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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
Entertainment
Sophie McLaughlin

Belfast writer brings his lockdown comedy on fictional 'cross community paramilitary group' to MAC

The Belfast writer behind the satirical social media page 'Dundonald Liberation Army' says his new comedy play is not for those who "get offended by jokes and like to ring the peelers after".

Stephen Large who is best known for his work with BBC Comedy, including the sketch show, Late Licence and their Brexit-themed sitcom, Soft Border Patrol is taking his fictional "cross-community paramilitary organisation" to the stage once again in 'Lockdown DLA'.

Set in March 2020, it tells the story of reputed Dundonald Liberation Army boss Davy "The Venezuelan" Taylor and his right-hand man John "Horse" McCracken, being forced to isolate together in their high-rise flat.

Read more: Belfast drag queen speaks out after protest at children's storytelling event

Stephen told Belfast Live that he first created the Facebook page taking inspiration from the likes of 'Waterford Whispers' and 'The Ulster Fry' and has now amassed nearly 80,000 followers on Facebook and Twitter.

He said: "I've been writing comedy now for about five or six years and this is my fourth play - it's the second one to do with the 'DLA'. We run the Dundonald Liberation Army Facebook page which has a significant following and people probably know my stuff from that.

"It is basically extracting the urine out of local news stories and politicians and general observations on behaviour. It gathered a pretty large following pretty quickly and the page has been up and running now for about six years.

The production is directed by Gerard McCabe who recently had major success performing in 'Stones in his Pockets' at the Lyric Theatre. 'Lockdown DLA' is also produced by Soda Bread Theatre Company.

Stephen continued: "I haven't had a production in the MAC before so I am really looking forward to it. They have been great to work with and hopefully, we put on a good show and I encourage everyone to come along.

"If you go to a show and you get offended by jokes and like to ring the peelers after, this probably isn't for you - sit this one out," he laughed. "If you like hard-hitting comedy with a local flavour, get yourself a ticket and come along because I guarantee you'll enjoy it."

'Lockdown DLA' will run from September 14 to 18 in The MAC Belfast, tickets on sale now.

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