McCormick’s memoir was adapted into a film, Killing Bono (featuring Robert Sheehan), in 2011. Now, a new play by the legendary writers of Porridge, The Likely Lads, Auf Wiedersehen, Pet and The Commitments tells the story. It is set to open in London’ Soho theatre next month.

The story follows friends, Neil McCormick and Paul Hewson in 1970s Dublin. Both share the same ambition to become global music superstars. Paul changes his name to ‘Bono’ and forms U2. Neil’s band never gets off the ground.

Fast forward to the late 80s. Dublin gangster Danny Machin wants a fair and balanced account written of his life while now-writer Neil is wondering where his went so wrong. Danny sees an opportunity and kidnaps him. Neil becomes Danny’s biographer. Danny becomes Neil’s shrink, probing the reasons for Neil’s succession of disastrous decisions.

The play is directed by Gordon Anderson (The Catherine Tate Show, The Inbetweeners, Shameless, Fresh Meat, Lovesick).

The cast is made up of Denis Conway, Ciarán Dowd, Farzana Dua Elahe, Niall McNamee, Shane O’Regan, Dónal Finn and Niamh Bracken.

Book tickets here