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If Only

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An explosive, topical drama from one of the UK's top political playwrights.
  • 01 April 2014
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An explosive, topical drama from one of the UK's top political playwrights.

It’s 16th April 2010, the day after the UK's first ever televised prime ministerial debate. Stranded in Malaga Airport by a volcanic ash-cloud, a Labour special adviser, a Lib Dem staffer and a Tory candidate consider their options. Can their parties survive without them? How will they get back home? And who’ll end up in government?

Fast forward to 4th August 2014. As the nation settles down to commemorate the outbreak of the First World War, the three politicians meet again. One of them knows something that could change the outcome of the 2015 election. Should they reveal it? And at what cost?

"Funny, gripping and bang on the money." - Telegraph

"Fascinating... clearly meticulously researched." - Guardian

"Witty and very clever... hilarious." - British Theatre Guide

"Luminously human rather than aridly theoretical... riveting, important." - Financial Times

David Edgar pioneered the teaching of playwriting in the UK, founding the Playwriting Studies course at Birmingham University in 1989. He is also a leading playwright, best known for his political plays and for his adaptation of Nicholas Nickleby for the RSC.
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Price: $20.95
Pages: 120
Publisher: Theatre Communications Group
Imprint: Nick Hern Books
Publication Date: 01 April 2014
Trim Size: 7.75 X 5.00 in
ISBN: 9781848423336
Format: Paperback
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David Edgar is a leading UK playwright and author of many original plays and adaptations. He also pioneered the teaching of playwriting in the UK, founding the Playwriting Studies course at Birmingham University in 1989 and serving as the program's director for a decade. He is the author of several books, including How Plays Work (Nick Hern Books, 2009; revised 2021). His plays include: The New Real (Royal Shakespeare Company / Headlong, 2024); Here in America (Orange Tree Theatre, 2024); A Christmas Carol, adapted from the story by Charles Dickens (Royal Shakespeare Company, 2017); If Only (Minerva Theatre, Chichester, 2013); Written on the Heart (RSC, 2011); a version of Ibsen's The Master Builder (Minerva Theatre, Chichester, 2013); Arthur and George, adapted from the novel by Julian Barnes (Birmingham Rep and Nottingham Playhouse, 2010); Testing the Echo (Out of Joint, 2008); A Time to Keep, written with Stephanie Dale (Dorchester Community Players, 2007); Playing With Fire (National Theatre, 2005); Continental Divide (US, 2003); The Prisoner's Dilemma (RSC, 2001); Albert Speer, based on Gitta Sereny's biography of Hitler's architect (National Theatre, 2000); Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (Birmingham Rep, 1996); Pentecost (RSC, 1994); The Shape of the Table (National Theatre, 1990); and Maydays (1983). His work for television and film includes adaptations of his play Destiny, screened by the BBC in 1978, and The Jail Diary of Albie Sachs, televised by the BBC in 1981, as well the screenplay for the film Lady Jane (1986). He has also authored several radio plays.