In this episode Sam and Gareth chat to Beano Niblock, an ex-loyalist prisoner, poet, and playwright. They discuss Beano's journey in writing his new play, 'The Man Who Swallowed A Dictionary,' and reflect on his past experiences, including his friendship with late PUP leader David Ervine and the impact of political events on their lives. The conversation delves into themes of loyalty, personal growth, and the complexities of life in prison, highlighting the importance of storytelling in understanding their shared history. In this conversation, the lads reflect on the legacy of David Ervine, discussing his achievements and the complexities of his character. The dialogue explores the importance of storytelling within the loyalist community, emphasising the need to preserve personal histories that are at risk of being lost. Challenges in sharing these narratives are highlighted, particularly the fear of public scrutiny. The conversation also delves into the political landscape of loyalism, addressing the stigma associated with past actions and the reluctance of individuals to engage in political discourse. Finally, the discussion touches on the upcoming play that aims to engage the community and bring these stories to the forefront.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Beano Niblock and His Journey 03:02 The Evolution of Beano's Playwriting Career 06:00 Exploring the Themes of 'Reason to Believe' and 'Tartan' 09:08 The Impact of Political Events on Personal Choices 12:03 Meeting David Ervine: Early Connections 14:59 Life in Prison: Dynamics and Relationships 17:54 David Ervine's Influence and Character 20:58 Reflections on Friendship and Support 23:49 Legacy and Memories of David Ervine 29:10 Reflections on David Ervine's Legacy 34:23 The Importance of Storytelling in Loyalism 39:21 Challenges in Sharing Personal Histories 45:59 The Political Landscape of Loyalism 54:18 Upcoming Play and Community Engagement
Want to get early access to new episodes and articles from Shrapnel? Then head across to our Patreon and support us today!
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.