Lisburn actor returns home for new play

‘Brothers in Arms’ is an explosive new play by bestselling crime author Sam Millar

Set in the home of the Mullan brothers – one a dissident republican, the other a Sinn Fein MLA – on the day of their father’s funeral, ‘Brothers in Arms’ explores the legacy of the Troubles for those who served in prison and their families.

BJ plays Uncle Peter, who works in an abattoir and is brother to Sean, whose funeral the play is based around. Peter is a sort of jovial coward who likes the sound of his own voice and has a habit of doing Tom Jones impersonations!

Each brother has his own strong beliefs and, despite their mother’s pleas for peace, old resentments and terrible secrets rise to the surface in this portrayal of a family torn apart by political difference.

Since the publication of his bestselling autobiography On the Brinks, Sam Millar has been one of Belfast’s most popular authors. He has drawn from his colourful life and own experiences in prison during the blanket protests in order to write this explosive new play exploring the divisions in modern-day Republicanism.

Directed by Martin Lynch and starring BJ Hogg, Tony Devlin, Helena Bereen and Jimmy Doran, Brothers in Arms brings together the cream of local talent in what is sure to be one of the biggest and most controversial hits of the year.

‘Brothers in Arms’ will come to Lisburn’s Island Arts Centre for one night only on Thursday February 23 at 8pm. For further information or to book tickets, priced £12/10, contact the Island Arts Centre Box Office on 9250 9254. In partnership with Lisburn in Focus, this performance will be audio described. For further information contact 9260 0388 or email lisburninfocus@rnib.org.uk.