OVERVIEW

• Playwright

  Brian Friel 

• Notes

  The cast and character lists for this entry are drawn from reviews of the premiere production. As such, cast size details should be taken as approximate. The characters also include Gerald Sweeney and Charlie Bonner.

• Synopsis

  Derry based post-office official Willie Logue is hugely enthusiastic in his pursuit of knowledge. He carries that knowledge with self-admiration and pride, and is also tremendously proud of his barrister son. Willy is passed over for promotion, however, while his son is suspended by the Bar committee, and his daughter runs off with a Frenchman claiming to be a Count. As events unfold, Willie finds himself confronted by some strong home truths forcibly delivered by his family.

• Play Type

  Plays General
  

  Number Of Acts

  Full-Length

Cast size

• Male

  4

• Female

  3

• Total

  7

Original Production

• Date of First Production

  23 August 1960

• Producer

  Produced by Ulster Group Theatre

• Original Venue

  Group Theatre
  

• Irish Premiere Notes

  Title changed for performance from The Francophile.

Source Of Information

Information for this entry was taken from press cuttings, and from the original production programme held at the Theatre and Performing Arts Archive of the Linen Hall Library, Belfast.