Billy (William Michael) Roche
Born in Wexford, January 11, 1949. Educated at Mercy Convent School, Wexford, 1954-57; Christian Brothers, Primary and Secondary, 1957-66. Married Patti Egan in 1973; three daughters. Barman, Shamrock Bar, Wexford, 1967-69; upholsterer, Smiths Car Factory, Wexfqrd, 1969-73 and 1978-80; builders' labourer, London, 1973-75; barman, Stonebridge Lounge, Wexford, 1976; factory worker, Wexford, 1976-78. Singer with The Roach Band, 1975-80; playwright-in-residence, The Bush Theatre, London, 1988. Recipient: Plays and Players award, 1988, 1989; John Whiting award, 1989; George Devine award, 1990; Edinburgh Fringe first, 1990; Thames Television award, 1990; London Theatre Fringe award, 1992; Time Out award, 1992.
Stage Works
- Johnny Nobody (produced 1986).
- A Handful of Stars (as The Boker Poker Club, produced 1987; as A Handful of Stars, produced 1988)
- Amphibians (produced 1987; revised version produced 1992).
- Poor Beast in the Rain (produced 1989). 1990.
- Belfry (produced 1991)
- The Cavalcaders (produced 1993). 1994.
NOVEL
Tumbling Down. 1986.