Review: COCK, Tron Theatre, Glasgow, February 10 2016

When c*ckwas announced a few months ago, I figured that by the time the run started I would be finished giggling at the title. I'm not. However it would seem neither is the press officer or theatre staff! Audiences have been encouraged to tweet their comments about the show using the hashtag #NotAboutChickens and social media has been rife with innuendo this week.

Written by Mike Bartlett and first produced by the Royal Court in 2009 it would seem that director Andy Arnold has been relentlessly trying to stage a touring production of this show ever since. I'm so glad he did as it really is an excellent piece!

John has been in a committed relationship with his boyfriend for seven years. The play opens with him telling his partner that they are too different and need to break up and have some time apart. During the short split, John sleeps with a woman and comes back to his ex looking for advice. He resumes his relationship with his boyfriend and is unable to make a choice between the two, resulting in a very uncomfortable dinner party where he is told he has to make a decision.

To say that c*ckis well written is a huge understatement. There is no set and no props, the play relies entirely on dialogue. And the dialogue is bloody good. The cast bring to life a witty and often hilarious script with some outstanding monologues. Johnny McKnight is wonderfully sassy and bitchy as the unnamed boyfriend who gets cheated on repeatedly. James Anthony Pearson is John, about whom I'm not quite sure how I feel.. He is putting the people he supposedly loves through hell because he is confused about who he is and what he wants- but he still seems to be a likeable man.

Certain physical aspects of the play are shown through dialogue. The sex scene between John and the woman he meets is entirely verbal and incredibly effective. c*ckis 1 hour 20 mins with no interval and it holds audience attention with ease. It offers an interesting and realistic look at relationships and questions whether it is possible to be in love with two people at the same time. Also, it has a smashing title which you can use to startle anyone who enquires about your plans for the weekend.

Cock runs at the Tron Theatre Glasgow until February 20th.

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