Having had its world premiere at the BFI London Film Festival in October 2024, Four Mothers is set for its Irish theatrical release on April 4. Before it hits screens around the country, GCN spoke to actor Gordon Hickey to learn more about the project and his role as Billy.

Directed by Darren Thornton, who co-wrote the film with Colin Thornton, Four Mothers follows an unlikely found family on an emotionally charged journey of self-discovery and acceptance. It tells the story of Edward (James McArdle), a novelist on the brink of literary success who is also caring for his elderly mother (Fionnula Flanagan). Busy with the demands of his upcoming book tour, the last thing Edward needs is his friends leaving their mams on his doorstep as they head off on an impromptu Pride holiday. Over a chaotic weekend, he has to juggle his burgeoning career with the care of four eccentric, combative, and wildly different ladies.

Alongside Gordon Hickey, James McArdle and Fionnula Flanagan, the film also features gay Irish comedian Gearóid Farrelly and a cameo appearance from Rory O’Neill, aka Queen of Ireland Panti Bliss, who plays a therapist.

Ahead of the Irish release, GCN spoke to Hickey to find out more.

Tell us about your character in Four Mothers
I play the character Billy in Four Mothers. He is a cheeky, slightly brazen character and was so much fun to play.

I am one of the terrible sons that decides to leave my mother with Edward so I can disappear to Gran Canaria for a few days to go party. Billy has been caring for his mother and needs some release so decides to run off to Maspalomas with Colm.

What can people expect from the film?
People can expect a beautiful, warm, charming, very Irish film. This film has so much heart. It’s also really nice to see the mostly gay characters playing not stereotypically gay roles. It’s a gay story without the usual dramas that are normally associated with gay films.

It’s also so nice to see a film where the older generation are the focus of the main storyline.

There are also so many cracking one-liners from the four mothers. Colin and Darren wrote an amazing portrayal of Irish sons and their mammies.

 

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What was it like working with the cast?
Working on this film was an absolute dream. I am 42 years of age and this is my first feature film. Colin and Darren made me feel so welcome right from the beginning and put the majority of my anxiety and fears aside when shooting this.

Myself and Gearóid (Farrelly) played best friends and he was my rock during filming. It was so nice having him play my friend in the film as all of our days filming were together and we even got to fly to Gran Canaria for four days of fun and filming which was an amazing experience.

I was so nervous about filming opposite James McArdle as he is so seasoned as an actor but he was an absolute gent and made me completely feel at ease when we were filming any scenes together.

I literally couldn’t say a single bad thing about shooting this film. It was a dream come true.

What do you hope people will take away from the story?
I hope people will recognise the special bond between Mam’s and their gay sons. The film portrays how the childless gay son is usually the one that is left to mind older parents.

I’ve only seen the film three times but each time I discover something new about it. The last time I watched it, it really hit home how frustrating it must be for an older person to lose their independence. The character of Jean struggles with this in the film. I think we need to be more patient with older people who struggle with their health as this must be unbelievably frustrating.

My own mother was really sick during the filming of this and watching her slowly lose her capabilities really resonated with me as the characters in the film were going through the same.

I think people will really enjoy the humour and the heart of this film too.

Don’t miss Four Mothers, releasing in cinemas across Ireland on Friday, April 4.