No Simple Simon
He’s starred on TV, cinema and in an ad for a well known supermarket. Now Simon Delaney is about to appear in his most controversial role yet as Jerry Springer The Opera reaches Dublin.
Roisin Dwyer, 21 Oct 2011
“There’s a tap-dancing Klu Klux Klan number and Jesus appears in a nappy. It can be very offensive. But it’s a brilliant show. It’s very funny,” says Simon Delaney, relaxing in the impressive interior of the Grand Canal Theatre.
The Irish actor best known for his roles in Bachelors Walk and as the red-leather-clad alien in Zonad is enthusing about his upcoming role in Jerry Springer: The Opera.
“It’s definitely for mature audiences only. The clue is in the title. It’s Jerry Springer – not The Sound Of Music!”
The controversial musical has already had sell-out runs in the US and the UK, where some regional performances were cancelled due to protests by extreme Christian groups.
“I fully expect to be on Joe Duffy on the Tuesday morning!” laughs Delaney.
In addition to being rib-ticklingly funny, the performance also raises some moot points.
“As well as being an episode of the show it also looks at why people are obsessed with going on television,” explains Simon. “Why do people want to be famous? Why are people prepared to queue up around the block to air their dirty laundry on front of 20 million people? At one point Jerry’s conscience appears, so the whole show turns on him, why are you doing this? How are you sleeping at night? You are wheeling these poor unfortunate people out and you are getting paid for it.”
Any what does Mr. Springer make of this parody?
“He loves it!” exclaims Simon. “He’s invited to the opening night. It would be mad if he comes! He went to the opening night in London because he lives in London now. He might pop over and fancy a night in Dublin!”
Current musical ventures aside, Delaney has been busy of late building a name for himself across the Atlantic.
“I did an episode of The Good Wife which aired last night in the States,” he divulges. “I was nine days there filming and I was very nervous. It’s Premier League really. It’s the biggest show on TV in the States.”
“I did actually catch myself looking around at Julianna Magulies, Josh Charles, Alan Cumming and Eddie Izzard thinking, ‘Christ, am I really here?’”
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