The Field for Brian

The opening night of the powerful play ‘The Field’ at the Bardic Theatre, will be in memory of Brian ‘Munroe’ Faloon who captivated audiences in the role of Bull McCabe.

Brian passed away two years ago – on March 20, 2020 – just weeks after a tour of the play was halted during the 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.

The Bull is now played by Bugsy McMahon a very experienced local actor fresh from directing a hugely successful run of Glengarry Glen Ross, a classic American play written by David Mamet. Bugsy also co-directs The Field with Sean Faloon.

The Field, written by John B Keane was first performed in 1965. As a patriotic tenant farmer with a fearsome temper and an obsession with the field he has toiled for most of his life, the Bull McCabe epitomises the last stand in the protection of the old order. However William Dee arrives from England, where he has lived for many years, with a plan to cover the field with concrete and extract gravel from the adjacent river. This dark and at times, hilariously funny tale, went on to inspire one of Ireland’s most successful films of the same name, released in 1990, starring among others Richard Harris, John Hurt and Brenda Fricker.

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.

Frank Fee, a stage stalwart, plays the role of Mick Flanaghan the local publican and auctioneer.

“In the greater scheme, cancelling the show was just one of those things,” he 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.

“Bugsy McMahon plays the role of The Bull. Drama is his job, he is experienced and he knows what he’s doing.”

Despite the two year break and changes, there is great anticipation as the Bardic productions of The Field are renowned.

Frank added, “Rehearsals are going well. We are looking forward to going in front of the audiences again. Local theatres have been packed in recent weeks after the long closures. We’re ready to go!”

To book tickets for any of the shows log onto: bardictheatre.com. Price £15.

Bardic Theatre: Friday 1 and Saturday, April 2 at 8pm. * Takings from the first night will go towards the humanitarian aid for Ukrainian refugees.

Friday, April 8: Burnavon Arts Centre, Cookstown. Friday, April 29 and Saturday, April 30 Craic Theatre, Coalisland