The heart-warming and funny tale was originally a novella by Cecilia Ahern and this adaptation for the theatre is the author’s first play.

The story centres on Emelda O’Grady (Wendi Peters, aka Cillia from Coronation Street), a 46-year-old woman who is dealing with the stress of a shattered marriage and five difficult sons. Her sons worship their father and blame Emelda for his decision to leave – for a 23-year-old dancer. On top of everything else she struggles with a new job at the local supermarket, where she ends up working with her eldest son’s girlfriend. For comfort she turns to her one true friend: ice cream – and soon learns that the soothing jingle can provide her with more than ice-cream, as she learns to trust again and find friendship. In all, it’s a humorous portrait of a woman finding her own place in the world.

‘Mrs Whippy’ is in the Watergate on March 30 and 31 at 8pm. Tickets cost f18/f16 and are available on 056 7761674.