Bardic players’ tribute to Brian with The Field

A THEATRE in Donaghmore has paid a fitting tribute to one of its most talented and dedicated performers who passed away two years ago.

At the weekend, The Bardic Theatre staged their production of ‘The Field’ in memory of Brian ‘Munroe’ Faloon who captivated audiences in the role of Bull McCabe. Brian passed away – on March 20, 2020 – just weeks after a tour of the play was halted during lockdown. Although he famously played the main role of ‘Bull’ in the Bardic Theatre production way back in 1989 when he was nominated for a ‘Best Actor Award’, this time he played ‘Dandy’ McCabe a more temperate and honest soul. Brian was also a huge figure in the Donaghmore community and local St Patrick’s GAA club.

Two years ago the show was performed in The Bardic and in theatres in Armagh and Glengormley before it was forced off by the pandemic restrictions.

Speaking ahead of the weekend performance, Frank Fee, a stage stalwart, who plays the role of Mick Flanaghan in The Field said, “We were totally stunned when Brian passed away. I didn’t even realise he was ill. It was a terrible shock to us all. He received huge acclaim for his performances of The Bull in the late 1980’s. It is most poignant and appropriate the opening night will be in Brian’s memory.”

Takings from the opening performances, will go towards aid for the people of Ukraine.

The Bardic players will take their production of The Field, to the Burnavon Arts Centre in Cookstown, this Friday, April 8 and on Friday, April 29 and Saturday, April 30, the play will be performed in the Craic Theatre, Coalisland.