Star actress gets her wish with Ulster guitar
A HANDMADE guitar from Northern Ireland has made its West End debut in the arms of star actress Anna Friel.
The Spanish-style instrument was specially ordered from Antrim-based McIlroy Guitars just four weeks ago after Ms Friel said she would not use any other make.
However, it was only by sheer coincidence that a guitar of the type needed was available at such short notice.
Dermot McIlroy's guitars have such a prestigious reputation across the world that there is a two-year waiting list - and the AS35cn model is one that takes longer than most to make.
But as luck would have it, Dermot had just sent one off to a shop in England and was able to convince the retailer to return it for Ms Friel.
"It was a nylon-stringed guitar Spanish type, there would be around 80 hours of work in it and it would cost around 2,500. Because we had such a waiting list there is no way we could have got one for her in time but luckily we had just made one and the shop was good enough to let us give it to her," said Dermot. "I was thrilled, it is a real feather in our cap."
Ms Friel is starring as Holly Golightly in the stage version of Breakfast at Tiffany's, which had its star-studded opening night last night
A naive, eccentric New York cafe society girl, Holly Golightly was the character that shot Audrey Hepburn to iconic status in the 1961 film.
Dermot said Ms Friel had bought one of his guitars before which has now been played by a host of rock celebrities, from her ex-boyfriend Robbie Williams to Bruce Springsteen and the Gallagher brothers.
"My history with Anna Friel goes way back, my first order actually came from her when I set up around 10 years ago," he said.
"It was my first trade trip over to England. I knew Anna's father, he is originally from the Antrim Road. I was sitting in her parents' house watching her do an interview on TFI Friday and she rang straight afterwards - when she heard I was there she immediately placed an order for a guitar for a friend.
"Most of the rock stars you see on stage have guitars that were given to them by other companies for product placement but we do not do that, this is the first time we have ever given away one of our guitars. Ours are usually bought by studio musicians."
Ms Friel first came to prominence playing the troubled Beth Jordache in Channel 4 soap Brookside. Since then she has carved out a career in movies and on stage.
Her beauty has also earned her advertising campaigns with Pantene, 3 mobile and Virgin Airways.
Meanwhile, next March will see McIlroy Guitars' 10th anniversary.
"I started off doing a government apprenticeship in carpentry. I sent my CV off to Lowden Guitars and worked there for 10 years before starting up my own company in 2000," he said.
"Now I have three other people helping me make guitars, as well as my wife who does the books.
"My mother played the piano and my father was a carpenter so that must be combined in me. I play the guitar too - music along with my family are my passions in life."
Breakfast at Tiffany's is showing at the Theatre Royal Haymarket and is currently booking until January 9, 2010. More information can be found by logging on to www.breakfastattiffanys.co.uk or by phoning 0845 481 1870.
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