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Overview

Synopsis

This Tony Award-winning play is adapted from Brendan Behan's autobiography of the same title. When young Behan, who has joined the IRA, is sent to Liverpool to plant bombs in a shipyard, he is caught and sent to a harsh prison. There, Behan must figure out how to survive the brutality of sadistic guards, finding hope and discovering friendships, in spite of it all. Behan's book was adapted for the stage by Frank McMahon.

Show Information

Based On Book By
Brendan Behan
Category
Play
Age Guidance
Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
Number of Acts
2
First Produced
1967
Genres
Historical/Biographical
Cast Size
large
Licensor
Samuel French
Ideal For
male-heavy cast, Mostly Male Cast, Large Cast

Context


Plot


Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Young Behan

Male

Brendan Behan

Male

Sheila

Female

Mrs. Gildea

Female

IRS Men

Male

Landlady

Female

Inspector

Male

Detective

Male

Sergeant

Male

Police Man

Male

Mr. Holmes

Male

Mr. Whitebread

Male

Charlie

Male

Tubby

Male

Fr. Lane

Male

Library Warder

Male

Brownie

Male

Tom

Male

Harty

Male

Dale

Male

James

Male

Joe

Male

James

Male

Prison Governor

Male

Policewoman

Female

Elise Jankins

Female

Judge

Male

Welsh Warder

Male

Harty

Male

Cragg

Male

Chewlips

Male

Jock

Male

Rivers

Male

Shaggy

Male

Governor

Male

Minister

Male

Warder O'shea

Male

Italian Priest

Male

Matron

Male

Warder's Wife

Female

Cook

Male

Crowd, Ambulance Persons, Newsboys, other Warers and Officials

Either Gender

Songs

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A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.

Monologues

All monologues are the property and copyright of their owners.. Monologues are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this monologue, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Key Terms

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Videos

Quizzes

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Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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Quote Analysis

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