A coming-of-age, tragicomic satire, Youth’s The Season -? introduces us to a group of young Dubliners as they wrestle with their identity and ambitions, not to mention each other.

First performed in 1931, this play explores life for young people in the aftermath of Irish Independence in a strikingly contemporary way. Today, it continues to shine a light on the aspirations and frustrations of becoming an adult in an uncertain world.

Mary Manning’s plays were extremely popular with audiences of their time and played to packed theatres in the 1930s. This makes the opportunity to revisit this hidden and entertaining gem from the Irish theatre canon all the more exciting. As Abbey Artistic Director Caitríona McLaughlin says, ”I believe the combination of Sarah Jane Scaife and Mary Manning is a thrilling prospect, and I cannot wait to bring this production before an audience.”

Youth’s the Season -? is part of the Gregory Project at the Abbey Theatre, a body of work celebrating the legacy of Abbey Theatre co-founder Augusta Gregory.

A sneak peek at the original script 

With thanks to the playwright’s family