Don't Take Your Coat Off

Presented by Darkhorse Productions - A True Story By Robin Keogh.

Paul is a young Gay man dealing with many personal issues not least of all his sexuality. He has been raised lovingly by his Grandmother since he was only six months old and his Nan has entered her eighties with failing health. The roles have reversed and it is Paul's turn to take care of his grandmother.

Both touching and funny, 'Don't take your coat off!' describes how Nan and Paul have cared for each other over the years. Fuelled by their mutual love and respect they have faced every crisis and risen to every challenge that has accompanied Nan's' ageing years. The knowledge that they will eventually be separated by a power beyond them creates the greatest of all hardships they have ever faced together.

Show Reviews

" 'Don't Take Your Coat off!' presented by Darkhorse Productions was the final part of this trilogy. This piece of new Irish gay writing was excellent. The script, which charts the changing caring roles of grandmother (Eileen Fennell) and (gay) grandson (Robert Tierney) is honed and to the point. It explores the very important roles played by gay people within the family unit. Its cross generational discourse was always realistic and frequently funny. The playing was at times exceptional, warm, caring, funny and poignant. There are minor inconsistencies in that Paul's accent does not reflect the accent of his Grandmother who reared him, but the compatibility of this duo was flawless in most other areas. I also didn't notice any difference in his grooming when he became a 'trolley dolly'! The direction by Donnacha O Brian, timing, characterisation and dialogue were of the highest standards. This production is most definitely Darkhorse's best to date, it reflected a strong team, collaboration of writer, director and three very fine actors including Annette Tierney, to bring the Theatre shorts programme to a memorable ending and one which will remain with many of the audience for a long time. " - Gordon Farrell, Scene City - June 2004