The Alternative

What if Ireland was still part of the United Kingdom? What if Home Rule had passed? What if there was no War of Independence? No Civil War? No partition? What if the island had only one soccer team?

The year is 2019 and it is the eve of the Referendum. British Prime Minister Ursula Lysaght is returning to her hometown of Dublin to convince voters to Remain. With the threat of chaos in the streets, and personal conflict behind the scenes, the final debate is set to begin at BBC Dublin: Should Ireland leave the UK?

The Alternative by Michael Patrick and Oisín Kearney is the chosen play from the A Play for Ireland project. As part of its 30th year in 2018, Fishamble set out to find one big, ambitious play, that bursts with humanity, and tackles a subject about which the playwright feels passionate - A PLAY FOR IRELAND. This was a two-year process, in association with Draíocht, The Everyman, Lime Tree Theatre/Belltable, Lyric Theatre, Pavilion Theatre, and Town Hall Theatre, which encouraged writers to create ambitious plays that burst with humanity.

Fishamble is an Olivier Award-winning internationally acclaimed Irish theatre company, dedicated to the discovery, development and production of new work.

Age restrictions: 14+ with strong language, and depictions of violence.