If Only: NHB Modern Plays

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.