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Under Napoleon's Nose

OVERVIEW

  • Playwright

    Marie Jones (1) 

  • Author Notes

    A programme note for the original production states that this play is based on documentary material which accumulated in stages. Jim McConville wrote his memories of the 1941 Belfast Blitz; these were written up by historian and teacher Jonathan Bardon and Henry Bell into a documentary entertainment for students. In turn, playwright Marie Jones completed 'what began as an ad hoc documentary into a polished and tautly written dramatic piece' for performance by actors.
  • Notes

    A play for 14-18 year olds exploring the history of Belfast city.

  • Synopsis

    Mugger and Moocher want to play football on waste space. Mrs. Mugger calls that space her street. Bit by bit, as she unravels its story, Mugger and Moocher come to realise that where they are standing is part of them, and that they are part of the history of their community. Under Napoleon's Nose touches on many historical themes from industry and population growth to poverty, sectarianism and the two World Wars, and in so doing brings the history of Belfast to life.

  • Play Type

    Theatre for Young Audiences

    Number Of Acts

    Full-Length

  • Cast size

  • Male

    2

  • Female

    4

  • Total

    6

  • Cast Notes

    All cast members play a range of characters.

Original Production

  • Date of First Production

    03 October 1988

  • Producer

    Produced by Replay Theatre Company

  • Venue Notes

    This play was first performed at Assumption Grammar School, Ballynahinch, as part of a tour to schools and venues.

Original Cast  
Various Characters Brenda Winter
Various Characters Libby Smyth
Various Characters Robert Taylor
Various Characters Peter Richey
Various Characters Paul McAree
Various Characters Eugene Dunphy
Production Team  
Director Ian McElhinney
Lighting Designer Frank Morgan
Lighting Designer Nick McCall
Sound Louis Edmondson
Musical Director Rod McVey
Stage Manager Nick McCall
Assistant Stage Manager Carrie-Anne McAlonan-McCrudden
Graphic Design Colin Davidson
Photography John O'Hara
Secretary Irene Swift
Educational advisor Richard Palmer
Original historical material by Jonathan Bardon
Historical advisor Jonathan Bardon
Administrator Maureen Jordan (2)
Company Artistic Director Brenda Winter

Rights Information

Source Of Information

The information for this entry was taken from the original production programme. Additional information was supplied by Replay Productions from information contained in the company files.