I’ve always loved plays staged in the round with the audience looking in at an angle. The actors have nowhere to hide and with this production of Mike Bartlett’s Cock this adds to the atmosphere of this intense comedy drama, that is as powerful as it is sexy and smart.
Director Kate Hewitt has a formidable grasp of the material and knows to let the words and actors do all the work. There’s no set or props just a hexagon on the floor that creates an invisible barrier between the actors and audience. The cast may not physically cross this line, but they certainly are crossing lines within the play itself.
Cock is the story of John played by an enigmatic Luke Thallon, who is in a loving but slightly unstable relationship with his partner. Called M, M is for mate, M is for male and his name is actually not important, the partner is played by Matthew Needham who demonstrates a whole range of emotions in this part. John then meets W, played by a magnificently controlled Isabella Laughland. W is for woman, W is for potential wife. Then enter F, F for father, he is M’s dad, played by a very watchable Simon Chandler. Then F for friend again a character name is not important. John has to finally admit that he maybe bi-sexual. This cast of four create a believable buzz as the their characters lives unravel, that is exhilarating to watch.There’s an attractive fluidity to the piece, with each scene building up to a final few minutes that are totally gripping. Bartlett has created a superb look at human relationships where commitment comes at a price. Awesome and contemporary, this is well constructed powerful theatre with dialogue that is witty, accurate and profound, superbly executed by four actors totally immersed in their parts. Brilliant. SV
****
Runs until 27 October, Minerva Theatre, Oaklands Park Chichester, PO19 6AP Box office 01243 781312 cft.org.uk
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