Pup Play: A Queer Pseudo-Lecture (of Sorts) – Barons Court Theatre

Part academic presentation, part confessional and part chaotic and confusing cabaret, ‘Pup Play: A Queer Pseudo-Lecture (of Sorts)’ is certainly unlike anything else currently appearing on London’s fringe theatre circuit.

Written and performed by Dr. Noah Alfred Pantano, the production explores pup play, BDSM and queer identity through the highly eccentric persona of Professor Handler David. What begins as an enthusiastically delivered lecture soon expands into a deliberately unruly mixture of personal testimony, audience interaction (be prepared to bark like a dog), puppetry, multimedia and punk-infused musical interludes.

Pantano’s research forms part of his doctoral work, and the production is most successful when it draws upon that academic foundation. It offers an interesting and accessible introduction to a subculture that is frequently misunderstood, challenging lazy assumptions about kink while examining the connections between submission, identity, belonging and emotional liberation.

There is genuine value in hearing these experiences discussed with such openness, however, the presentation is so relentlessly frenetic that its central argument becomes difficult to identify. Ideas, anecdotes and theatrical devices tumble over one another, creating considerable energy, but little space for meaningful reflection. By the conclusion, it remains unclear what Pantano ultimately wants the audience to understand beyond gaining a broader awareness of pup play.

Despite being presented within a theatre, this feels less like a fully developed theatrical work than a highly personal and excitable lecture with performance elements attached. Pantano is unquestionably committed to the material and to his topic of academic expertise, but he appears more comfortable as an impassioned academic and advocate than as a conventional stage performer. Greater control of pace, structure and delivery would allow the production’s more thoughtful observations to land with greater force.

Nevertheless, Pantano possesses an engaging, likeable presence, his enthusiasm is infectious, and he seems tremendous fun to be around. ‘Pup Play’ may lack theatrical discipline and a clearly defined purpose, but it remains a provocative, informative and admirably candid celebration of an often-hidden queer community. This was the last performance of ‘Pup Play’ at Barons Court Theatre, London, but it moves on to Colchester Fringe Festival from 24^th July -to 26th July, and tickets can be found on the festival’s website: https://colchester.ssboxoffice.com/events/pup-play

Reviewer: Alan Stuart Malin

Reviewed: 18^th July 2026

North West End UK Rating: