“A powerful play with a strong and timely message.” UK Theatre Network

OVER THE BRIDGE

The first London production in over 50 years of the classic Ulster play

Set in 1950s Ulster and against the backdrop of the IRA's Border Campaign, Sam Thompson’s seminal 1960 play is a powerful exposé of sectarian bigotry and violence before the eruption of the Troubles.

Peter O'Boyle, a Catholic shipyard worker, has become the target of a vicious whispering campaign. Veteran Trade Unionist Davy Mitchell, a Protestant who has spent his life fighting for others’ right to work, is keen that the Union does what it can to protect him. As tensions mount and the union begins to split on sectarian lines, mob rule takes over...

Described by The Irish Times as "a brickbat hurled violently against bigotry", this Northern Irish classic continues to provoke uncomfortable questions about unity, tolerance and the rules we live by today.

“A powerful play with a strong and timely message.” Carolin Kopplin, UK Theatre Network

CREATIVE TEAM:

Text: Sam Thompson

Direction: Emma Faulkner

Design: Phil Lindley

Cast:  Caolan Byrne, Robert Calvert, Nick Danan, Drew Dillon, Caitriona Hinds, Lawrence McGrandles Jnr, Melanie McHugh, Amy Molloy, Alan Mooney, Kevin Murphy, Michael Neilson, Chris Robinson, Sean O’Callaghan

With thanks to the Estate of Sam Thompson and to Jimmy Ellis for their support of this production.

“The Finborough regularly stages Irish plays and this is one of the best...Emma Faulkner’s production has an authentic documentary feel and is totally involving. What the West End needs is a small theatre to which fringe productions of this calibre can transfer.” Robert Tanitch, British Theatre Guide