The Grass Arena
The Grass Arena is based on the autobiography of John Healy. Raised in an strongly religious family, with an abusive father, John soon learns that he has to defend himself. Growing into adulthood he takes up boxing, but soon falls victim to alcoholism. His boxing career over, John takes to the Grass Arena (the park) where he lives with other alcoholics. Prison time introduces him to a new and unexpected path.
Director
Gillies MacKinnonWriters
Cast
Mark Rylance
John Healy
Pete Postlethwaite
The Dipper
Lynsey Baxter
Madalena
Marian McLoughlin
Mrs. Healy
Billy Boyle
Mr. Healy
Ronan Vibert
Charles Fieldhouse
Clive Russell
Mac
Julian Firth
Bates
Paddy Joyce
Kelly
Gerard Horan
The Sham
Bunny May
Fox
Brian Hall
George
Nicholas Palliser
Chess Opponent
Noreen Kershaw
Woman in Cafe
Harry Landis
Kaufman
Andrew Dicks
Young John Healy
Nick Dawney
Young Terry Healy
Louis Mellis
Jock
Anna Keaveney
Liverpool Lil
John O'Toole
Williams