TV star Amanda Brunker says she wrote her latest play about throuples before they were in fashion.
Renaissance woman Amanda – an author, model and former Miss Ireland – is now an award-winning playwright.
Her latest show – which hits the stage next month – is about a gay man whose husband decides he wants to bring another man into the relationship.
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Such set-ups – known as a “throuple” – were made famous by singer Una Healy when she was rumoured to have gotten romantic this year with boxer David Haye and girlfriend Sian Osborne.
Dubliner Amanda, 48, insists the production – called How To Leave Your Husband – is not inspired by real life.
The camp comedy drama, stars Conor Clear.
Amanda told the Irish Mirror: “It’s very fortuitous that this is a big topic right now.
“I added a bit in about Una, but I wrote it before all that talk of throuples started.
“A lot of people apparently enter into these throuple relationships now.”
Brunker herself is happily married to husband Philip McLaughlin and the couple have two teenage boys.
They wed at New York’s Rockerfeller Center in 2010 – with her pal Bono as one of their few guests. But has she ever considered trying out a throuple?
Brunker said: “I’ve two kids, two dogs, I’m trying to work – no, I’ve no need to bring a third person into our relationship and barely have time for the relationship I have.
“That would be far too chaotic for me but each to their own – live and let love.”
Philip doesn’t mind the slagging about the title – he’s used to his creative wife.
Amanda said: “God love him. He’s getting an awful lot of grief from his mates. But he’s used to me at this stage. My husband has never read any of my books and barely watched me on any TV show.
“He just doesn’t care – I think that’s why it just works. He’s got his own busy life.
“He asks, ‘Can I do anything for you’ and lets me off to do my own thing.”
Her play will be debut as part of the 20th Dublin International Gay Theatre Festival next month.
She staged her first production – Curiosity – at last year’s festival, about a woman’s bisexual adventures after finding out her husband had an affair with another man.
She’s found her niche with quirky comedy plays.
Amanda added: “I write because that’s my happy place – giving people a laugh, connecting with an audience.
“How to Leave your Husband is written for a gay man, but it has love, heartbreak, disappointment –everyone will understand it.
“It’s not for the faint-hearted. If you’re insulted by a few rude words, don’t come to the show.”
After 30 years of being a personality in Ireland – she won Miss Ireland when she was just 17 – she has a quieter life now.
Amanda added: “I was a woman about town and now I’m literally a slave to men – I ask myself ‘how did this happen?’
“It’s a long old slog. I’m a proud mum but I can’t wait for the parenting side of my life to just pass.
“I’m a desperate housewife in the suburbs, pulling out my hair.
“My life is washing, cleaning, feeding, shopping and walking dogs.
“This show is so exciting as it’s just for me. Let me out.”
How To Leave Your Husband – The Mini Musical runs from May 1 to 6 at DV8 venue on Dublin’s James Street.
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