Una McKevitt’s ‘Fair Deal’ at the Abbey Theatre: A Darkly Comic Look at Family and Inheritance

Una McKevitt’s new play, Fair Deal, currently running at the Abbey Theatre’s Peacock Stage, offers a darkly comedic exploration of family dynamics, inheritance, and the realities of Ireland’s housing crisis. The production, directed by Conall Morrison, premiered on February 11th, 2026, and runs until March 28th, 2026.

A Family Home on the Brink of Change

The play centers on Kiera Thornton (Caroline Menton), who is preparing to sell the family home – inherited from her grandmother – and oversee the transfer of her grand-uncle Terry to a nursing home. As Kiera attempts to finalize these arrangements, her plans are disrupted by the unexpected arrival of her estranged mother, Sandra (Aislín McGuckian), a high-flying celebrity interior designer returning from Los Angeles.

Characters and Performances

Caroline Menton delivers a performance as Kiera, navigating the complexities of family obligation and personal freedom. Aislín McGuckian portrays Sandra with a “gleefully maniacal” energy, according to The Guardian, shifting the play’s tone towards farce. Gareth Lombard plays Daragh, Kiera’s uncle, described as a “disgruntled actor” who finds himself caught in the escalating conflict. Jack Weise appears as Rio, a Tinder date whose brief appearance foreshadows the chaos to come.

Themes and Social Commentary

Fair Deal delves into several pertinent themes. The play touches upon the challenges of caring for aging relatives and the emotional toll it takes on families. It also addresses Ireland’s ongoing housing crisis, with the sale of the family home representing a broader struggle for affordable housing. The play’s characters grapple with the idea of exploiting assets, questioning whether such actions are “sane, and normal.”

Genre and Style

McKevitt blends elements of domestic drama and farce, creating a dynamic that is both humorous and unsettling. The play’s setting, designed by Liam Doona, contributes to the atmosphere, with a cluttered interior reflecting the emotional baggage of the family. While the play occasionally feels overwritten, with dialogue dominating moments where silence might be more impactful, it ultimately succeeds in offering a darkly comic “relief from the world’s darkness.”

Critical Reception

Reviews of Fair Deal have been largely positive, with critics praising McKevitt’s comedic writing and the performances of the cast. The play has been described as “sharp, twisted and funny” and a promising work from a playwright previously known for her documentary theatre background.

Performance Details

• Dates: February 11th – March 28th, 2026
• Previews: February 11th – 16th, 2026
• Stage: Peacock Stage, Abbey Theatre
• Times: Monday – Saturday, 8:00 PM; Saturday and Wednesday matinees, 2:30 PM (with an additional Wednesday matinee on March 11th)
• Running Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (no interval)
• Tickets: €20 – €32.50 plus booking fee
• Age Recommendation: 16+

Fair Deal is an Abbey Theatre commission.