Brendan - Son of Dublin

Brendan Behan died in 1964, aged just 41, on the cusp of an era of great social change.  Despite being born into a poor working-class family in Dublin, and leaving school at the age of 14, he became one of the great playwrights of the 20th century, with his work performed and celebrated around the world to the current day.  Before his career as a writer took off, Behan spent 7 years in jail as a result of his IRA activities.  These experiences inspired his great works, notably “Borstal Boy”, “The Quare Fellow” and “The Hostage”, characterised by ground-breaking grit, realism and dark humour.  He played on an international stage beyond Ireland, feted by celebrities on both sides of the Atlantic, who were irresistibly attracted by his bohemian reputation as a hard-drinking, hard-living Irishman. Neither he nor the public could quite believe he was to pass away so young, an unfulfilled talent. 

“Brendan – Son of Dublin” takes a fresh look at the life of Brendan Behan in the centenary year of his birth (2023).  He was a master of publicity who knew well how to build and sustain his image but behind the façade he battled constantly with his own personal demons.  Through words, music and song, the production presents the story, as told by Brendan and those around him, from Dublin to London, to the bright lights of New York.   His long-suffering wife Beatrice, Joan Littlewood who gave him his first break, and the ordinary folk of his home town, all have their say to help us unravel the complex story of a complex man who continues to beguile us.  There will be songs, tears and laughter, as we trace the journey of a unique literary genius who left a profound legacy behind for us to enjoy.

• “The Story of Love in the Harbour”, about heroes of the Royal Flying Corps in WW1. (Tour 2020)
•  “Vengeance”, tracking the final years of the life of Oscar Wilde set in 1895. (Tour 2021/ 2022)

John Merrigan: Book, Producer, co-writer music

John first started playing music at an early age in Dublin when he discovered his mother’s knitting needles and used them as drumsticks!  He moved overseas to pursue a career as a senior business executive, leading him to live in Dubai for over 20 years.  He has always retained a strong interest and extensively researched Irish writers, and began writing for theatre in 2019. 

Danielle Morgan: Composer, words & music

Danielle was born in London with strong Irish connections, and began her musical journey at a young age at the world-famous BRIT School in London.  She has composed over 300 original songs on piano in many musical styles, and has recorded at Abbey Road Studios and Nashville with renowned producers including Therealjonsmith (LA), Alan Samson and David Courtney, among others.   

Pamela Howard OBE : Director/Scenographer

Pamela has a long history of innovative theatre work, often bringing life to unloved and forgotten spaces, as well as National Opera Houses in many countries. Her aim is always to  synchronise words/music and vision.  She has a particular  interest in Irish themes having worked on several plays by Sean O’Casey in Ireland and USA.