As part of Irish network RTÉ’s Comic Relief special, Normal People stars Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones reunited for a skit riffing on their popular series. The characters of Marianne and Connell also appear played by different actors in another sketch. Both clips were filmed before the COVID-19 production shutdowns and were directed by Lenny Abrahamson (who directed the first six episodes of Normal People) and Stephen Bradley.
The first sketch features a special guest – Andrew Scott, aka the “Hot Priest” from Fleabag. He appears to help Connell and Marianne confess to their various sins with hilarious results in the British/Irish TV crossover event of the year.
Unfortunately, a clip of the trio singing was cut from the US version of the video, but thanks to enterprising Twitter users, we can hear Mescal, Scott, and Edgar-Jones croon to Boyzone’s “Baby Can I Hold You Tonight” (god bless you, Irish Twitter and Lenny Abrahamson):
— Diana O’Connor (@Dian1506) June 26, 2020
The second offers fans a comedic glimpse into the lives of characters Connell and Marianne … forty years later. The skit, called “Older Normal People,” is filled with the passive-aggressive non-communication that became a signature of the series. It stars actors Deidre O’Kane and Peter McDonald as the older versions of the couple.
To donate to RTÉ Comic Relief (with the proceeds going towards The Community Foundation for Ireland), head over to their website.
