Original cast

Having been fortunate to see the first productions of this mesmerising piece of theatre, I recently decided to watch the movie (on DVD). I had not been prepared to be quite as hypnotised by it as I was. The memory of it on stage has never left me. I was very interested to note, and wanted to share this with anyone else who is interested, that there are two members of the cast for the film who were in the original production. Gerard McSorley played Michael (the voice of the Narrator in the film). On stage, the young Michael does not appear. Rather, he is performed by an adult and the rest of the cast play as though the young boy is onstage. An unusual, but beautifully realised device. Brid Brennan, who plays Agnes in the film, also orginally created the role on stage.
A beautiful film. A magnificent play. Bravo Mr Friel.