Cock

Synopsis

'But that’s what this is, isn’t it? The ultimate bitch fight.' When John takes a break from his boyfriend, he accidentally meets the girl of his dreams. Filled with guilt and indecision, he decides there is only one way to straighten this out... Mike Bartlett’s punchy new story takes a playful, candid look at one man’s sexuality and the difficulties that arise when you realise you have a choice. His previous plays include Contractions, My Child (Royal Court) and Artefacts.

Our Review:

Michael Coveney - 19 November 2009

Highly talented Mike Bartlett’s last play at the Royal Court, My Child, was designed with lavish indulgence in a tube train compartment-cum-coffee-house in a segment of the downstairs area.

The same designer, Miriam Buether, has now turned the Upstairs studio into a mini wooden cockpit, seating just ninety customers, to watch Bartlett’s cunning, intense contest – yes, it’s another tug-of-love – for the affection of whippety, sexually conflicted John.

The play’s sold out because John is played by Ben Whishaw who, apart from starring as John Keats in the new Jane Campion movie, has rapidly compiled a portfolio of daring theatre work as an Old Vic Hamlet and in notable plays by Philip Ridley and collaborations with Katie Mitchell.

And maybe the title, too, is a draw in some (hind) quarters. But this show is not what it says on the tin, and certainly not a load of old whatsit, either.

Director [James M...

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Latest User Review

EtwasZuTun - 18 December 2009:

The Royal Court's Theatre Upstairs has been turned into a bear pit, with seating in the round on three rows, which makes for a voyeuristic and intense experience for both actors and audience. There are no props, just four actors in pairs, a threesome and a foursome who stand and move and talk. The play centres around John, onstage throughout, and his two relationships and sexual confusion. The dialogue sparkles and there is much psychological depth to the characters, though they are occasionally irritating - sitting in the front row, I had to resist the temptation to stand up and shake one and tell him / her to get over it / move on / get real...... I've admired Ben Willshaw on TV but I missed his much talked about Hamlet and haven't since caught up with him on stage (except in one of Katie Mitchell's pretentious pieces at the NT before I gave up on her, which doesn't count!) so this was a real revelation for me. I can't remember the last time I found a performance so captivating or an actor with so much charisma; he's electrifying - now I can't wait to see him again. There's also a fine cameo from Paul Jesson, an actor I've long admired. This is a highly original and enthralling play....

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