Event Description
“Second Summer of Love” is a compelling play written and performed by Emmy Happisburgh. The narrative centres on Louise, a middle-aged Surrey mother who reflects on her transformation from an ecstasy-taking, anti-establishment raver in the early 1990s to a disillusioned, respectable suburban mum. Triggered by her daughter’s anti-drug homework and a chance encounter with an ex-boyfriend, Louise embarks on a nostalgic journey through her past, revisiting the highs and lows of her youth during the UK’s rave scene.
The play delves into universal themes of coming of age, self-discovery, and reconciling one’s past with one’s present identity. It offers a fresh perspective on recreational drug use, addiction recovery, and embracing mid-life transitions. Originally showcased as a one-woman performance at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2022, the production received critical acclaim for its authenticity and engaging storytelling.
In subsequent performances, the play evolved into a three-hander featuring additional cast members Rosa Strudwick and Christopher Freestone under the direction of Scott Le Crass. This adaptation enriched the narrative, providing deeper insights into the characters’ relationships and enhancing the theatrical experience.
“Second Summer of Love” is a tribute to the euphoric rave culture of the early ’90s and a poignant exploration of personal growth and the passage of time. Happisburgh’s performance has been lauded for its energy and authenticity, making the play a must-see for those interested in a heartfelt and humorous reflection on youth, parenthood, and the enduring quest for self-fulfilment.
Press from Yvonne Arnaud, Mill Studio 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS PLAY” – London Theatre 1 – Sally Knipe “OVERWHELMING ENERGY” “EXCELLENT CAST”
Press from EDINBURGH FRINGE 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “WARM AND WITTY, UPLIFTING AND SUNNY” – Broadway Baby – Rebecca Vines
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “A SUPERB ONE-WOMAN PERFORMANCE” – Lost in Theatreland, Amy Rye
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “HAPPISBURGH IS CAPTIVATING” – EdFringe Review – Anna Gardner
“A FRESH PERSPECTIVE TO DISCUSSION ABOUT RECREATIONAL DRUG USE” –EdFringe Review – Anna Gardner
“AN IMPRESSIVE PERFORMER, SEAMLESSLY SHIFTING BETWEEN DIFFERENT CHARACTERS” EdFringe Review – Anna Gardner
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “A JOYOUS CELEBRATION OF 90’s RAVE CULTURE” – EdFringe Review – Jess Painter
“INGENIOUS MOVEMENT AND MUSIC SEQUENCES” – EdFringe Review – Jess Painter
“WILL LEAVE YOU UPLIFTED, ENTERTAINED AND WONDERING WHAT YOUR MUM WAS UP TO IN 1993” – EdFringe Review – Jess Painter
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “A VIVID PROTAGONIST PLAYED WITH BOUNDLESS ENERGY” – Fringe Biscuit Chris Neville-Smith’s “PICK OF THE FRINGE” 2022 “GEM OF A SHOW ABOUT RAVE CULTURE – GRAB A TICKET NOW” Omid Djalil
“ABSOLUTELY LOVED SECOND SUMMER OF LOVE… ONE FOR ALL THE RAVERS (AND EX-RAVERS!)” Matt Quinton, BBC
Originally developed in collaboration with Pants on Fire and showcased at the Shorts Festival 2020