IN PICTURES: Derry's Gary Breslin celebrates hit world premiere at Millennium Forum

When St Joseph’s Boy’s School Classroom Assistant and former pupil Gary Breslin entered the Millennium Forum’s Project over two years ago, he never thought it imaginable that he would be looking back on a weekend where he witnessed the world premiere of his play ‘The Body of Bobby’ in the Forum with packed houses over three nights, and, in his native city.

‘A whirlwind weekend’ is how the young Derry playwright describes the experience.

Winner of the ‘Paul Diamond New Writers Award,’ the young Derry man was under the guidance of one of Ireland’s leading playwrights, Brian Foster. He came out top from over 80 exceptional scripts, and regular mentoring from Brian has helped in developing his skills.

Gary describes how the idea developed and explained that it took seven years to bring ‘The Body of Bobby’ to fruition.

The young playwright’s school days started at St. Eithne’s Primary School, before he made the short hop to St. Joseph’s Boys School where he spent seven ‘excellent’ years of secondary education. Having achieved A-Levels in English Literature, Journalism and Moving Images Art before then moving on to Northumbria University where he studied film and tv production. Gary is now studying English Literature and Creative Writing at the Open University.

Reflecting on his roots, Gary said: ‘I got so much encouragement during my time at St. Joes. Going from being a pupil there to working on the staff as a classroom assistant has been amazing. The school has always felt like family, and the support from the staff, pupils, and the wider community since I started writing this play has been brilliant.

‘I’d also like to put on record my heartfelt thanks to Brian Foster and Mags Anderson for believing in me, giving me the chance to shine through and, most of all, selecting me as the first winner of the Paul Diamond New Writers Award. A massive thank you to all the Diamond family as well. Not forgetting our director Kieran Griffiths and producer David McLaughlin.’

Looking back on how it all began when in England at University, Gary continued: ‘It all started from an idea I had when at Northumbria University. It’s truly a Derry story and explains a difficult period in our history, but importantly, told through the eyes of young people still trying to laugh, grow, and find purpose in a world filled with the horrors of ‘The Troubles.’

‘I wanted to write something authentic to this city, while also finding the humour and humanity that helped carry us through the darkest of moments.’

The young playwright said he can’t believe how well things went over the weekend and described a packed auditorium at the Millennium Forum on the first night as ‘overwhelming but so rewarding.’

‘All I ever wanted was to see my work played out in front of an audience just once! This weekend was just unbelievable. The response to the play has been incredible. It’s been lovely hearing what people have taken from it. I don’t think I’ve fully processed it all yet!’

Gary thanked everyone who played a part in making his dream a reality: ‘I want to say a massive thank you to David McLaughlin, director Kieran Griffiths, and the entire production team at the Millennium Forum for believing in my script. To the incredible cast who brought these Creggan teenagers to life - you were flawless.

‘It was also great to see so many from St. Joseph’s show their support by turning out in large numbers, including the students, to see the play. A massive thank you to Mrs. Deane, Mr. Beattie, the board of governors, fellow colleagues and the boys. I can’t thank you enough!’

St. Joseph’s Principal, Ciara Deane said she and all at the school were extremely proud of what Gary has achieved and as a former ‘St. Joseph’s Boy’ hoped he would go on to greater things in the future.

‘We all know of Gary’s fantastic skills and that he was a very deserved winner of the prestigious Paul Diamond award. I, and all connected with St. Joseph’s wish him all the best in taking his work to the next level. Certainly, I believe ‘The Body of Bobby’ will travel across the country and further afield, judging the success of opening night.’

It’s not known yet what is next in Gary’s writing exploits but judging by the acclaim received after three nights in Derry, we haven’t heard the last of ‘The Body of Bobby’ nor Derry’s newest playwright.

Taking the last word, Gary concluded ‘Finally, to the people of Derry who bought tickets and packed out the Forum every single night, I am endlessly grateful. This city’s heart and humour are what inspired this play, and sharing it with you has been the honour of my life.’