Newly-divorced Sarita has been forced to downsize from a house in New Jersey to a tiny New York apartment. She’s feeling vulnerable, unsure about her future and overwhelmed with the effort of the move. She just wants to be left alone to get on with her life, neatly ordered by lists. The last thing she wants at that moment is for a stray dog to turn up and refuse to leave. Sarita is definitely not a dog mom. She doesn’t want to get involved in dog walking, poop bags, vet visits and the whole messy drama that a playful dog entails.
When the dog shelter makes it clear that, as an older dog, it’s unlikely that Foster would be rehomed as everyone wants puppies, meaning that Sarita’s new friend would be euthanised. So the dog stays, and they become soulmates, to the extent that Sarita and the dog share conversations, developing an intricate relationship that Sarita wasn’t expecting. Sarita’s life is further impacted by neighbour Nell, a boisterous New Yorker with her own chatty dog. In the comic chaos that upends Sarita’s life, she discovers that she actually is a “dog mom” and that love and family come in many forms.
Writer Tate Elizabeth Hanyok and Director Ajay Chowdhury have created a surreal, heartwarming comedy, with a cast of five talented actors. Patty Gallagher undoubtedly steals the show as Foster, completely becoming the character. Vinita Belani as Sarita gives a vulnerable performance that grows throughout. Joey Holden’s Nell is a suitably brash and confident New Yorker who is determined to take Sarita under her wing. Tom Barnes makes Ruben rough and tough-with-a-heart-of-gold. Jarreau Antoine, playing half a dozen characters, from vets, New York socialites, dog shelter workers, to puppy thieves, each person perfectly delineated and credible, is also a stand-out performer.
The action takes place mostly in Sarita’s apartment, but as they move to local dog parks and shops, a projected background sets the scenes. It’s neatly done and not intrusive. There’s an occasional dip in pace but overall the comedy action moves along smartly to what seems to be an inevitable conclusion. Along the way, Sarita has learned to take life more slowly, stopping to feel the breeze and going on a “sniffari”, taking in all the smells of the city and not missing a thing. It’s a charming, funny, surprising and heartfelt production that leaves the audience with plenty of emotional jolts, both happy and sad.
Dog Mom is at the Southwark Playhouse Borough until 7th November. Tickets are on sale from: https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/dog-mom/
Reviewer: Carole Gordon
Reviewed: 16th October 2026
North West End UK Rating: