on separate occasions, as well as all together in other projects. We have always had a ball together.

“We are all looking forward to having a mighty night in The Olympia. Dublin here we come.”

Tickets are priced at €27.65 and can be bought from The Olympia box office or via Ticketmaster. See conalgallen.com for more details about upcoming shows. CL