Derry's Playhouse Theatre have been hosting a ground-breaking new play telling the life of John and Pat Hume.
Telling John Hume and his wife Pat’s story through the medium of music theatre, ‘HUME- Beyond Belief’ premiered Friday 31 March and closes on 7 April 2023 - the 25th Anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.
The play sold out incredibly quickly, with many local politicians and community representatives heading to Derry's Guildhall to see the production.
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The Playhouse said they were "overwhelmed" by the audience reaction.
Speaking to MyDerry, they said: "This project begun by the community coming to us acknowledging the subtle and sublime acts of kindness Pat and John did for them. Hearing the outpouring of appreciation for their story in HUME- Beyond Belief is indeed an act of kindness and we are very moved and thank them deeply for that.
"We also hoped to give our city a way to say goodbye to two extraordinary people. We thank everyone who supported that.
"It’s a great privilege to be trusted with the story of John and Pat. A privilege we remind ourselves of every day. We are overwhelmed, honoured and humbled."
Reeling from so many positive reviews of the play, The Playhouse released a social media video of the overwhelming reaction from audience members.
In the video, one audience member said: "I thought the show was excellent. Every part of it was great, the music, the story, very moving. So emotional, but beautiful and a great tribute to a great man and woman, and I liked that balance, giving Pat her place and John. Because they were a couple in every sense of the word and one without the other did not work. It was wonderful."
Another said: "From literally start to finish, it is like a beautiful, sad story. But the take on it, the cast did so well and Kieran the director did so well. The cast themselves, the leading man and lady were absolutely out of this world. The voices, the acting, real tears. It just pushed it over the edge for us. Honestly I would come back and see it tomorrow if I could get away with it, I really would.
MP Colum Eastwood said: "It is fantastic, it is very honest and actually quite emotional."
Another audience member said: "When you have people of a standing of John and Pat that you love, who are so dear to the people of Derry, to the people of Ireland, it was always going to be very emotional. It was amazing and brilliant and beautiful.
Another said: "It was really quite special. Also, one thing has to be said, they are an extremely talented bunch, the performers. Really, really talented."
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