THE HOSTAGE

Southwark Playhouse, February 2010

Last seen in London 16 years ago, Brendan Behan’s most famous play receives an overdue revival. It’s 1958. News that a young IRA man has been sentenced to death by the British reaches the whores, sailors, pimps and revolutionaries who reside in a seedy, Dublin boarding house. In retaliation, the IRA captures a Cockney soldier and brings him to the house. Tension mounts until the execution hour arrives and, with an explosive finale, the hostage’s fate is decided.

Behan combines sharp dialogue, black humour and live Irish music and dance to explore the play’s themes of prejudice and terrorism. This is a modern classic by one of Ireland’s most acclaimed and controversial playwrights.

★★★★ Big hearted, blunt and deliciously unruly”
The Times

★★★★ ‘True ensemble and not a weak spot in sight…Highly recommended’
Daily Telegraph

Creative Team

Director Adam Penford
Designer Morgan Large
Lighting Designer Emma Chapman
Sound Designer Tom Gibbons
Composer Candida Caldicot
Irish Choreographer Christopher Doyle