Summerhill: A new black comedy by Stephen Jones

A new black comedy by a Tallaght playwright and actor is being performed on the Glass Mask Theatre stage on Dawson Street throughout this month.

‘Summerhill’ is written by Glenview native Stephen Jones, whose acting credits include ‘Love/Hate’, ‘Into the Badlands’ and ‘Dublin Oldschool’.

The play centres on a young man called Julian, a true crime fanatic whose 30th birthday is swiftly approaching and who lives at home with his hypochondriac mother, Bernie.

Julian is about to start dating for the first time, as he has lost ten stone which has bolstered his confidence, but his mother – and his past – aren’t ready to let him go just yet.

The play features Clelia Murphy, Rex Ryan and Evanne Kilgallon, and also the voice of Lottie Ryan.

“It’s a story about love, really,” Stephen told The Echo. “But it’s buried under a plot that involves a lot of humour and a lot of darkness.

“It also asks questions about our voyeurism when it comes to true crime documentaries and podcasts.

“We all seem to find entertainment in horrific tales. I think the play mirrors a true crime story… there are many secrets in ‘Summerhill’ that get revealed throughout the play and nothing is ever as it seems.”

It’s also the fourth play to be performed at the Glass Mask Theatre this year, which Stephen is particularly happy about.

“Of the four shows, I have been involved in three,” explained Stephen, “as an actor in Neil Flynn’s ‘The Day of the Zebra’, as director for Rex Ryan’s ‘Pop Tart Lipstick’ and now as writer/director on ‘Summerhill’.

“I admire the ambition of the new venue – it’s exactly what Dublin needs. It’s intimate, people can have tapas and drinks, it has a cabaret feel. It’s a real throwback, Paris- and New York-style theatre.”

Performances of ‘Summerhill’ will take place in the Glass Mask Theatre at 7pm every evening – except Sundays – this month up to and including Saturday, November 27.

Under current restrictions, the Glass Mask Theatre falls under the category of indoor dining. This means that attendees must present a Covid certificate.

Tickets are €20 each and are available at glassmasktheatre.ticketsolve.com/shows