Play: 'Conversations on a Homecoming'
Author: Tom Murphy

Synopsis of the play
It is Ireland in the 1970s and even the humblest of small-town pubs can be a magnet for dreamers. In the 60s, "The White House" pub was that magnet - for the more open-minded, hopeful and radical young people of the town. Now in his 30s, and over a long drinking session on a winter's evening, Michael - recently returned from New York after a ten year absence - has a reunion with old friends in that same pub "The White House". He was the one member among them who got away to live the dream and now he's back - more or less out of the blue. Faced with the changes the years have wrought, they begin a process of self-discovery.

History of Group
The Palace Players was founded in 1988 and operated from Fermoy Community Youth Centre until 1995 when the group eventually found a new home in The Village Arts Centre, Kilworth. They have never missed a year participating on the festival circuit and moved to the 'open' section after winning the confined with 'One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest' in Enniscorthy. They have staged such productions as 'The Crucible' by Arthur Miller, 'The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie' by Muriel Spark, 'Dancing At Lughnasa', 'Lovers' and The Communication Cord' (Brian Friel), 'The Wake' (Tom Murphy), 'Da' (Hugh Leonard), 'The Weir' (Conor McPherson), 'The Lonesome West' (Martin McDonagh), 'Night Mother' (Marsha Norman), 'Callaghan's Place' (John McDwyer) and several plays from the pen of John B Keane etc. The group also staged two new plays by Liam Howard ('The Band' - 2008 and 'Letter From America' - 2010).