Some folk are impossible to buy for. Mama said it's because they are usually the ones who are impossible to know…

Before is set in Clerys of Dublin, on the very day this iconic department store shuts - for good. Pontius is inside, trying to choose a gift for his estranged daughter, whom he hasn't seen for almost 20 years. He will meet her in an hour.

This father's journey is both beautiful and strange, from the isolation of his Midlands home to the madness of O'Connell Street.

Before is a new play with much music, which follows the runaway international success of Fishamble's Pat Kinevane Trilogy (Forgotten, Silent and Underneath), which have won Olivier, Scotsman Fringe First, Herald Angel, Argus Angel, Adelaide Fringe and Stage Raw LA awards.

This edition was published to coincide with the original production which was first produced by Fishamble: The New Play Company in November 2018.