Back by popular demand, this saucy comedy about sex, sectarianism and super-heroes returns to the Lyric in June after a triumphant run in the Naughton Studio last year.
Directed by Game of Thrones and Suits star Conleth Hill, Can’t Forget About You tells the hilarious story of a young Belfast man who falls in love with an older, more sophisticated woman much to his narrow-minded family’s horror.
Can’t Forget About You was written for the Lyric by former Playwright-in-Residence David Ireland, one of Northern Ireland’s hottest young writing talents who is currently under commission to the National Theatre of Scotland, Tinderbox and the Abbey Theatre.
It stars one of Scotland’s best-known comedy actors, Karen Dunbar as Martha the older woman who becomes the object of Belfast man Stevie’s affections, played by Declan Rodgers from Dundrum, Co Down (Ashes to Ashes).
When the 25-year-old self-professed Buddhist, falls for 49-year-old Martha he faces the wrath of his ultra-conservative mother, played by Carol Moore (Macbeth) and fanatical Ulster-Scots speaking sister played by Abigail McGibbon (Nivelli’s War). To add to his misery his new romance is not welcomed by his on-off girlfriend, Ciara played by Naomi Rocke (Cinderella).
While it is a case of sex at first sight, the unlikely couple find themselves falling in love. Buddhism, fish suppers, and sectarianism …Can’t Forget About You is a play about two people re-imagining their future and getting over the past. Oh, and super-hero themed fantasy role-play!
Director, Conleth Hill, who hails originally from Ballycastle, has enjoyed a very successful career on stage and screen including an acclaimed run in the original Lyric production of Stones in his Pockets by Marie Jones which went on to conquer the West End and Broadway. He had further success starring in the Northern Ireland Short Film, The Shore which won an Oscar in 2012.
“I am very happy to be back at the Lyric with David Ireland's brilliant comedy Can't Forget About You,” Conleth said. “The transition from the Naughton Studio to the main Danske Bank stage is made all the smoother by the fact we have the same fantastic cast, crew and creative team coming together again. I hope all those punters who enjoyed it last year will tell their friends to come along and maybe come again themselves, and those who missed it last year get along to see it this year.”
Lyric Executive Producer, Jimmy Fay welcomed the return of the hit comedy.
“I’m delighted to have the same dynamic cast and creative team back for a re-mounting of this hilarious, poignant, richly textured play by David Ireland,” he said. “I’d encourage anyone who missed it last year to book this year.”
Damian Smyth, Head of Drama and Literature, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said:
“The Lyric provides an outstanding cultural programme and this pairing of Conleth Hill, one of our most highly-regarded actors with this sharp comedy from the brilliant David Ireland, is set to be yet another landmark production for the theatre.”
Note Can’t Forget About You contains scenes of a sexual nature, bad language and some badly pronounced Ulster-Scots…
Can’t Forget About You runs on the Danske Bank Stage from 12 June to 5 July (previews 8, 10 & 11 June). Tickets from £10 - £22.