Set in rural Ireland of the early 60s, Billy Roche's new play takes us into the burlesque world of Delaney's Travelling Roadshow and in particular its boxing hall where prizefighter Dean takes on all comers on a nightly basis. That is, until a challenge from a professional fighter upsets the apple-cart. Taking us back to a forgotten world that is nonetheless brimming with familiar passions and human foibles, "Lay Me Down Softly" is a rich slice of vintage Roche, following on from his acclaimed "Wexford Trilogy" and other much-loved tales of small-town Ireland.