The Man Who Swallowed a Dictionary – 1 Oct

Green Shoot Productions presents The Man Who Swallowed a Dictionary, a powerful one-man drama about the life, language, and legacy of David Ervine.

Written by Robert Niblock with Martin Lynch and Matthew McElhinney, the play looks beyond the headlines to reveal the human story behind Ervine’s transformation. It explores how conflict, education, conviction, and language shaped a life.

Known for his sharp mind, political courage and remarkable command of words, Ervine earned a reputation for using “big words” in television interviews, giving the play its striking title. But this is more than a story about one man. It is also a window into the experience of everyday people during one of the most turbulent periods of the Troubles.

The Man Who Swallowed a Dictionary is a vivid evening of theatre about identity, conflict, class, language, and the possibility of change.

For audiences interested in powerful drama, local history, politics, the Troubles, the peace process, and the personal stories behind public events, this is a production not to be missed.

Recommended for ages 14+. Contains mature political/historical content relating to the Troubles and the Northern Ireland peace process.

  • Thursday 01 October 2026
  • 8:00 PM
  • The Burnavon, Burn Rd, Cookstown BT80 8DN
  • Cost: Adult £21.00, Concession £19.00

More information and booking: https://www.burnavon.com/whats-on/the-man-who-swallowed-a-dictionary/129692746

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New Belfast Community Arts Initiative trading as Community Arts Partnership is a registered charity (XR 36570) and a company limited by guarantee (Northern Ireland NI 37645).Registered with The Charity Commission as New Belfast Community Arts Initiative - NIC105169.