Written by Mike Bartlett and directed by Marianne Elliott, Olivier-award winning COCK tells the story of one half of a gay couple, known as John, who unexpectedly falls in love with a woman and as tensions rise, he struggles to decide what he truly wants and who he is.
Bridgerton star Jonathan Bailey leads as the charming yet confused John, the only named character in the show, and stays on the stage for the entire performance (one hour and 45 minutes to be exact). Bailey is incredible to watch as we see John slowly unravel and his internal battle with himself was palpable. Bailey’s acting is stellar as he expertly switches between humorous outbursts and emotional turmoil.
Golden Globe Award winner Taron Egerton plays John’s long-term partner M and is mesmerising in every scene he is in whether he is speaking or not. Egerton’s expressions and movements alone perfectly embodied an insecure boyfriend desperately grasping onto his relationship whilst hiding behind a mask of sarcasm and catty one-liners. With such a memorable and multifaceted performance, Egerton was truly the star of the show.
Jade Anouka shines as W, who falls for John’s charms and makes him question everything he knows. Despite performing with two big-name actors, Anouka commands the stage and adds another layer to the play, from her awkward but funny interruptions to her heartfelt scenes with Bailey. Phil Daniels completes the group as F, M’s self-righteous but caring father who joins later during a very awkward dinner party.
What makes COCK such a great play is the incredible chemistry between the cast. Bailey and Egerton play the flawed couple extremely well, from their humorous quarrels and jabs at each other to their more tender moments, their bond feels very real. This could also be said for Anouka and Bailey’s relationship, their interactions on stage feel natural and it’s easy to see why John may have strayed from M through their undeniable connection on stage.
Beyond the talented cast, the dialogue was witty yet felt realistic, especially during the more awkward yet enjoyable scenes such as John and W meeting for the first time. Beneath the laugh out loud moments, COCK explores sexual identities and labels with a nuanced understanding that can be difficult to convey through live performance. We see the struggle that many experience when undergoing this journey through John, and how isolating it can feel.
Merle Hensel’s set is stripped back and simple, just mirrors and a rotating stage, there are no props, so the action is mimed alongside slow-motion stylised choreography directed by Annie-Lunnette Deakin-Foster and interludes between scenes which cleverly represent shifts in the characters. Paule Constable’s lighting which changes from white to blues and reds emphasises the tense and more emotional scenes beautifully.
By the end we see John, M and W square off at the end, whilst M’s father looks on. John seems unable to still decide what he truly wants so the play feels a little inconclusive, but it works well. With fluidity, identity and questioning sexuality being at the forefront of discussion right now, John’s uncertainty feels more realistic.
COCK is a clever and witty play amplified by a star-studded cast and brilliant staging that comes together for a new take on gender identity and sexuality that is definitely worth a watch.
COCK is currently showing at The Ambassadors Theatre until 4th June. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/cock/ambassadors-theatre/
Reviewer: Gemma Prince
Reviewed: 15th March 2022
North West End UK Rating: ★★★★★