Return to the museum

culture and creativity

The interplay between culture and creativity is a powerful lens through which we can understand our past and present. From literature and performing arts to music and satire, the Troubles have left an indelible mark on the creative output of our artists. Yet, beyond conflict, our cultural landscape is rich, multifaceted, and deeply influential on a global scale.

Back to Exhibition
During the Troubles, creativity became a form of resilience, a way to process, critique, and make sense of a fractured society.

Collection Highlights

BELUM.W2018.16.2
The televised drama 'Too Late to Talk to Billy' was broadcast as part of the BBC 'Play for Today' series in 1982 and was the first of three 'Billy Plays' by writer Graham Reid. The story centred on the Martin family, a working-class family living in Coolderry Street in the Donegall Road area of Belfast. Billy Martin was played by Belfast-born Kenneth Branagh, in what was his first successful role after drama school, with James Ellis cast as his father. (BELUM.W2018.16.2)
BELUM.W2020.37
Comedian James Young, better known as Jimmy, was one of the first to use the Troubles in his material. Creating distinctive caricatures like ‘Orange Lily’ and ‘Big Derrick’, his performances helped us to laugh at ourselves and proved incredibly popular. (BELUM.W2020.37)
BELUM.W2018.20
The punk rock band Stiff Little Fingers formed in 1977 and many of their tracks were inspired by the Troubles, with the songs reflecting themes of teenage boredom and sectarian violence. The band split up in 1983, this is a ticket from one of their reunion shows played at the Ulster Hall on 22 December 1987. (BELUM.W2018.20)
BELUM.W2018.16.2
The televised drama 'Too Late to Talk to Billy' was broadcast as part of the BBC 'Play for Today' series in 1982 and was the first of three 'Billy Plays' by writer Graham Reid. The story centred on the Martin family, a working-class family living in Coolderry Street in the Donegall Road area of Belfast. Billy Martin was played by Belfast-born Kenneth Branagh, in what was his first successful role after drama school, with James Ellis cast as his father. (BELUM.W2018.16.2)

Humour

Comedians like James Young, also known as Jimmy, were among the first to integrate the Troubles into their performances. His characters, such as ‘Orange Lily’ and ‘Big Derrick,’ offered us a chance to laugh at ourselves and each other during a time when humor was an essential survival tool. By doing so, he broke barriers, helping audiences confront difficult realities in a way that was both relatable and healing.

Human Stories

Television and film also captured the human stories shaped by the Troubles. In 1982, the drama Too Late to Talk to Billy—part of the BBC’s Play for Today series—brought the complexities of family life in a conflict-torn Belfast into living rooms across the UK. Written by Graham Reid, the Billy Plays became cultural touchstones, offering a raw, emotional look at life in Northern Ireland. Featuring the breakout role of Kenneth Branagh as Billy Martin, these plays were both local in their storytelling and universal in their reach, exploring themes of family, loyalty, and survival under extraordinary circumstances.

Music Scene

Music, too, gave voice to the times. Bands like Stiff Little Fingers, who emerged during the punk movement in 1977, turned teenage frustration and sectarian violence into electric, raw energy. Their lyrics captured the anger and disillusionment of a generation growing up in conflict. Though the band split in 1983, their influence endures, and their reunion show at Ulster Hall in 1987 was a testament to their lasting impact. Our creative expression reflects not only a history of resilience but also a vibrant cultural heritage that embraces diversity and innovation. We collect and celebrate the works inspired by the Troubles, but we also champion the broader contributions of our artists, performers, and thinkers.
 

Our culture is more than just a response to the Troubles. Creativity in Northern Ireland transcends conflict.

In this section, we explore the profound relationship between culture and creativity, how it shapes who we are, and how it positions us globally. On stage or screen, Northern Ireland’s story is told not just in its struggles but in its triumphs.

Creativity Stories