Presented by: BOYSLIKEME
Reviewed: 1 December, 2022
Cock. Terrible name, excellent play. Who knows what writer Mike Bartlett was aiming for when he came up with the title. Maybe he was trying to be edgy, maybe he wanted to attract attention to his work, maybe he thought it was a clever reference to the character relationship dynamics (yeah, that’s probably it)…who knows. Regardless, the feeling of plain immaturity in the play’s title is soon forgotten a few minutes in.
Billed as a comedic drama, the play takes us into the life of John (played by Stephen Schofield) and the people immediately affected by his inability to choose between his long-term boyfriend and his new girlfriend. I think we’re supposed to empathise with John, and at times I did, but most of the time I was left thinking, “John’s a problematic idiot”.
David Daradan is great as John’s boyfriend, with character depth and excellent timing, and his dad, played by James McClusky-Garcia, provides a whole extra element to this clever and humorous story.
Maya Carey played the role of John’s girlfriend with intensity and believability. Originally the role was to be played by Stefanie Rossi, who was unwell on Preview Night, but who should be back in the role by now. Carey has set a high bar for Rossi to match though.
The direction by Darrin Redgate is terrific. Cock felt like a show that had been running for months already. Everyone was confident in themselves and each other, and obviously had faith in Redgate’s vision.
Cock is quick, intense, and funny. If you like well-written comedy that skirts toward unnerving drama, make sure you get into Holden Street Theatres before the season ends on Saturday 10 December, 2022.
Reviewed by: Doug Phillips
Venue: The Studio, Holden St Theatres
Season: Until Dec 10th
Duration: 1h 40m
Tickets: $24 – 29 + $3.30 booking fee
Bookings: https://holdenstreettheatres.online.red61.com.au/event/890:5/
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