Following sold-out performances last summer, Mother of All the Behans, starring Imelda May, will make a highly anticipated return to The Everyman in August 2025.
At once humorous and heartrending, Mother of All the Behans is steeped in Irish culture and promises to be a highly entertaining evening.
In this masterfully executed one-woman show, Imelda May brings to life the remarkable story of the witty raconteur, singer and rebel Kathleen Behan.
Inspired by songs and stories passed down through generations, May’s performance will take you on a journey through Kathleen’s early years living in an orphanage and later, her active involvement in Dublin’s fight against British rule. Uncover vivid retellings of her experience as a republican during the Easter Rising, the War of Independence and the Civil War, along with personal anecdotes of living as a working-class family in Dublin.
A collection of well-known tunes features amongst the stories, including ‘Johnny I Hardly Knew Ye’, ’The Auld Alarm Clock’, ’The Auld Triangle’ and ‘Molly Malone’, all conveyed through May’s iconic, emotive voice and accompanied by Seán Gilligan on piano.
From the book by Brian Behan, the show is adapted and directed for the stage by Peter Sheridan with additional material by Rosaleen Linehan.
★★★★ “The whole makes for a highly entertaining evening, with the audience clearly enjoying both story and song…the singer’s voice: clear and pure, characterful, humorous, by turns powerful and gentle…May, thrown in at the deep end in her first theatrical role, displays comic timing and an eye for bringing characters to life, often humorously.” – The Irish Times
★★★★★ “Imelda May Triumphant in Mother of All the Behans” “Imelda carries all of this drama off brilliantly. She manages the conversational tone of the writing superbly. The jokes land, and there is laughter on and off throughout. Catch it if you can.” – Hot Press (Read HERE)
★★★★ “If Kathleen Behan was around today, there’s no doubt she would approve….for a stage debut…this was certainly something to witness” – Daily Mail
★★★★ “it’s all rather magical. Taking your breath away a little… a fitting tribute to a remarkable woman” – The Arts Review (Read HERE)
“Huge respect to May for taking on this challenge….A courageous woman depicting another courageous woman” – Irish Independent (Read HERE)
The show tells the story of Kathleen Behan, a republican and folk singer who led a remarkable life. Her son, Brian, wrote the book on which the show is based.
Kathleen Behan was a republican and folk singer. Born in Co. Meath to a farming family, Kathleen was a socialist and republican from a young age and played an active role in Ireland’s fight against British rule.
She was also mother to seven children, including the famous writer, Brendan Behan, and Brian Behan, author of the book upon which this show is based.
Those interested in Irish history, culture or music will have an interest in this show. Even if those elements aren’t up your street, there is plenty for you to enjoy: the show is full of themes that still resonate today, such as being a woman in a male-dominated world, the challenge of parenting and dealing with alcoholism and poverty. With both heartrending and funny moments throughout, the play promises a great evening of entertainment.
Some well-known Irish tunes are dotted throughout the show, including ‘Johnny I Hardly Knew Ye’, ’The Auld Alarm Clock’, ’The Auld Triangle’ and ‘Molly Malone’.
It is a one-woman show with Imelda May taking centre stage as Kathleen Behan. Seán Gilligan provides piano accompaniment.
Written by Brian Behan
Adapted and directed by Peter Sheridan
Additional material by Rosaleen Linehan
Performed by Imelda May
Piano Sean Gilligan
Set and Costume Designer Louise Dunne
Lighting Designer Barry McKinney
Sound Designer Terry Heron
Ticket EVENING from €40
MATINEE from €37
Running time 100 min | Interval
Age recommendation 12A
Trigger Warnings None