One of my guilty pleasures from the 90s was Freaky Friday. So when Freakier Friday hit the big screen, I relived my youth and headed straight to the cinema. Imagine my surprise when I walked in to find… not a soul. The whole theatre to myself.
It reminded me of a very different, yet oddly similar moment from years ago. Back in 2006, Michael Jackson lived in Westmeath for a few months while recording in a studio in Rosemount. One evening, he booked out the entire Mullingar cinema so he and his kids could watch a film in peace.
The locals became fiercely protective of him during his stay. Reporters were sent on wild goose chases, and one farmer even threatened to empty a slurry trailer over a paparazzo’s car!
My favourite story? The time Michael took his kids bowling in the local alley. Someone pointed him out and whispered,
“Is that Michael Jackson??”
The owner calmly replied,
“No, not at all. That’s just some gobshite from Athlone who thinks he’s Michael Jackson!” Classic.
So there I was, years later, in my own private screening… at a fraction of the price. Thanks for the inspiration, Michael.
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