Foraois Productions return this week with a new play capturing a slice of Manchester life in and out of the pub. Running from 21^st to 23^rd November at The Bridge Street Tavern, Grace O’Leary’s latest play A swift half? sees sisters Maria and Clara try to make sense of their lives and the choices they have made. The pub becomes more than just a backdrop as moments of clarity come served with a swift half. Old friend and pub landlord Bobby is often the dispenser of that wisdom but he too has his own hopes and plans. Whether they will be realised with a pint in hand remains to be seen.

A swift half? Is award-winning playwright and director Grace O’Leary’s 5^th play and marks 10 years since she started writing and producing her own theatre. Her works include the critically acclaimed Letter Headed Paper which toured Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool and Preston in 2013.  Grace’s first play What Colour Was Her Blood? was short-listed for ‘Best Original New Play’ by North West Playwrights.

A swift half? asks the question, how important is the pub and what place does it have in everyday life? Some hidden truths are threatened to be revealed when sisters Maria and Clara have one too many vinos at friend’s Bobby popular pub, Haven’s Sake, and things could have been much easier if they just stayed in. Bobby, proud pub owner and overall charismatic bloke has dreams of being the next big pub promoter and nothing, he hopes, is going to stop him.

Ahead of opening night, Grace O’Leary said; ‘With it being 10 years since my first play was launched in Manchester, I felt it was right to do a new piece for my decade anniversary. I’ve spent many a happy, and the odd unhappy hour in pubs, and it made me think about the affect the atmosphere these wonderful establishments can have on people. I’ve been lucky to work with a fantastic cast on this production and am really looking forward to sharing it.’

Maria Quinn is played by Julie Burrows, Clara Quinn is played by Sarah E Maher and Bobby Braithwaite is played by Daryn Gates.

A swift half? Is on at The Bridge Street Tavern, 58 Bridge St, Manchester, M3 3BW 7.30pm, on 21, 22 & 23 October Duration 60mins approx. Tickets: £9 plus booking fee can be found here.