I went to The Model, Sligo today to see Branching out perform ‘Johnny’s Song’ which was part of the Jack B Yeats exhibition Enter the Clowns.

It was a very moving performance that told the story of Johnny Patterson who was a clown, entertainer, singer and composer. He composed several songs including ‘The Stone Outside Dan Murphy’s Door’. His political opinions expressed in a song (he wanted Protestants and Catholics to live together peacefully) caused a fight at one performance. Patterson was hit on the head by an iron bar and was kicked. He died from his injuries on 31 May 1889 at the age of 49.

I always enjoy watching Branching Out. You can catch them performing B.Stoker in The Factory Performance Space 16th-20th July.