Poppies

A funny, fierce and unsettling two-hander about an Englishman, an Irishman, a poppy, and a friendship pushed to breaking point. Mixing realism, satire and direct address, Poppies explores identity, masculinity, empire and the politics of remembrance with wit, theatricality and heart. Johnjoe and Jim clash over the wearing of a poppy. The best friends address what the symbol represents to their respective heritage and attempt to navigate their way through this historic subject matter in relation to their friendship and the British Empire’s devastating, lasting impact in Ireland. Fast, funny and physically inventive, Poppies is a sharp two-hander about what happens when a small symbol carries a heavy weight. Blending knockabout comedy, surreal sketches and a friendship pushed to breaking point, Jim Spencer Broadbent and Johnjoe Irwin’s play depicts a modern day tragedy of stubbornness, repressed anger and identity in a time where this lack of footing launches so many young men into dangerous ideals. A raucous, heartfelt and brilliantly uncomfortable comedy about memory, masculinity, national identity and the arguments we keep having — with others, with history and with ourselves. Presented by GAIT Productions. CAST: 2 DURATION: 75 minutes

Pages: 84, Paperback, Salamander Street Ltd.