The Safety Catch is a play by Nick Snow that explores the dangers and excitement of motorcycle road racing.  The play explores the dangers and excitement of motorcycle road racing through the story of Michael Dunlop. The Northern Irish rider is Robert Dunlop’s son and Joey Dunlop’s nephew. They are two of the most successful road racers ever. The family is probably the most famous sporting family in Northern Ireland.

Motorcycle road racing is an exciting sport where riders go really fast on public roads. The Isle of Man TT is a famous event, but it can be dangerous too. Over 250 riders have sadly lost their lives while racing.

The Safety Catch

Back to the play now, it follows Michael as he prepares for the Isle of Man TT. It is set in the time following the death of his elder brother, William. Michael must decide whether he should continue racing, knowing the risks involved. He is torn between his love of the sport and his desire to protect his family. He seeks advice from his mentor, Liam Beckett, a former road racer.

The Dunlop family is the most successful in the history of the TT, with over 50 wins between them. The family has also given the sport many lives, not discounting the survivors’ trauma and challenges.

Venue
The Lyric Theatre, Belfast, October 31 to November 4, 2023.

Tickets available at The Safety Catch | Lyric Theatre Belfast

The Safety Catch was first performed at The Glens Centre, Manorhamilton and The Playhouse, Derry, in 2022. It sounds like a must-see play for anyone interested in the Isle of Man TT or the Dunlop family story. I feel it is a moving and thought-provoking play that will stay with you long after you have seen it. Hopefully, we can take it in as motorcyclists and families.

Cast and credits of The Safety Catch

• Written by Nick Snow
• Directed by Joe O’Byrne
• Set design – Dee Armstrong
• Sound design – Mark Gavin
• Andrew McCracken as Michael Dunlop.
• Fra Gunn as Liam Beckett (Reference: IMDB)

Interesting facts about the Isle of Man TT and roadracing in Ireland:

• The Isle of Man TT is the oldest motorcycle race in the world, first held in 1907.
• The TT course is a 37.730 miles (60.718 km) public road circuit that winds around the Isle of Man.
• The fastest lap record on the TT course is 136.358 mph, set by Peter Hickman in the Senior TT race this year (2023). Lap Time of 16m 36.114s equating to 219.447 km/h
• The TT course is known for its many dangers, including high speeds, narrow roads, and stone walls.
• Between 1907 and 2023, there were 155 fatalities during official practices or races on the Snaefell Mountain Course and 266 total fatalities (this includes the riders killed during the Manx Grand Prix and Clubman TT race series of the late 1940s/1950s).
• Northern Ireland has produced some of history’s most successful road racers, including Joey and Michael Dunlop.
• Many road races are held annually in Ireland, including the North West 200, the Ulster GP, and the Skerries 100.
• Roadracing is a very popular sport in Ireland and attracts large crowds of spectators.

Why do riders continue to race in the Isle of Man TT?

Riders race in the Isle of Man TT for different reasons. Some do it as a personal challenge, while others continue a family tradition.

The Isle of Man TT is an exciting motorcycle race that tests riders’ limits and is filled with thrilling moments.