Review: Second Summer of Love (Touring)

Thursday 10th July 2025 at Theatre 41, York

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Emmy Happisburgh’s lively, buoyant play – presented by Contentment Productions and apparently inspired by STERNS nightclub in Worthing- is an entertaining take on getting older and reflecting on our former, care-free selves. In Louise’s case, recognising her well-behaved, middle-class, middle-age self as being a million miles away from the youthful Louise, who dropped white doves every weekend and lost herself happily in the 90s rave scene.

Happisburgh also stars as Lou and this creates that delicious synergy between concept and performance that really carries audiences along with seamless storytelling. Lou is a bright and shiny soul full of character – carrying the story with great charm and warmth, pulling us into an exciting world of recreational drugs, good vibes and free spirits.

And her performance is full of energy under direction of Scott Le Crass (Assistant Director: Amelia Calvert) – ploughing through various memories of her wild youth while shifting roles between the various characters young Lou was wrapped up with. There’s a sequence for a car ride that feels particularly skilful, reminding me for the first time in a while of the magic of highly physical performance, with Happisburgh never missing a beat despite the pace.

Rosa Strudwick is perfect teen material as Molly – not at all up for listening to her mum prattle on about ethics and government spin on drug use when she’s got revision to do! Meanwhile Christopher Freestone’s brief turn as Brian provides some light pathos, bringing more serious elements to the story and reminding us that while Happisburgh absolutely advocates for the rave scene and all its inclusive fun, there are always those who struggle and suffer beyond recreational spheres. But at the very heart of this show is joyful nostalgia, a kind of call to arms to embrace the best of our past selves as we move forward. 

Second Summer of Love continues its tour until October 2025 – more information and tickets can be found here.