FORUM HOSTS WORLD PREMIERE OF NEW IRISH PLAY
Rehearsals are well under way for the Millennium Forum’s latest in-house production of the inaugural winner of the Paul Diamond New Writing Award – The Body Of Bobby. This brand new play, written by local playwright, Gary Breslin, and directed by Kieran Griffiths (The White Handkerchief), will have its World Premiere at the North West’s leading venue on Thursday 8th October. The production will then continue its run at the Forum until Saturday 10th October.
Set against the political backdrop of 1980s Derry, The Body Of Bobby follows four teenagers from Creggan on the week after Bobby Sands’ death in 1981, as they embark on their misguided pursuit of Irish freedom by attempting a hunger strike of their own. Armed with a battered radio, a pot of soup and the wisdom of a Derry mother, the four young comrades find their loyalty, fears and sense of heroism are tested in ways even their spirited minds could never imagine.
David McLaughlin, Chief Executive of the Millennium Forum and Producer of The Body Of Bobby is looking forward to Opening Night. He said:
“I am delighted to welcome audiences to this brand new play by local writer, Gary Breslin, which has been the very worthy winner of our inaugural Paul Diamond New Writers Award.
This major artistic development scheme, led by the Millennium Forum and supported generously by acclaimed playwright, Brian Foster, aims to encourage and develop the next generation of new writers throughout the city and region.
The team have worked incredibly hard over the past few months to bring Gary’s story to life and I can’t wait for everyone to see this very worthy winning play performed on our stage next month. This is a story rooted in Derry that is peppered with Derry humour. It’s also a universal story of young people, however, everyone can identify with the characters in this heartfelt dark comedy.”
Gary Breslin, writer of The Body Of Bobby, added:
“The Body of Bobby is seven years in the making. From a wee idea I had at uni to a professionally produced stage play. Above all else, it’s a Derry story. It’s about a difficult period in our history but told through the eyes of young people still trying to laugh, grow and find purpose in a world filled with horror. I wanted to write something true to this city, while finding the humour and humanity that helped carry us through even the darkest of moments. I can’t wait for audiences to see it on the fabulous Millennium Forum stage.”
Featuring an all local professional cast that includes Conan Hamilton, Aidan McLaughlin, Patrick Gill, Warren McCook, Lauren Mary Campbell and Nicole Sweeney-Kelly, The Body Of Bobby is a hilarious dark comedy that explores how The Troubles shaped both youth and adulthood . . . but first, one last Rich Tea biscuit.
From the team who brought the recent sell-out performances of the critically acclaimed, The White Handkerchief, the World Premiere of The Body of Bobby takes place at the Millennium Forum on Thurs 8th Oct and the show runs until Sat 10th Oct. Tickets are now available from the Box Office. Telephone 71 264455 (option 1) or visit millenniumforum.co.uk for bookings. Sponsored by Diamond Corregated.
ENDS