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!