The Man Who Swallowed a Dictionary

This one-man show chronicles the remarkable life of Ervine, from the backstreets of East Belfast to Long Kesh prisoner to political negotiations at the White House and Downing Street. From his personal family tragedies to becoming the man who is widely regarded as the man who did most to deliver the Protestant working class to support the Good Friday Agreement.

As well as being an important figure in the history of Ulster loyalism, Ervine was also known for his grasp of the English language and capacity for using ‘big words’ in television interviews, hence the title of the play. It’s a remarkable story, providing a great insight into not just the man but the Protestant community in the most turbulent period of the Troubles.

Playwright, Bobby Niblock, who served time in prison alongside Ervine, has written several plays exploring the politics of the Protestant working class community.

The Playhouse Derry – THE MAN WHO SWALLOWED A DICTIONARY (derryplayhouse.co.uk)