|
Breton Humors
|
Liam's London Diary
Dear Liam
Delighted to be of assistance. Here goes.
Last year was a very good one for me. I went to Dublin for book launch with Niall Tobin. He said, "I have lived off playing Brendan long enough. Now its time to see what I can make out of Brian". The book title is, ?The Brothers Behan?, published by Blackall of 26 Eustace Street, Dublin, telephone 003531 677 3242.
Damien Gaffney, editor of the Irish World, reviewed the book. Rather he reviewed my life. He compared it to Brendans and said the following. "The real truth about the Behans is that Brian Behan is funnier than his elder brother. He is a better wit, a better raconteur, has a better insight into life and living, and is a man to whom humour comes effortlessly and endlessly. He doesn?t realise the wealth of his own literary and comic talents. It is not too late yet for this much maligned and highly underestimated man of our time. He still has time". I would blush to write this myself. I must say that Damien is a heavy sort of man who does not bestow praise lightly.
|
We say comparisons are odious.They are if you are found wanting, when it is the other way round I find them irresistible. After all nobody loves you like yourself. Brendan?s Borstal Boy is an acknowledged classic. Gerry Adams told me, "Its the finest book ever written on prison life". Ronnie Kray says much the same and he should know. |
I suppose there is one field in which I have outdistanced Brendan and Dominick. On stage. I have been a practicing thespian now for four years. I began with a prison outfit trying to reform cons through theatre . You?ve guessed it, on the day my play was due to open one of our black sheep was nabbed. I went on to get a review saying Behan in his element and have never looked back. |
I am touring just now with a play. Its called ?The Tale of Two Todgers?. A man is born with two willies and has to claim disability benefit for both. Time Out said of it, "Its Hilarious, Outrageous, full of Indolent Derision." It is a cross between Father Ted and Joe Orton. The Irish Post called it anti-establishment with sly wit. |
Brendan never tread the boards. Dominick did as a ballad singer. The theatre is in our blood, bone of our bone, flesh of our flesh. Our Uncle Paddy Burke owned the Queens theatre in Dublin . He wrote plays and acted in them. He provided the costumes for all the other theatres in town. |
Oh how the mighty have fallen. Delighted to see Mandelson and Robinson humbled. I hope that in 99 many more face the axe. I look forward to the reprint of my novel Kathleen, fourth time of printing. Stage adaptation of my book ?Mother of all the Behans? goes to Germany and Manchester in May. With any luck I will still be singing, "Show me your Yo Yo to-night."
Happy New Year from Brian Behan
top
|
