How many billy plays were there

Reid also sees major differences in how communities co-exist together in the modern city. People cared about each other, there was a great community spirit.

Where did it go to? Why has the spirit of social interdependency apparently evaporated into the ether? Reid has clear views on the subject. He said: "Chris Parr always tells the story: 'We were a bit worried Jimmy would have the necessary iron to play the part of Norman'.

Jimmy said he had drawn on the emotional reserves of his east Belfast roots for his performance in the plays. However, he said his own father was far removed from the character of Norman. Enter email address This field is required Sign Up. It was fitting that Ellis played this archetypal Belfast hard man alongside Branagh. The Billy plays were significant in elevating actors from Northern Ireland to a wider cultural awareness, overcoming the Troubles associations they had faced since Ellis had previously brought the Northern Irish accent to large television audiences through his role as the affable constable Bert Lynch in Z Cars.

The other main clash of Reid's plays is between fathers and sons. The fights between Norman and Billy were choreographed, but Branagh later talked of 'a wildness that took over' in these scenes, while Brid Brennan who played Lorna remembered that she could 'feel that violence, and you did get the feeling that you could easily get hurt'. To watch Ellis and Branagh go head-to-head in a fearful and familial boxing match was an exchange of Belfast acting greatness across the generations.

He did this through television drama, allowing writers and directors a level of creative freedom which they had not previously enjoyed. Graham Reid was one such beneficiary, with Branagh himself recognising that the Billy plays were part of BBC Northern Ireland's "new drive to establish a first-class drama output".

Their characters and themes were recognisable to other UK cities while also being quintessentially Belfast. Sign In Sign Out. We reserve the right to remove any content at any time from this Community, including without limitation if it violates the Community Standards.

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