Thirty years ago, playwright Roger Hall introduced New Zealand to cow cocky and rugby fanatic Dickie Hart on his trip to the World Cup in South Africa. C'mon Black was a smash hit, playing to sell-out crowds up and down the country.

In his new play End of Summertime, Roger tells this much-loved curmudgeon’s latest story. Dickie, long retired but still rugby-mad, has been dragged reluctantly to Auckland by wife Glenda to be nearer the grandchildren, who really just want to be nearer to their phones.

From an apartment with a side view of the sea where he’s pretty sure it’s the beginning of the end, Dickie tries valiantly and hilariously to navigate life in that big bad city we love to hate.

"Auckland! It’s crowded, expensive. Traffic’s terrible. All everyone thinks about is money. And they don’t even have a decent footie team. Auckland! Over my dead body."

“It’s a deal," Glenda says.

But by crikey – he gives it heaps. Because even this crusty old bloke can realise he still has a lot to learn about the world. And Auckland. And himself.

End of Summertime has played to full houses from Auckland to Dunedin this year. Roger Hall’s well-loved, satisfying comedic writing together with much admired and charming actor Peter Hayden bring Dickie Hart to relatable life in this highly entertaining solo show. Don’t miss it.

End of Summertime - Portobello

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General Admission ticket

Community Card & Gold Card ticket