A Coming to Terms for Billy
Directed by Paul Seed, Written by Graham J. Reid, Produced by Chris Parr
The final part of the ‘Billy’ trilogy is set in Belfast in 1980. Norman Martin’s estranged family wait in Belfast for his return home from England after two years with his new English partner, Mavis. Original transmission: BBC1 21/02/1984 (85mins) This play is the final part in a trilogy of ‘Billy’ plays, shown as part of the ‘Play for Today’ series. The trilogy also includes ‘Too Late to Talk to Billy’ (1982) and ‘A Matter of Choice for Billy’ (1983).
The Billy Plays trilogy was seen at the time of showing as a radical departure from more mannered drama from Northern Ireland. It depicted domestic tensions in working class families, particularly in the protestant community, to explore how the Troubles were exacerbating the problems of every day life.
Clip courtesy BBC Motion Gallery
Further Infomation
WRITER(s)/ DIRECTOR(s)/ PRODUCER(s)
Writer
Graham J. Reid
Director
Paul Seed
Producer
Chris Parr
ACTORS
Kenneth Branagh - Billy Martin
James Ellis - Norman Martin
Brid Brennan - Lorna Martin
Tracey Lynch - Ann
Ainé Gorman - Maureen
Colum Convey - Ian
Julia Dearden - Pauline
Mark Mulholland - Uncle Andy
Gwen Taylor - Mavis Martin
Deirdre Morgan - Joan
John Hewitt - John Fletcher
Derek Lord - Big Davie
George Shane - Tommy Agnew