The Last Summer

The Last Summer

A new play by Declan Hughes
As part of the Dublin Theatre Festival

‘Charisma to burn’
Irish Examiner

Charming and funny’
Irish Independent

Two days, two summers, thirty years apart.

What if we weren’t scared of our lives? Imagine who we could be then.

In August 1977, the week before their Leaving results, Paul, Tom, Larry and Kevin plan a stage spectacular at the local disco to advertise their group’s first gig. But the beautiful Caroline Brady is a distraction, and so are the menacing Glasthule Lads.

In August 2007, as Tom and Larry await Paul’s return from America, a French bank called BNP Paribas is showing signs of distress. But the fundamentals are sound in Dublin, as the old friends drink to the absent Kevin. Meanwhile Caroline, Tom’s wife, has her own reasons to welcome Paul’s visit.

I think we loved each other. I think we were just kids. I think it was a long long time ago.

With a soundtrack of 70s rock classics, The Last Summer is a bittersweet comedy of love and loss by award-winning novelist and playwright Declan Hughes, whose return to writing for the stage demonstrates his unrivalled ability to capture the contemporary Irish moment, the way we live now.

Cast includes: Cathy Belton, Declan Conlon, Paul Connaughton, Peter Hanly, Gary Lydon, Sam McGovern, Clare O’Malley, James Murphy and Kevin Shackleton.

Directed by Toby Frow
Set Design by Robert Innes Hopkins
Lighting Design by Paul Keogan
Costume Design by Joan O’Clery
Sound Design by Richard Hammarton

Contains some strong language and a scene of a sexual nature.
May not be suitable for young children.