The Alternative by Michael Patrick & Oisín Kearney

Michael and Oisín’s multi-award-winning play The Alternative was the winner of Fishamble’s A Play For Ireland initiative.

 

Photographs by Patrick Redmond.

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?


  • Co-written by Michael Patrick and Oisín Kearney

  • Directed by Jim Culleton

  • Premiered at Dublin Theatre Festival 2019 followed by an Irish tour

  • Script available for purchase at Concord Theatricals

As part of its 30th year in 2018, Fishamble: The New Play Company 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 that captures the zeitgeist of the country, that demands to be produced. The Alternative was selected from nearly 400 applicants and will premiere in the Dublin Theatre Festival as part of its nationwide tour in association with Draíocht, Everyman, Lime Tree Theatre & Belltable, Lyric Theatre, Pavilion Theatre and Town Hall Theatre.

Reviews & Awards

Winner: Best Director & Best Soundscape. Irish Times Theatre Awards 2020.
Nominee: Best New Play. Irish Times Theatre Awards 2020.
Best New Play. Writers’ Guild of Ireland ZeBBie Awards 2020.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ The Sunday Times
'An irreverent, hugely entertaining political satire that brilliantly reflects Ireland right here, right now.’
★ ★ ★ ★  The Financial Times
'Bitingly current... fantastically provocative drama... Its invention shines out in a festival lineup'
★ ★ ★ ★  The Arts Review
'hugely entertaining… One of the cleverest, funniest, Irish political comedies in recent years.’
Irish Independent
‘a highlight of the year… Everything about the show is first rate… stroke of brilliance… very funny. Do not miss this show’
Sunday Independent
'The dialogue is both wicked and intelligent... a top-class, edgy, no-expense spared production under Jim Culleton's fast paced acute direction, with superb performances from all concerned'
Pat Kenny, Newstalk
'Brilliant… absolutely delicious, it’s full of pathos… hugely entertaining, a great laugh, a great night out... If you can catch it, do.'
Claire Byrne, RTÉ
'Fantastic show...I loved every minute of it.'

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