based on the film by David Freyne
directed by Des Kennedy
music and lyrics by Katie RichardsonLandmark Productions and Galway International Arts Festival
in association with Irish Arts Center, New York
Ireland, 1995. Mary Robinson is President, the country is on the brink of a divorce referendum, and sex is something you get taught by the Sisters of the Holy Faith.
17 year old Eddie is shy, sensitive, and seriously stressed. He wants to be in the Army just like his dad. 17 year old Amber is fearless, ferocious and an antifascist. She is counting the days until she can escape to London.
They couldn’t be more different, except for one thing — they are both hiding the same secret. So Amber and Eddie make an arrangement that will help them impress their parents and silence the bullies. How long can they keep up the pretence? What happens if feelings get in the way? Can Eddie stop having horny dreams about his maths teacher Mr. Sweeney? Dating Amber is a teenage queer love story about beards, bodies and learning to be brave.
With an original score packed with punk, pop and 90s grunge, this work in progress sharing is sneak peek at a joyful new musical about coming of age and coming out.