Cock

The title is provocative but the substance of this play runs much deeper.

In Marg Horwell’s set and costume design, everyday clothes, no props, no furniture and a hundred or more pillows, this cast of four (only one named - John - played by Tom Conroy) negotiate some of the most delicate and troublesome emotional territory faced by anyone at some stage in their lives: deep meaningful love, and choices.

The other three represent a universality, I presume: M (for man) – Eamon Flack; W (for woman) – Sophie Ross; and F (for father) – Tony Rickards. These represent ‘the others’ who invariably get caught up in the anguished tangle of confused loyalties.

Director, Leticia Cáceres, for whom this is a sort of homecoming, directs at a pace sympathetic to the emotional turmoil of the moment. That gathers us in too; few could walk out of this show feeling detached and objective. We must acknowledge playwright Mike Bartlett’s brave talent in mining this emotional minefield. I know of no other play about what is happening in the heads of people in similar situations. Bartlett takes us there, Cáceres understands his intention and her little company ‘live the moments’ for her.

Tom Conroy, I salute you! Thank your lucky stars you don’t have to play a twelve-month season. Eamon, Sophie and Tony, likewise, for such dedicated support despite the emotional demands. Stellar performances all round!

Jay McKee

Photographer: Jeff Busby.