Graduating from the Drama Centre in 1975, Brosnan began working as an acting assistant stage manager at the York Theatre Royal, making his acting debut in "Wait Until Dark". Within six months, he was selected by playwright Tennessee Williams to play the role of McCabe in the British première of "The Red Devil Battery Sign" (billed as "Pierce Brosman"). His performance caused a stir in London and Brosnan still has the telegram sent by Williams, stating only "Thank God for you, my dear boy". In 1977 he was picked by Franco Zeffirelli to appear in the play "Filumena" by Eduardo De Filippo opposite Joan Plowright and Frank Finlay.