Julie

Lenadoon, West Belfast, 1981.

Bernadette loves Gene Kelly, Doris Day, and Julie Garland. She shares a bedroom with her wee sister – Julie.

Julie loves Sheena Easton, Annie Lennox, and Adam Ant.

Julie isn’t too bothered there’s women out banging bin lids - one of the hunger strikers just died.

She’s more concerned with sorting a new pair of Topaz tights for the Horn Drive disco. She is fourteen after all…

Julie, written and performed by her niece, award-winning actress Charlotte McCurry, is a compelling piece exploring the tragic death of 14-year-old Julie Livingstone, who was fatally struck by a plastic bullet in 1981. Julie premiered in August 2025 as part of Féile an Phobail at The Roddy McCorley Heritage Centre before touring to sold – out audiences throughout the North of Ireland in August 2025.

Told through the eyes of Julie’s sister Bernadette, the play bears witness to the events surrounding 12 May 1981, blending archive footage, animation, and music to transport audiences back to a time when ordinary life was shaped by extraordinary conflict.

WINNER of the TG4 ‘Aisling’ award for Arts and Culture 2025.

REVIEWS

“McCurry’s adept writing silently evokes questions about modern legacy investigations, collusion and what justice means for families.” - Alan In Belfast (Alan Meban)

“A powerful piece of theatre which although is essentially one family’s story, is universal and one that will be recognised by other families and audiences beyond Belfast.” - Belfast Media Group (Anthony Neeson)

“McCurry’s script laces the domestic and the political, the personal and the public, with familial warmth and a welcome dose of dark-hued Northern Irish humour that tempers the terrible events and unimaginable burdens it describes……. Director Paula McFetridge again shows herself a sensitive and assured mediator of difficult material.” - British Theatre Guide (Michael Quinn)