
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.
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
Lyndam Gregory
Fowler
Rosalind Bennett
Kate

Amanda Mealing
Teresa
Natalie Slater
Miss Golon

Tam Dean Burn
Andy
David Foxxe
Pete

Roger Frost
Ken
Dee Orr
Margaret
Steven Hammett
Ron

Philip Fox
Radiographer
Stephan Hartford
Priest
Mark Anthony Newman
Boswell
Vincent Keane
Boxing Opponent
Tom Lucy
Sparring Partner

Tim Barlow
Old Man
Ultan Ely-O'Carroll
Dublin Tommy
Betty Romaine
Nun
Recommendations
view all
Rebound: The Legend of Earl 'The Goat' Manigault

The Magic of Ordinary Days

Twelve Angry Men

Heaven

Girl in the Box

American Son

Burton and Taylor

TalhotBlond

Return to Zero

Starving in Suburbia

I Am Elizabeth Smart

Home by Spring

From Straight A's to XXX

Love Finds You in Valentine

Scum

Girl Fight

No One Would Tell

Cheaters

Iron Jawed Angels

My Dinner with Hervé
