Saving for a Helicopter
Written and performed by Gráinne Curistan
Directed by Lianne O’Shea
Performance Dates 2026:
Thu 25 June to Sat 27 June, An Grianán Theatre
Tue 15 to 19 Sat September, Dublin Fringe Festival, The New Theatre
An Grianán Acorn Bursary Recipient 2025.
Gráinne grew up believing she and her father were saving for a family helicopter. But as she moves through adulthood, a different inheritance begins to take hold, a genetic kidney disease, long looming in the background of her life, finally demands centre stage.
In this deeply personal and funny solo performance, Gráinne charts her journey from carefree childhood to the clinical realities of dialysis, transplant lists, and uncertain futures.
Along the way, she brings to life a vivid cast of characters, family members, doctors, nurses, and her younger self, capturing moments of tenderness, absurdity, and fear with equal honesty.
Blending storytelling, music, and sharp wit, Saving for a Helicopter is a moving exploration of illness, identity, and legacy. It asks what we inherit from those we love, what we carry in our bodies, and how we keep going when there is no escape route, only the fragile, stubborn persistence of hope.
Cast
Gráinne Curistan
Creative Team
Director – Lianne O’Shea
Stage Manager – Jude Barriscale
Sound Design – Orri McBrearty
Lighting Design – Niall Cranney
Marketing – Richard Crawford & Nicola Burns
Administration – Helene McMenamin & Laura Ferry
Promotional Photography – Paul McGuckin
Production Photography – Ruth Keogh
Dramaturg – Ultan Pringle
Acknowledgements – A note from the Writer
The show was made possible with support from The Axis Assemble Ballymun. Niamh Ní Chonchubair (former Artistic Director of Axis), Aoife Spillane-Hinks (Head of Lit Department), Sorcha Keane (Current Artistic Director) & Aifric Ní Ruairc. The Axis Assemble Bursary are currently providing rehearsal space in Dublin for the production. Bryan Burroughs facilitated the developmental work in the Axis as part of Axis Assemble programme and provided dramaturgical support.
Veronica Coburn provided dramaturgical support at the early stages of the production. I would also like to thank Megan Armitage (local Donegal artist), Michael Chanda and Fiona Walsh who were also involved in development.
Little John Nee provided lots of mentorship & support and I’d also like the opportunity to acknowledge the incredible support from An Grianán, in particular Ultan Pringle who gave me endless support with numerous applications before it was an An Grianán production. Then of course Patricia, Richie and Niall who have been fantastic and also the rest of the team who have all been very supportive.
Funded by An Grianán Theatre, Donegal County Council, & the Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon. Developed at axis: Ballymun’s axis Assemble Programme, An Grianán Theatre’s Acorn Programme & Dublin Fringe Festival Studios.
