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Dublin Live
Dublin Live
Entertainment
Rachel Butler

Imelda May set to star in upcoming play at the Olympia Theatre

Imelda May is set to star in upcoming play 'Mother of all the Behans' in the Olympia Theatre this August.

The play is an adoption of the book by Brian Behan and has been adapted and directed for the stage by Peter Sheridan. The play is to mark the centenary of the birth of Irish poet and writer Brendan Behan.

This new production of 'Mother of all the Behans' is: "the story of his 'inspirational' mother Kathleen, a fascinating record of a remarkable life. Inspired by the songs and stories handed down through generations, this retelling is an entertaining journey through the social history of Dublin and the Behan family history."

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Speaking about the play Imelda May said: "I’m excited to announce today, on the centenary of our beloved Brendan Behan's birth, that I’ll be playing the role of his charismatic and magnificent mother Kathleen Behan in Peter Sheridan’s wonderful play Mother Of All The Behans. Kathleen’s historical songs, colourful stories and lust for life resonate with me deeply.

Imelda described Kathleen as a: "true Dub full of wit, wisdom, knowledge and humour that I feel I know from every woman that raised me."

Speaking about becoming the character she added: "I love to learn, I love a challenge and for my growth, both personally and as an artist, I feel it’s imperative to leave my comfort zone often and swim a little deeper each time. I’m terrified and thrilled by this project but I feel passionately about this play, this story, this period of our history and culture and most importantly this woman".

The play will run in the Olympia Theatre from August 15 to 19 this year. Tickets are already on sale and can be bought on ticketmaster.

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