Borstal Boy - Adaptations

Adaptations

In 1967, the story debuted as a play, adapted by Frank McMahon and staged at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin, with Frank Grimes as the young Behan. The play was a great success, winning McMahon a Tony Award for his adaptation. The play remains popular with both Irish and American audiences.

A film adaptation of the same name was released in 2000, directed by Peter Sheridan, starring Shawn Hatosy and Danny Dyer.

In 1973, the English rock band The Faces recorded a song about the book, which was included on their album Ooh La La.

UK electro-pop group Chew Lips take their name from a character in the book.