Barrie Keeffe

DOB - DOD

31 October 1945 - 10 December 2019

Home Town

London, England

Stage Debut

1973

Barrie Keeffe was a British playwright and screenwriter known for his socially conscious works that reflected working-class life. Keeffe began his career as a journalist before transitioning to theatre and film. His plays often tackled themes of youth disillusionment, social inequality, and the challenges of urban life. Keeffe’s breakthrough came with Sus, a powerful play about institutional racism, first staged in 1979 at the Royal Court Theatre.

Keeffe is well known for writing the screenplay for the 1980 film The Long Good Friday, a landmark British crime film starring Bob Hoskins and Helen Mirren. His other notable works include Gotcha and Gimme Shelter, both of which explored the struggles faced by disenfranchised youth in Britain. Throughout his career, Keeffe remained committed to portraying the working class experiences, earning him a reputation as one of Britain’s most perceptive and authentic playwrights.

Works by Barrie Keeffe

Gimme Shelter

Gimme Shelter

1977

Barrie Keeffe

Sus

Sus

1979

Barrie Keeffe

Abide with Me

2012

Barrie Keeffe