Welcome to Ballywood chapter 3: "Sharon has been doing blowdries for 26 hours"
It's every woman for herself at the local casting in the Scout's Den
“Okay people, can I get everyone’s attention here for just a second?”
The 20 or so of us in the Scout’s Den stop what we’re doing and turn to director AJ Brandin, who’s standing on a trestle table at the top of the hall. Tessie Daly won’t like that. Beside me, Sadhbh starts snapping some pictures, discretely moving between assistants and members of the casting team. When I suggested hiring her as our unit still photographer, Mandy nearly jumped down the phone. She loves the Don Shields connection and is already planning a social media buildup to revealing Sadhbh as the on-set photographer to coincide with the film’s release. Sadhbh basically has a fanbase of her own among supporters of The Peigs and I get it, I do. She just knows how to wear the exact right number of little gold earrings without looking like a clown. She’s been at me to get my second hole done. Maybe 2025 is my year.
This morning has been mayhem. We were expecting maybe 60 people to show up for the open casting, but it seems like everyone in the county is queuing up outside for their shot at fame. There are only a handful of speaking roles so it’s mostly just extras AJ and the casting director are looking at. I told Skippy Brennan to explain this on Skippy in the Afternoon yesterday but people are just too excited. Titch Maguire took a day of unpaid leave. Denise Kelly called in sick. Sharon opened the salon at five o’clock on Monday morning, so she’s been doing blowdries non-stop for more than 26 hours. She should be in the Olympics.
“The turnout is strong,” AJ continues, shrugging off his puffer jacket which two people in headsets run to catch. “We need 40, maybe 50 people aged between 20 and 30 for the first party scene.” He lowers his voice a little. “And let’s keep them attractive, okay. There are some people out there who are giving me The Hills have Eyes vibes.” I knew Mad Tom would be straight in looking for a part, although he’s making the most of the crowd outside by setting up a beverage station and charging through the nose. “Simon has already sourced the twins who’ll play the baby but we’ll look for some backups tomorrow just in case.” Majella is going to be crushed. She had her heart set on Baby Aisling playing the lead. AJ is still going. “Twenty people of all ages for streets, kids are okay. And six women in their early twenties to play Don’s exes. We have some coming from Central Casting but if there’s local talent let’s not waste it. They gotta be hot.”
Sadhbh catches my eye from across the room and frowns but I mouth “nobody is hotter than you” back at her. I’ve been slagging her about the fact that Don has an on-screen kiss in the film. Despite the attention on the both of them she’s typically cool