Derry boxer John Duddy stars in award-winning New York play – The Flood

Derry boxer John Duddy has hung up his gloves and swapped the ring for the stage. After studying acting in New York and just finishing an off-Broadway run of new play The Flood, he is now back on home ground for the Irish premiere at the Lyric Theatre, Belfast.

The former Derry-Destoryer will be hoping to stun audiences in his new vocation as the male lead in Daniel McCabe’s play, The Flood. Set on New York’s Lower East Side on the night of Hurricane Sandy, the story plays out between four friends who have gathered to weather the tempest outside as a recent family tragedy stirs up another storm within.

Duddy returns in the role of Aidan, a Derryman in New York and will be joined by NY native James Russell in the role of Charlie, Kimberlee Walker in the role of Eve and Australian actress Emma Ishta playing Mary.

Duddy said he is looking forward to returning home. “The show has gone down really well in New York,” he said. “We’re looking forward to bringing it to the Lyric and see how Belfast audiences respond to it.

The Flood is Daniel McCabe’s first play and won him the Award for Excellence in Playwrighting at the 2014 New York International Fringe Festival. He said, “We’re really excited about bringing the play to the Lyric in Belfast. I think the play will resonate with young, contemporary Irish audiences in its representation of the Irish community both at home and abroad.”

The Lyric’s Executive Producer, Jimmy Fay, said he looked forward to welcoming the production of The Flood to Belfast.

“I am very pleased to welcome Daniel’s production of The Flood to the Lyric this autumn,” he said. “It has gained fantastic success in New York and we believe audiences will enjoy the play immensely here in Belfast.”

The Flood runs in the Naughton Studio of the Lyric from 4 to 8 November. Wed to Sat 8:00pm. Sat matinee 2.45pm & Sun matinee 1.30pm. Tickets from £10.

For more information on the Lyric’s season or to book, go to www.lyrictheatre.co.uk or contact the Box Office on (028) 9038 1081.