1878: the beginning of Home Rule. Widowed father Christopher Gore lives in Ballybeg with his son David, where their housekeeper is the object of both father and son’s affections. Though that may be a complicated situation, the arrival of Christopher’s cousin from England threatens their very way of life.

Tom Courtenay is a veteran of the English stage, whose last West End appearance came in 2003’s Pretending To Be Me, also at the Comedy theatre. His other stage credits include The Dresser, Billy Liar and Art.

Brian Friel is one of Ireland’s greatest living playwrights. His highly-acclaimed works, which are often set in or around Ballybeg, include Afterplay, Aristocrats, Dancing At Lughnasa and Translations.