Mother Of All The Behans (original) (raw)

Following sold out performances last summer, Mother Of All The Behans, starring Imelda May, will make a highly anticipated return to Dublin’s 3Olympia Theatre for a limited run only from Tuesday 29th July to Saturday 2nd August 2025.

Tickets priced from €21.50 including booking fee & €1.50 restoration levy on sale now with Ticketmaster Ireland

From the book by Brian Behan, the show is adapted & directed for the stage by Peter Sheridan. Additional material by Rosaleen Linehan

Join Imelda May for an evening of songs & stories celebrating the life of Brendan's Mammy. Mother of All the Behans is the story of his 'inspirational' mother Kathleen, a fascinating record of a remarkable life. 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.

Speaking ahead of her sold out run in 2024, Imelda May said: "I’m over the moon to get to reprise my role of Brendan Behans extraordinary mother Kathleen in Peter Sheridan’s incredible one woman play Mother Of All the Behans. I hold Kathleen’s story very close to my heart as I do all the women’s stories that have shaped the world but are too often unspoken about.

I’m very aware of the chance Peter has taken and has given me in casting me as Kathleen and I am indebted to him for trusting me to put the work in and do a good job of it. I’m a storyteller for sure but a one person play is no easy feat for even a well trained actor but months of dedication and hard work paid off and thanks to you all filling the theatre night after night and spreading the word when you left, we’ve been asked to do it again!!

I couldn’t be more humbled or more grateful to you all!”

Imelda May Triumphant in Mother of All The Behans. A marvellous evening of theatre.

Imelda May sings gloriously and shows an eye for bringing characters to life.

The Irish Times

Restoration Levy

The fees for this event include a €1.50 restoration levy.

The restoration levy will allow 3Olympia Theatre to invest in maintaining and enhancing the theatre to ensure that it continues to consistently deliver the highest quality experience for theatre goers, actors, performers & producers.

Age Restrictions

Under 14's must be accompanied by an adult.

Over 18's ID required to gain access to the bars where alcohol is served.

She holds them in the palm of her hand as she sings songs of the olden days, just as Kathleen would have done, probably not so beautifully though. A well deserved standing ovation.

Irish Mail

The story of Mrs Behan, the valiant Dub, obviously resonates deeply for her. And the songs, mostly ballads and folk, are mightly done, as you would expect. A courageous woman depicting another courageous woman.

Independent

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