Matthew McIllhenny on ‘The Man Who Swallowed a Dictionary’
Summary
Matthew McIlhenny, director and co-writer of the play *The Man Who Swallowed a Dictionary*, discusses the life of David Irvine, a former UDA member whose prison conversion in Long Kesh helped spark the loyalist ceasefire. The episode explores how figures like Gusty Spence reframed loyalist politics toward dialogue and highlights the play’s upcoming run at Smock Alley Theatre in Dublin.
Topics discussed
Introduction to David Irvine and the play
David Irvine's family background and upbringing
Radicalization and the impact of Bloody Friday
Influence of Gusty Spence in Long Kesh
Prison politics and the start of the peace process
Irvine's political views and unionist misrule
Origins of the play and research process
Why David Irvine was known for being verbose
The relevance of Irvine's message today
Closing remarks and show details
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