By Paddy Walsh
Here’s an imaginary concept that would send shudders through respective political elements on both sides of the border. It’s one where the island of Ireland forms part of the United Kingdom backed up by a history where there was no War of Independence or no Civil War.
But there is a way out for those in shudder mode. It’s 2024 and the British Prime Minister has arrived in Dublin to participate in the final debate on the eve of a Referendum which will determine whether Ireland remains or leaves – a Brexit of sorts.
The concept is being brought to the stage of An Grianán Theatre by the Letterkenny Music and Drama Group this weekend – ‘The Alternative – A Play for Ireland’ that conjures up a satirical scenario of what might – highly unlikely as it was – have been.
The play opens with a rendition of ‘God Save the Queen’ – standing optional – sung as Gaeilge!
That sets the tone for the debate that is being broadcast in the Dublin studios of the BBC.
“Designated questions only…”, the assistant producer, Hannah, insists.
Iarla McGowan (Peter) and Elaine Gillespie (Prime Minister Lysaght)
But running parallel with the debate are questions being posed by her friend, Grainne in accompanying scenes. She is attempting to find answers from her father, whose mind is also occupied in his role as the debate producer, in relation to the death of her mother. More devastation than designation.
Do go along to this play but don’t go expecting a political pall to descend on your evening. For this is a performance brimming with comic interludes that has, and will, leave audiences belly laughing in their seats.
A tongue in cheek satire, the play’s director, Kieran Kelly labels it. And the polls agree with him! “It’s an absolutely fantastic play written by two playwrights at the top of their game. As soon as I read it, I knew we just had to stage it. It’s just so different to anything else I’ve ever seen.”
Cathal Ó Gallchóir (Richard), Mary Lane (Hannah) and Darren Winston (John) in a scene from The Alternative
The group started rehearsals in early January after initially auditioning in October. Meanwhile, prior to Christmas, director Kelly was working on the highly technical end of things which will become apparent right from the opening scenes of the play.
Elaine Gillespie, who has worked with Kieran both on stage and under his directorship in previous productions, is looking forward to the two night run of ‘The Alternative.”
“It’s obviously a play with a lot of messages from a political point of view and a family perspective but it’s also very funny. It’s good fun to be involved in I have to say and the other cast members are great to work with.”
Not Elaine’s first involvement in a politically edged drama given her role in the ‘Chronicles of Long Kesh’ some years back – a production that also featured Kieran Kelly among the cast.
The two men involved in writing ‘The Alternative’, Michael Patrick and Oisin Kearney, have suggested that they hoped the play would offend as many as possible. “Absolutely and I think they’ve managed that!,’ she laughs.
Darren Winston (John) and Cathal Ó Gallchóir (Richard).
With Elaine in the role of the Dublin born British P.M., she enters the great debate in the B.B.C. studios with her political sparring opponent, Peter Keogh, played by the vastly experienced actor and director, Iarla McGowan.
“It’s a really interesting play and that’s what attracted me to it. You could describe it as a warped version of Irish history. It’s thought provoking, funny and poignant and structurally very interesting and there’s a great cast on board to help see it through.”
Having spent twelve years in London, mostly involved in theatre, the Letterkenny man was delighted to return to his home town and immerse himself in the world of local drama.
“I suppose this play is very timely with what is happening in Northern Ireland at the moment.
“I know Kieran struck gold with his last play, ‘Jimmy’s Winning Matches’ and then with McGuinness coming back to manage Donegal. And I think he’s struck gold again with this one.”
Playing the part of ‘Hannah Murray’, the debate’s assistant producer, Mary Lane, a native of the Oldtown, has also been prominent in successful local productions including ‘All Shook Up’ and the award winning ‘Calendar Girls.’
“I’m also one of the producers of the Rainbow Theatre Group. I love being involved in local theatre.”
And that passion extends to ‘The Alternative’ which she’s confident will win the hearts and minds of the audiences over the two nights.
“It’s a very emotional play dealing as it does with mental health and with families under the guise of the Irish Referendum.
“My character has a working relationship with Richard, the producer, and a friendship with his daughter, Grainne. Hannah really cares for both of them but it’s two very different relationships.”
And those relationships and that of the more political parallel that forms the Referendum debate will ensure the continued success of a play that has won awards for its writers and is set to intrigue and entertain local audiences this weekend.
The full cast includes Cathal O Gallchoir as ‘Richard Devlin’ Darren Winston as “John Fitzgibbon’; Laura Gleeson playing the part of GraInne Devlin; Mary Lane as ‘Hannah Murray’’; Elaine Gillespie (‘Ursula Lysaght’)’ and Iarla McGowan (‘Peter Keogh’).
l The play is being staged on Friday and Saturday night (February 16 and 17) with the curtain going up at 8pm.
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