The Safety Catch
The New Theatre
No risk, no reward
What would you put on the line to be the GOAT, The Greatest Of All Time at what you do?
And what if members of your own family have paid the ultimate price in pursuit of the same goal? Motorcycle road racing is the most dangerous sport in the world. But it is the family business of the Dunlops, Ireland’s most famous sporting family.
The Isle of Man TT is the crucible of motorcycle racing, and down the years its’ terrifying circuit has claimed over 250 competitors. We join Michael Dunlop on the eve of the TT after his elder brother had become the latest Dunlop to fall while pursuing glory on the roads. In a passionate and riveting dialogue with his mentor, Liam Beckett, his late father’s best friend and mechanic, Michael must decide whether to go on racing or whether to save himself and his family more exposure to the highwire risk of the roads.
“This is a play about life and death. The story is a verbal battle between two characters as they try to understand why they do what they do, why they couldn‘t not do what they do. With so much at stake it is a fierce encounter, full of emotion, passion and dark humour. But it is more than that, it is an ode to adventure, to ambition and ultimately a true affirmation of life.” Joe O’Byrne, Director.
First performed at The Glens Centre, Manorhamilton in May.
“People think we are mad. I couldn’t explain why we go on racing, this put it into words. It was very emotional, that caught me off-guard.” Mick, classic motorcycle road racer.
“Road racing is a family business for us too. People don’t get it. Now they might.” Oonagh partner of Super Twin racer.
“The Dunlop family story is a big part of Irish sporting history, I’m so glad it is being told.” Margaret, Joey Dunlop super fan.
Andrew McCracken plays Michael Dunlop.
Andrew trained at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama. His stage credits include: A Walk Is Not Just A Walk (Lyric Theatre Belfast), A Dolls House (Richard Burton Company) and The Narrow Road (Riding Lights). Screen credits include: Drive (BBC Wales), Bleeding Out (Northern Ireland Screen) and Whistling Dixie (Frontier Pictures). Voice credits include: Dead Hand (BBC Radio 4), Teach Science (BBC Bitesize) and participating as a finalist in BBC Norman Beaton Fellowship.
Fra Gunn plays Liam Beckett
Fra Gunn is an award-winning actor and storyteller, whose theatre credits include with Kabosh (Belfast Bred/Titanic), Replay (Macbeth), Centre Stage (The Snow Queen), Partisan Productions, (Return of Colmcille), Half-a-Bap Theatre Company (Oedipus), The Other Half Theatre Company, N.I. Opera (Tosca), and Bruiser Theatre Company (Bertolt Brecht’s The Caucasian Chalk Circle). His screen credits include roles with the BBC, MAC Films and Sky Movies.
Doors: 19:15
