Hunter's lack of the Irish draws scorn

Hollywood actress Holly Hunter's attempt at an Irish accent on stage in London's West End has drawn scorn.

Not since Dick van Dyke "tried to do Cockney for Bert the chimney sweep have so many diphthongs been bent out of shape", one reviewer said in reference to the 1964 film Mary Poppins. An excerpt from the Texas-born actress' performance in By the Bog of Cats was played on BBC radio, drawing adverse comment.

One presenter asked whether anyone had done a worse imitation of an Irish woman.