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15/09/2008
Neeson To Be US President
Ballymena-born movie star Liam Neeson is being re-united with director Steven Spielberg (of Schindler's List fame) for a huge role - in the persona of iconic US President, Abraham Lincoln.
Lincoln founded the US Republican party and also steered his country through a bitter civil war over slavery.
Born in 1809 Lincoln became the 16th president of the US, leading the country through the war and the Union victory over the Confederacy.
Confederate sympathiser and actor John Wilkes Booth sneaked into Lincoln's theatre box and shot the President dead during a performance of 'Our American Cousin'.
Dramatically, Lincoln had seen Booth two years before his bloody death in a performance of Charles Selby's play 'The Marble Heart' at the same theatre.
The President was in fact a regular theatregoer, but deciding to go to Ford's Theatre in Washington one week after the end of the war proved to be Lincoln's downfall.
Neeson, who has also just been picked as top judge at the Kerry Film Festival in November, said his research had been very 'hands on'.
"I spent a week down in Washington last June and I had access to this extraordinary Lincoln memorabilia," he said.
"I put my hand on the Bible that he was sworn-in on in 1860. I held his wallet that he died with," he explained.
(BMcC)
Lincoln founded the US Republican party and also steered his country through a bitter civil war over slavery.
Born in 1809 Lincoln became the 16th president of the US, leading the country through the war and the Union victory over the Confederacy.
Confederate sympathiser and actor John Wilkes Booth sneaked into Lincoln's theatre box and shot the President dead during a performance of 'Our American Cousin'.
Dramatically, Lincoln had seen Booth two years before his bloody death in a performance of Charles Selby's play 'The Marble Heart' at the same theatre.
The President was in fact a regular theatregoer, but deciding to go to Ford's Theatre in Washington one week after the end of the war proved to be Lincoln's downfall.
Neeson, who has also just been picked as top judge at the Kerry Film Festival in November, said his research had been very 'hands on'.
"I spent a week down in Washington last June and I had access to this extraordinary Lincoln memorabilia," he said.
"I put my hand on the Bible that he was sworn-in on in 1860. I held his wallet that he died with," he explained.
(BMcC)
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28 May 2008
Neeson Working On NI Troubles Drama For BBC
International movie star, Liam Neeson, is back on home turf as he begins filming of a major new drama about the NI Troubles. The Ballymena-born star is back in the Province working on the upcoming BBC2 piece, Five Minutes of Heaven.
Neeson Working On NI Troubles Drama For BBC
International movie star, Liam Neeson, is back on home turf as he begins filming of a major new drama about the NI Troubles. The Ballymena-born star is back in the Province working on the upcoming BBC2 piece, Five Minutes of Heaven.
15 January 2010
Neeson Hosts US Lyric Theatre Fundraiser
Ballymena-born actor Liam Neeson hosted a private fundraising dinner last week in New York in aid of the reconstruction of the Lyric Theatre in Belfast, of which he is Patron. Special guests who turned out to show their support included actors Meryl Streep, Aidan Quinn and Ciarán Hinds.
Neeson Hosts US Lyric Theatre Fundraiser
Ballymena-born actor Liam Neeson hosted a private fundraising dinner last week in New York in aid of the reconstruction of the Lyric Theatre in Belfast, of which he is Patron. Special guests who turned out to show their support included actors Meryl Streep, Aidan Quinn and Ciarán Hinds.
07 October 2008
President Commemorates British War Dead
A ground-breaking war veterans' commemoration dedicated to those Irish men who fought - and often died - in the service of the British forces was officially opened today. Irish President Mary McAleese inspected a 100-strong guard of honour of the Irish Defence Forces as part of the launch of the Mayo Peace Park, Castlebar.
President Commemorates British War Dead
A ground-breaking war veterans' commemoration dedicated to those Irish men who fought - and often died - in the service of the British forces was officially opened today. Irish President Mary McAleese inspected a 100-strong guard of honour of the Irish Defence Forces as part of the launch of the Mayo Peace Park, Castlebar.
13 June 2013
Belfast Mayor Awards Liam Neeson
Newly appointed Lord Mayor of Belfast Máirtín Ó Muilleoir has presented Liam Neeson with the first-ever Belfast Ambassador Commendation as part of a three-day trip to New York. An initiative of the new Lord Mayor, the Belfast Ambassador Award will be presented to ex-pats and locals who are outstanding advocates for the people and city of Belfast.
Belfast Mayor Awards Liam Neeson
Newly appointed Lord Mayor of Belfast Máirtín Ó Muilleoir has presented Liam Neeson with the first-ever Belfast Ambassador Commendation as part of a three-day trip to New York. An initiative of the new Lord Mayor, the Belfast Ambassador Award will be presented to ex-pats and locals who are outstanding advocates for the people and city of Belfast.
17 December 2010
Northern Bank 'Sets Scene' For Lyric
The Lyric Theatre has announced a major funding boost as details of a five-year partnership with Northern Bank were revealed at an exclusive behind-the-scenes visit to the new theatre. Building work is nearing completion and the Lyric will reopen its doors on Sunday 1 May 2011 with a gala performance on the newly named Northern Bank Stage.
Northern Bank 'Sets Scene' For Lyric
The Lyric Theatre has announced a major funding boost as details of a five-year partnership with Northern Bank were revealed at an exclusive behind-the-scenes visit to the new theatre. Building work is nearing completion and the Lyric will reopen its doors on Sunday 1 May 2011 with a gala performance on the newly named Northern Bank Stage.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
