Review: END OF SUMMER TIME at Circa Theatre

A thoroughly enjoyable play to watch an excellent performer at his best.

End of Summer Times is the third time we have met the lovable curmudgeon with a heart of gold, Dickey Hart. We saw him first in the late 90’s in Come On Black then in 2013 in You’ve Got to be Joking.

Dickey has now moved into an Auckland apartment with wife Glenda…to be nearer the grandchildren. He tries valiantly to confront life in the great big, bad city. Then COVID strikes.

This is a return season, back by popular demand. I can see why. I wanted to go to the show when it was last on but couldn't get a ticket, so was very pleased to see it come back and give those of us who missed it the opportunity to see it. I dare say that there were a number of return audience too.

This is a solo show and relies completely on the performance of Gavin Rutherford. He was totally at ease in front of the audience, able to listen to reactions and comment, then seamlessly drop back into his storytelling. This is not an easy thing to do, yet he does it with ease. 

There is a great set designed by Andrew Foster, replicating the lounge of Dickeys new Auckland apartment, complete with the many plants that his wife Glenda so loves.

Lighting by Marcus McShane was subtle and totally right for the type of play that this was. There was also good use of a projector, with some hilarious commentary from Dickey, especially re his family.

It would be difficult to direct a one person play, ensuring enough movement to keep the audience interested. Ross Jolly had DIckey moving around his apartment constantly, keeping us all engaged.

The play is hilarious, with many many laugh out loud moments. There were times when it turned serious and these were handled excellently by Rutherford, moving from comedy to tragedy in seconds. 

The second half material reminded us of what we went through over the COVID years, which while only a year or two ago, now seems a distant memory to some.

Thank you Sir Roger Hall for writing this enjoyable and at times poignant play for us to enjoy. You remain one of New Zealands finest.