Jimmy's Hall takes its first steps on the big stage
I CAN’T help but smile when I hear the prime-time ads on RTÉ radio for the Abbey Theatre’s summer offering, the musical Jimmy’s Hall –— adapted by Graham McLaren from Paul Laverty’s film script –— in which Jimmy Gralton’s fate as the only Irish person ever deported by an Irish government is highlighted.
Gralton is now getting the full ‘Riverdance’ treatment, and more and more people recognise his name and have an awareness, however slight, of his story. Six or so years ago, when I was asked by Paul Laverty and director Ken Loach –— with whom I had previously worked with much pleasure on The Wind that Shakes the Barley (2006) –— to act as historical consultant on their planned movie inspired by Gralton, few had ever heard of the man or his case. his was no accident.
