Mother Of All The Behans production starring Imelda May adds 7 new shows

An extra week of performances has been announced for Mother Of All The Behans at the 3Olympia Theatre due to phenomenal demand. The show was originally scheduled for five nights, but has since added dates from August 21-26, with two shows on Saturday August 26.

Dublin singer Imelda May stars in the lead role of the production, which marks the centenary of the birth of Brendan Behan. The new production of Mother Of All The Behans is the story of Brendan’s mother Kathleen, and a record of her fascinating life.

Speaking about the announcement, Imelda May said: "I’m excited to announce that I’ll be playing the role of his charismatic and magnificent mother Kathleen Behan in Peter Sheridan’s wonderful play Mother Of All The Behans. Kathleen’s historical songs, colourful stories and lust for life resonate with me deeply.”

May continues: “She’s a true Dub full of wit, wisdom, knowledge and humour that I feel I know from every woman that raised me. I love to learn, I love challenges and for my growth, both personally and as an artist, I feel it’s imperative to leave my comfort zone often and swim a little deeper each time.

“I’m terrified and thrilled by this project but I feel passionately about this play, this story, this period of our history and culture and most importantly this woman".

Taken from the book by Brian Behan, the production has been adapted and directed for the stage by Peter Sheridan. Inspired by the songs and stories handed down through generations, this retelling is an entertaining journey through the social history of Dublin and the Behan family history.

Brian Behan was an Irish writer, public speaker, lecturer, and trade unionist who passed away in 2002. In 1984, he published Mother Of All The Behans, "an autobiography of Kathleen Behan as told to Brian Behan", a delightful memoir of that most extraordinary family.

During the 1916 Easter Rising in Dublin, Brian's mother had acted as a courier for James Connolly and Padraig Pearse. She lost her first husband in the 1918 influenza epidemic, and married Brian's father, Stephen, in 1922.

Get tickets to see Imelda May in Mother Of All The Behans at the 3Olympia Theatre here.