THE MAN WHO SWALLOWED A DICTIONARY

by Bobby Niblock

Produced by Martin Lynch & Nikki Turner for GREEN SHOOT PRODUCTIONS.

Directed by Matthew McElhiney

Following our outstanding success with, IN THE NAME OF THE SON in 2022, Green Shoot is delighted to be touring THE MAN WHO SWALLOWED A DICTIONARY, a new play by Bobby Niblock, about the life of ex UVF and PUP politician, David Ervine. 

This one-man show chronicles the remarkable life of Ervine, from the backstreets of East Belfast to Long Kesh prisoner to political negotiations at the White House and Downing Street. From his personal family tragedies to becoming the man who is widely regarded as the man who did most to deliver the Protestant working class to support the Good Friday Agreement. 

As well as being an important figure in the history of Ulster loyalism, Ervine was also known for his grasp of the English language and capacity for using 'big words' in television interviews, hence the title of the play. It's a remarkable story, providing a great insight into not just the man but the Protestant community in the most turbulent period of the Troubles. 

Playwright, Bobby Niblock, who served time in prison alongside Ervine, has written several plays exploring the politics of the Protestant working class community. 

Green Shoot Productions (GSP) is dedicated to commissioning and producing new writing for the stage to the highest possible standards.

Our key objective is to develop and produce plays that are socially and politically relevant to Northern Ireland facilitating debate within and across our communities and through theatre and related activities support meaningful engagement and education.

In delivery, Green Shoot Productions seeks to make professional theatre accessible to all and to contribute to the canon of Northern Irish theatre.

greenshootproductions.co.uk