The Boy Who Talked to Dogs

LEC and Slingsby present
Adapted for the stage by Amy Conroy
From the book from Martin McKenna
By Amy Conroy

“This is a place I can be. This is a place I can be me”.

Young Marty is a triplet. One of three, only he is the odd one out, the runt of the litter. No one understands him, except his dogs. Locked in the coal shed at night, Martin finds solace from the iciness of a troubled home in 1970s Ireland, by cuddling up to his German Shepherds, Major and Rex.
When he runs away at thirteen, Marty is adopted by a pack of six stray dogs. Together they survive on the road, ignoring “do not enter” signs, dodging trains, stealing milk bottles and meals from open kitchen windows, fizzing and whizzing with energy – outcasts on the outskirts. Emerging as pack leader, Marty discovers deeper ways to communicate with the dogs, learning tricks that lead him back to the human company – and a new place where he “can be me”.
The Boy Who Talked to Dogs is the international premiere of a mischievous and magical work for all ages made in partnership with Adelaide’s acclaimed Slingsby. Based on the true story of Nimbin’s famous “Dogman”, who grew up in Garryowen, Limerick, this tough but tender tale is a celebration of the love of animals we share our homes and lives with, starring acclaimed Dublin actor Bryan Burroughs amidst a dazzling array of shadows, songs and stellar musicianship.

WARNING: contains themes of domestic violence