Northern Ireland

Co Derry actor to play John Hume in new musical drama

Conor O'Kane has been cast as Nobel laureate, John Hume in the forthcoming musical drama based on the life and work of Mr Hume and his wife, Pat. Picture by Teresa Lyle
Conor O'Kane has been cast as Nobel laureate, John Hume in the forthcoming musical drama based on the life and work of Mr Hume and his wife, Pat. Picture by Teresa Lyle Conor O'Kane has been cast as Nobel laureate, John Hume in the forthcoming musical drama based on the life and work of Mr Hume and his wife, Pat. Picture by Teresa Lyle

CO Derry actor Conor O’Kane is to take on the role of John Hume in a new musical drama about the former SDLP leader and his wife Pat.

'Hume - Beyond Belief - The Life and Mission of John and Pat Hume' will be premiered in Derry’s Guildhall and screened internationally during events marking the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Good Friday Agreement later this year.

The casting of Mr O'Kane in the lead role was announced yesterday, on what would have been Mr Hume’s 86th birthday. Written by playwright, Damian Gorman with music by Brian O’Doherty, the production is directed by The Playhouse’s Kieran Griffith.

Mr and Mrs Hume’s daughter, Aine Abbott, said her parents were inspired and heartened by the "rich creativity, humanity and international reach" of The Playhouse.

"We are confident that The Playhouse will honour the ideals and aspirations held by my parents and the many people who worked alongside them," she said.

“My father’s career held both triumph and hardship, but he was a warm - slightly eccentric - kind and funny family man, a man who loved nothing more than to sing.

"He was a proud Derry man.

"It will be emotional for us to see his presence step on the stage of the Guildhall."

Playhouse chief executive, Kevin Murphy said the production team was delighted to have Mr O’Kane take on the role.

"We know he will bring great humanity and honesty to the role," he said.

Sean Farren, chairman of the Hume Foundation, said: "The production will remind us all of the drama behind that agreement (Good Friday Agreement), its values and its principles.

"Above all it will remind us of John Hume’s dedication to non-violence and to the peaceful resolution of conflict."

The drama will open at Derry’s Guildhall on March 31 until April 7.