Fighting Irish
Belgrade Theatre
Exhilarating Physicality. The cast stomp, punch and sing their way through a rigorously choreographed show - The Guardian

A Coventry family’s fight for identity, in and out of the boxing ring
It’s 1979. Coventry’s newest boxing star returns to the National Stadium in Dublin to defend his Irish light-heavyweight title but ends up facing more than one fearsome challenger to his crown. Prejudice, corrupt officials and warring factions in Ireland cause a chaotic event that pushes family unity to the brink.
“I have to fight everyone – opponents, referees, judges. I’m Irish in England, English in Ireland. Who am I?”
Fighting Irish, a new Belgrade Theatre production by Coventry writer, Jamie McGough, is the extraordinary, true story charting the rising and falling fortunes of the McGough brothers, and maps the journey of the Irish diaspora through one family’s story.
Directed by the Belgrade’s Creative Director, Corey Campbell for Coventry UK City of Culture 2021.
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The Actual boxing sequences are quite beautiful, almost balletic while retaining a certain atavistic nature. These movement sequences are a triumph - The Reviews Hub ****
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Authentic and truthful Movement - West End Best Friend *****
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Fighting Irish is an absolute knock-out - WhatsOn Live *****
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Lucy Glassbrook's choreography and movement direction really helps shape the play and highlight Ireland's profoundly rich history in the sport - Always Time for Theatre ****
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A lot of thought and creativity in the excellent choreography and ensemble work. The physicality of the young actors who play the boxers is also impressive - Elementary WhatsOn
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The raucous nature of the opening sets the tone for the rest of the play...It's a knockout play - East Midlands Theatre ****
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Broadway Baby ****
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Cast & Creatives
Jarlath McGough - Louis Ellis | Sean McGough - Christian James | Martin McGough Jr - Dan Krikler | Martin McGough Sr - Colm Gormley | Eileen McGough - Rosalind Steele | Jimmy McGough - Peter Losasso | Billy Duffin - Andrew Fettes | Frank Bannon - George McCluskey | Joe Lawless - Dan McGarry | Fighters & Lawyer - Eddy Payne
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​JAMIE MCGOUGH COREY CAMPBELL LUCY GLASSBROOK PATRICK CONNELLAN JOE HORNSBY OLIVER HOWARD
Writer Director Co - Movement Director Set & Costume Lighting Designer Sound Designer
​​JASON SYLVESTER EMMA BARBER SARA MYERS
Sound Designer Casting Director Assistant Director
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