In the early Eighties a Belfast family tears itself apart after the Mother dies a hard death from cancer

Searing working-class drama with Northern Ireland's Troubles used only as a backdrop to the story of the Martins, an ordinary family with James Ellis outstanding as the domineering father, Brid Brennan in a touching portrayal of the eldest daughter trying to hold things together and the eponymous Billy played by a young actor who may have a future in the business, Kenneth Branagh.

The Belfast vernacular is brilliantly caught by writer Graeme Reid.

The two follow-up plays featuring the same characters are well worth seeking out: " A Coming to Terms for Billy' and "A Matter of Choice for Billy"