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New play charting killing of teenager Julie Livingstone to be shown at Derry venues
The play exploring the tragic death of 14-year-old Julie Livingstone, who was fatally struck by a plastic bullet in 1981, will be shown at HomePlace Bellaghy and the Playhouse Theatre, Derry next month
Playwright and actress Charlotte McCurry with Kabosh Artistic Director Paula McFetridge.
Reporter:
Staff Reporter
07 Jul 2025 9:30 PM
Email:
news@derrynow.com
A powerful new play exploring the tragic death of 14-year-old Julie Livingstone, who was fatally struck by a plastic bullet in 1981, will be shown at HomePlace Bellaghy on August 10 and the Playhouse Theatre, Derry on August 15 and 16.
Julie, written and performed by her niece, award-winning actress Charlotte McCurry, is the latest production from Belfast’s acclaimed Kabosh Theatre Company. It will premiere on August 6 as part of Féile an Phobail 2025.
Told through the eyes of Julie’s sister Bernadette, the play offers a vivid, heart-wrenching account of the events surrounding 12 May 1981, when Julie was shot in the head by a plastic bullet fired from a British Army Saracen while returning home from a local shop.
She died the following day in hospital. The play blends archive footage, animation, and music to transport audiences back to a time when ordinary life was shaped by extraordinary conflict.
Charlotte McCurry, who consulted closely with family members while writing the script, describes Julie as both a personal and emotional journey.
“It feels like a big responsibility because I’m telling my family’s story,” she said. “Writing it brought back so many childhood memories—it was like bringing my granny back to life. While it’s not a happy play, I’ve woven humour and warmth into it to reflect Julie’s spirited personality. Comedy and tragedy lived side by side in our family.”
Kabosh Artistic Director Paula McFetridge, who is directing the play, said the story resonates deeply with her. “Julie was the same age as me, and she was shot just up the road from where I lived. This is a deeply personal story for our community, and it reflects Kabosh’s mission—to open up conversations about the legacy of conflict through honest and courageous storytelling.”
At its heart, Julie is a reflection on grief, injustice, and the long-lasting effects of conflict on families. It explores the enduring pain of loss, the fight for truth, and how memory and love persist through generations.
For decades, the Livingstone family has been active in campaigns to ban plastic bullets and to seek justice for Julie. A mural near the site of the shooting serves as a lasting memorial and a reminder of her story.
Following its run in Roddy McCorley Heritage Centre at Féile an Phobail from August 6 to 9, Julie will go on tour to HomePlace Bellaghy (August 10), Playhouse Derry (August 15 and 16) and Old Church Cushendun (August 17).
There will be a BSL signed performance at the Playhouse on Saturday, August 16. Post show discussions will take place at HomePlace on August 10 and the Playhouse on August 15 and 16 involving the playwright, director and Relatives for Justice representative.
The production is supported by the Irish Department for Foreign Affairs Reconciliation Fund, Féile an Phobail, and Relatives for Justice, who will host post-show discussions with Charlotte, Paula, and guest speakers.
Tickets to the Féile performances are available directly from the Roddy McCorley Heritage Centre as online bookings are currently sold out.
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