13 to 21 May

In the Studio Theatre

Cock

by Mike Bartlett

directed by Richard Lindfield

Boy meets girl but boy is already living with boy. Mike Bartlett’s ‘Cock’ is a sharp, witty study of a man torn between his long-time male partner and his new lover, who just happens to be a woman.

When John takes a break from his boyfriend, he accidentally meets the girl of his dreams on his daily commute. Filled with guilt and indecision, he struggles to find a way to square the eternal triangle.

‘Cock’ explores the age-old themes of love and longing and asks questions about who we are and who we want to be.

Bartlett wrote the play while living in Mexico, where cock-fighting is very much alive and pecking. ‘Cock’ isn’t just a reference to the male member but also to characters taking chunks out of each other in a fight to the death.

Director Richard Lindfield sets his production in a cock-pit; no set, no furniture, no props. This is stripped-back theatre, just the actors and the words.

‘Cock’ premiered at the Royal Court Theatre in 2009 and won the Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement.

Programme

Cast & Production Team

 Review